The heating , ventilating , heating and air-conditioning ( HVAC ) system of a building ensures the supply and removal of air naturally ( windows ) and / or mechanically to and from a space . HVAC systems are crucial to the health of building occupants in residential , commercial and industrial buildings . These systems provide a comfortable temperature , humidity level and optimal air quality that is free from air pollutants . Air pollutants such as carbon monoxide , lead , nitrogen oxides , ground-level ozone , particle pollution and sulphur oxides can severely affect an occupant ’ s health and in serious incidents may result in death .

The Occupational Health and Safety ( OHS ) Act is one area of regulation which

encourages South African employers to have HVAC systems installed on their premises which adequately protect employees and customers . For instance , an employer may not require or permit an employee to work in an environment where he or she is exposed to a minimum temperature of 6 ° C for longer than four hours , unless the employer takes reasonable measures to protect the employee against the cold . In the same vein , a person may not work in excessively high temperatures without proper air movement of fresh filtered air .

How can you make sure you are looking after the health of yourself and others when it comes to HVAC in your spaces ? The South African Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Association ’ s ( SARACCA ) members can provide you with HVAC expertise . SARACCA upholds The National Building Regulations which specify minimum fresh air standards for various spaces , dependent on activity and occupation levels . It is also tasked with registering refrigeration and air conditioning practitioners on the SAQCC Gas register . For ultimate peace of mind of your and others ’ wellbeing , ensure that your HVAC systems are being worked on by authorised persons . Simply go online and search the practitioner ’ s details on www . saqccgas . co . za or to see their membership card .

If you are an HVAC practitioner , join our family today ! Benefit from regular communication , invaluable industry support and be kept in the loop with the latest industry standards and regulations . Keep providing high-quality and compliant services to your client by utilising SARACCA ’ s authorised training providers . SARACCA provides a subsidy to members for the training of site staff in duct erection , refrigeration , air conditioning and project management via short courses that follow SAQA approved unit standards . SARACCA strives to keep SA healthy and safe by constantly making positive contributions to the HVAC industry ’ s reputation and standards . CLA

The heating , ventilating , heating and air-conditioning ( HVAC ) system of a building ensures the supply and removal of air naturally ( windows ) and / or mechanically to and from a space .

ABOUT SARACCA SARACCA is an association of contractors who have individually and jointly agreed to a set of governing standards while operating in free competition against each other .

The common aim is to continually strive to improve the image and standards of the industry and the association provides a forum for this purpose . In July 2009 the Department of Labour published the " Pressure Equipment Regulations " as part of the Occupational Health and Safety Act Number 85 of 1993 . The South African Qualification and Certification Committee for Gas ( SAQCC Gas ) has been accredited by the Department of Labour to register " Authorised Persons ". SARACCA , as a member of that committee , is tasked with registering refrigeration and air conditioning practitioners .