Final answer:
The certification required for recovering CFCs, HCFCs, or HFCs during the servicing of small appliances is a Type I technician certification, as stipulated by the EPA under the Clean Air Act.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of certification required for persons recovering CFC's, HCFCs, or HFCs during maintenance, service, or repair of small appliances is a Type I technician. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines under the Clean Air Act, technicians who service small appliances must be certified as Type I technicians. These substances, including hydrochlorofluorocarbons (like HCFC-22, HCFC-123, and HCFC-124) and hydrofluorocarbons (such as HFC-134a), are known for their usage in cooling systems and have environmental impacts, including ozone depletion.
Technicians handling these substances must be knowledgeable in proper recovery techniques and environmental safety to prevent the release of these compounds into the atmosphere. The certification ensures that technicians have the necessary skills and understanding to properly handle and dispose of these chemicals in compliance with federal regulations. Given their role in refrigeration and air conditioning systems, and the push for alternatives like HCFC-142b, it's critical that these technicians are qualified to minimize the release of ozone-depleting substances and support the transition to less harmful alternatives.