COMPLIANCE
Compliance in the HVAC&R industry includes safety, training, education, environmental, industry best practices, professional membership and certifications
BE COMPLIANT, BUILD TRUST, LEAD THE FUTURE
Many councils and regulatory authorities require evidence of professional membership and ongoing CPD for licensing and compliance purposes. This can help streamline council approvals for building and HVAC&R projects, demonstrating that you meet recognised professional standards.
Adhering to current industry Standards and Codes of Practice is a fundamental responsibility for every HVAC&R professional. Standards establish the technical benchmarks for the design, installation, and maintenance of systems, while Codes of Practice provide practical guidance on how to apply these standards safely and effectively in day-to-day work.
Maintaining compliance also means committing to Continuous Professional Development (CPD). Ongoing training, seminars, and workshops keep members up to date with the latest technologies, regulations, and best practices. This ensures skills and knowledge continue to evolve in line with industry demands and council requirements.
Together, professional membership, continuous learning, regulatory compliance, and adherence to standards form the framework that underpins quality, safety, and sustainability across the HVAC&R sector. By upholding these principles, individuals and companies build trust, demonstrate professionalism, and succeed in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Codes of Practice are essential guidelines that define the minimum standards for carrying out work safely, ethically, and professionally across the HVAC&R industry. They translate broad industry standards and regulatory requirements into practical, actionable steps that professionals and businesses can follow day-to-day.
Adhering to a Code of practice, Good practice guides, standards and legislation ensures that all work is completed to a recognised level of quality and safety. It protects the health and wellbeing of workers, clients, and the wider public by promoting safe installation, maintenance, and service procedures. Codes also help minimise environmental impact, particularly in areas such as refrigerant management and energy efficiency.
Many councils, insurance providers, and regulatory authorities require proof that your work complies with relevant Codes. Failure to adhere can result in penalties, loss of licence, rejected council consents, and legal action in the event of accidents or product failures. Clients, employers, and regulatory bodies are increasingly looking for professionals and companies who consistently demonstrate ethical behaviour, technical excellence, and accountability.
Compliance is the foundation that underpins the strength and credibility of the HVAC&R sector. It provides a blueprint that guides professionals and businesses in delivering safe, consistent, and high-quality outcomes.
By adhering to industry standards and codes of practice, organisations not only protect their reputation but also contribute to reducing risk and liability across the wider sector.
Compliance in HVAC&R
Continued professional development (CPD)
There is an increased need for CPD (Continuing Professional Learning) points as compliance grows across the HVAC&R industry, and maintaining a set number of points is required to keep certifications and qualifications current. We offer online learning, webinars and Individuals can study in their own time and at their own pace. Earn CPD points when attending face-to-face training, online learning, technical site visits, internal courses and events. Joining IRHACE gives you access to the member area allowing you to:
Learn moreMaintain pace with other candidates in your field.
Remain up-to-date with changing trends
Stay interested in what you do.
Be part of boosting workforce motivation and loyalty.
Develop your skills while you continue to work.
Independent Qualified Professionals (IQP)
Find a Professionalinspect and report on specified building systems, such as fire sprinklers, automatic doors, lifts, smoke detectors, escalators, air conditioning systems
follow the requirements set out in your building’s compliance schedule
supply any other supporting documentation confirming compliance, such as certificates of compliance
maintain the systems to perform and operate effectively
Producer Statement Author (PSA)
Find a ProfessionalPS 1 – Design
PS 2 – Design Review
PS 3 – Construction (often used by the installers of proprietary systems)
PS 4 – Construction Review
Professional membership (IRHACE)
IRHACE plays a leading role in advancing the practice, education, and technology of HVAC&R in New Zealand. Professional membership is more than recognition of expertise — it is a requirement by many Councils for both Independently Qualified Persons (IQP) and Producer Statement Author (PSA) registration.
By maintaining professional membership, individuals demonstrate their commitment to standards, compliance, and best practice. This strengthens confidence in the HVAC&R sector, ensuring that qualified professionals are accountable to both regulatory frameworks and industry expectations.
Resource library
The free resource library is a comprehensive knowledge hub, bringing together the latest resources essential to the industry. It includes a wide range of materials such as acts and bills, industry bulletins, fact sheets, guidelines, standards, and submissions.
Designed to support professionals, businesses, and stakeholders, the library provides easy access to trusted information that helps ensure compliance, improve best practice, and keep up to date with ongoing developments across the HVAC&R sector.
Standards library
StandardsNZ collections for the HVAC&R industry are available separately for Refrigeration and Aircon starting from $675 + GST and HVAC starting from $2,328 + GST.
Learn moreTechnical forums
The HVAC&R industry is constantly evolving with new technologies, regulations, and best practices. Engaging with peers, seeking advice, and participating in technical forums not only helps professionals stay informed but also fosters a culture of continuous learning and innovation. By sharing real-world experiences and solutions, members can collectively raise industry standards and improve efficiency.
Commercial kitchen
Registered experienced IQPs in SS9
Training catalogue
Good practice guide Industrial Refrigeration
Good design and installation are fundamental to a heat pump system's effectiveness and efficiency. This guide is aimed at experienced installers of heat pumps, and it gives the process to follow for system design and installation into both new and existing homes.
HVAC Hygiene best practice guideline
This Guideline establishes the criteria for evaluating the internal cleanliness of HVAC system components and clearly determines when cleaning is required, according to the building use. The Guideline describes the components of HVAC systems to be evaluated, the types of contamination likely to be encountered and includes for post fire and flood damage assessments. Minimum inspection frequencies for various HVAC systems and components are specified for scheduled maintenance programs.
Good practice guide to heat pump installation
Good design and installation are fundamental to a heat pump system's effectiveness and efficiency. This guide is aimed at experienced installers of heat pumps, and it gives the process to follow for system design and installation into both new and existing homes.
Code of Practice
This code provides mandatory requirements, best practice recommendations and information concerning the proper handling of scheduled refrigerants and any equipment containing them. In New Zealand, ozone depleting substances, hydrofluorocarbons, and perflurocarbons are subject to controls under the Ozone Layer Protection Act 1996 and the Climate Change Response Act 2002.
MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS
Individual Member
Depending on your experience and qualifications, choose from:
- Professional: Level 4 qualifications or level of experience
- Associate: science, engineering or training
- Affiliate: in a role supporting the HVAC&R industry
Company Member
Company membership for those companies involved in:
- Mechanical contractors in HVAC&R.
- Suppliers to the industry.
- Manufacturers in the industry.
Company Affiliate
Businesses engaged or supportive of the HVAC&R industry:
- Supportive or engaged in HVAC&R industry.
- Group promotion and advertising rates.
- Networking and member events.