Definitions.

For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings herein ascribed to them unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1) ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE LAW. Sections 41-22-1 through 41-22-27, and any subsequent amendment or supplement thereto, and any rules or regulations promulgated thereto.

(2) APPRENTICE. A person other than a certified heating, air conditioning, or refrigeration contractor, who is engaged in learning and assisting in the installation, service, or repair of a heating, air conditioning, or refrigeration system and working under the direct supervision of a certified heating, air conditioning, or refrigeration contractor, and who has successfully fulfilled the voluntary registration requirements of the board and has been duly registered by the board as such for the current year.

(3) BOARD. The State Board of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors, herein established.

(4) CERTIFICATION. The process of testing to determine the knowledge and skill of an individual with respect to heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration. This term is used herein interchangeably with the term "license."

(5) CERTIFIED HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING CONTRACTOR. Any and all legal entities engaged in the business of heating and air conditioning contracting and installation or service and repair.

(6) CERTIFIED REFRIGERATION CONTRACTOR. Any and all legal entities engaged in the business of refrigeration contracting and servicing, installation, and repair.

(7) DUCT AIR TIGHTNESS TESTING CONTRACTOR. Any individual who engages in the practice of testing and verifying duct air tightness in conjunction with the installation, service, or repair of a heating and air conditioning system.

(8) HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS OR SYSTEM. A heating and/or cooling apparatus consisting of an air heating and/or cooling fixture from pipes, plenums, or blowers including any accessory and equipment installed in connection herewith; specifically excluding window units, automotive, or farm implement type heating and/or air conditioning equipment.

(9) INSTALLATION. The act of setting up or installing a heating and air conditioning system or refrigeration system for operation and use.

(10) REFRIGERATION. The use of mechanical or absorption equipment to control temperature, humidity, or both, in order to satisfy the intended use of a specific space, other than for human comfort.

(11) REFRIGERATION TRADE OR BUSINESS. Includes any and all legal entities engaged in the installation, maintenance, servicing, and repairing of refrigerating machinery, equipment, devices, and components.

(12) REGULARLY EMPLOYED PERSON. A person who is an actual employee of the business, not an independent contractor. The person must work an average of 30 or more hours per week for the heating, air conditioning, or refrigeration business. A regularly employed person must not be paid as an independent contractor and must receive a W-2 for all earnings.

(13) RESPONSIBLE CHARGE. The direction of projects involving the installation or service and repair of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems requiring initiation, professional skills, technical knowledge, and independent judgment.

(14) SERVICE AND REPAIR. The act of maintaining for operation a heating, air conditioning, or refrigeration system which has previously been installed including parts replacement within a piece of equipment.

(Acts 1982, No. 82-547, p. 900, §3.1; Acts 1988, No. 88-217, p. 339, §3; Acts 1988, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 88-932, p. 543, §3; Acts 1992, No. 92-180, p. 333, §3; Act 2009-486, p. 879, §1; Act 2015-169, §1.)