INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
NEWS
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a highly-respected judge, not only in the refrigeration sector.
In November 2004, Vuletic was the first to be registered by Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Council of South Africa( Acricsa) in the safe handling of ammonia refrigerant. Multistage Cooling joined the South African Refrigeration Distribution Association( SARDA) in December 2004 and Vuletic joined the South African Institute of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning( SAIRAC) as an associate member( no 3436) on 22 August 2008. He has since been upgraded to member status and plays a very active role on the Gauteng committee. MSC is also a member of the South African Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association( SARACCA).
Vuletic stresses that it is important that all roles players stick to the legal requirements of the industry such as SANS 10147, the Pressure Equipment Regulations( PER), the OSH Act and the South African Qualifications and Certifications Committee for Gas( SAQCC Gas) registration.“ It has been our aim to remain up to date with all these requirements. Compliance is the only way to level the playing fields and to overcome the trend of the cheapest price taking preference,” he explains.
“ Being active in trade associations and participation at industry forums keeps one informed and develops a strong network
of contacts. Associations should also bring pride and recognition to the skills of the refrigeration and air conditioning as a profession. Sadly, sometimes industry events have the total opposite effect and the reason why so few young people are attracted into our industry to make it their career. A great deal of what I know today is because of good mentors and those willing to share their experiences with me. It has always been my attitude to give back and help others in the same manner,” he says.
MSC has a staff of 22: three in admin, six SAQCC Gas registered practitioners and the rest are pipe fitters and welders.
In looking back on the past 20 years of Multistage Cooling, Vuletic shared his views of the years ahead with Cold Link Africa.“ Although strong relations with your client base will remain the back bone of the business, when it comes to public tenders, the focus is on the lowest price at the expense of quality. It is also becoming more difficult to hire good experienced staff. The pool of staff in ammonia refrigeration seems to be shrinking, but we still remain positive and excited about the years ahead.”
As always, Vuletic is continuously seeking new adventures.( See the article on the Energy Partners deal on page 11). This will make MSC bigger, better and stronger. CLA
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1. MSC installed the first ammonia CO 2 cascade system in a South African ice rink at
Equestria Shopping Mall, Lynwood.
2. Conversion of a 12m ISO marine container to a blast freezer.
3. MSC piping is colour coded and identified in compliance with SABS 0140-3 or latest. 4. An ammonia plantroom installed for Piemans in Krugersdorp in 2005. 5. An ammonia pumping station with dual pumps at F. Dawood & Sons.
COLD LINK AFRICA • May | June 2017 www. coldlinkafrica. co. za 9