ASSOCIATIONS
our work , and come home safely to our families at the end of the day . We aim to prevent injuries , ecological disasters , and neighbourhood evacuations . We want to promote a culture of safety and responsibility in the industry worldwide , and we have the organisation , material and support of the industry to achieve this ,” explains Branham .
“ In the US , the refrigeration industry is known for its close-knit community and collaborative spirit . Despite competing for project work , industry professionals come together and coalesce to improve the industry as a whole . This sense of unity in a competitive landscape is something that impressed Gerhard and Andrew , who were amazed by how well industry professionals in the US got along in comparison to South Africa , where the industry has a more reserved attitude when it comes to sharing figures and turnovers ,” says Branham .
Barron reinforces that one of RETA ' s core values is collaboration . With over 50 chapters nationwide , the organisation facilitates communication and knowledge-
By placing the interest of the industry ahead of any company ' s agenda , RETA encourages a cooperative and supportive environment . sharing among professionals from various companies . During chapter meetings , industry professionals set aside their affiliations and focus on discussing refrigeration-related topics , such as new equipment and important industry updates . By placing the interest of the industry ahead of any company ' s agenda , RETA encourages a cooperative and supportive environment .
“ RETA ' s recent proceedings have highlighted the importance of conservation in the refrigeration industry . One exciting topic discussed was system recommissioning , a concept unfamiliar to some attendees . System recommissioning involves adjusting equipment settings to ensure optimum performance . Often , different shifts in operations may make adjustments without proper communication , leading to inefficient equipment operation . By sharing experiences and practices from the US , RETA can introduce innovative solutions to challenges faced by the South African industry ,” says Branham .
He noted that throughout the GCCA Africa conference , participants showed a willingness to embrace new ideas and solutions . “ This collaborative mindset bodes well for the future of the industry in South Africa , as professionals are eager to learn and improve . RETA ' s energy conservation programmes , particularly in industrial refrigeration , have also garnered interest . The organisation has developed an examination specifically geared towards
A segment of the audience attending the GCCA Cold Chain conference in Cape Town on 3 August .
conserving energy in industrial refrigeration systems , further highlighting its commitment to sustainable practices .
“ One thing I noticed today was a lack of emphasis on training operators and techniques . It was barely mentioned at all . However , if companies truly want to save energy and money and do things right , they need to invest in training their people . Without proper training , their efforts won ' t be effective . This is where RETA can make a difference : we have been providing training programmes since 1909 , and I have been involved with our certification programme for the last 22 years ,” says Barron . “ Being considered the gold standard in the US , we want it to be the same globally . Our bylaws state that our jurisdiction is worldwide , but unfortunately , we haven ' t made much progress beyond the US . It ' s time to expand and be a part of different cultures and show them what we can offer .”
He also described RETA ’ s training material as being designed at a 10thgrade education level so as to be easily understood by any individual . It achieves this by breaking down complex collegelevel processes into simpler terms , making it accessible to the average person . This makes it comprehensible , “ and if I can understand it , then it can surely benefit the majority of people worldwide ”. CLA
14 www . coldlinkafrica . co . za COLD LINK AFRICA • September 2023