Cold Link Africa September 2023 | Page 9

INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN

ASSOCIATIONS products , resulting in delays , quality issues and wasted resources .”

“ To address these challenges , we need to enhance our resilience as an industry . The past year has demonstrated our remarkable ability to navigate through the pandemic and other disruptive events . However , we must now strive to become more anti-fragile by increasing our capacity to thrive in the face of volatility , uncertainty , and protecting our systems . This can be achieved by reducing our reliance on electricity and fuel , combating the effects of load-shedding and high fuel prices , and promoting the decarbonisation agenda through reduced electricity consumption . The adoption of technology will drive efficiency improvements within our cold chains and help reduce costs . Leveraging technology will also advance automation in businesses and provide greater visibility across our supply chains , enabling us to identify disruptions and breakdowns proactively .”

“ Active analytics can play a significant role in allowing us to be more proactive and identify potential future breakdowns . Furthermore , increased collaboration across the entire supply chain , including suppliers , producers , retailers and consumers , will build a more resilient and anti-fragile chain . This collaborative approach will enhance visibility and ultimately benefit all parties involved . We must recognise the critical importance of maintaining a strong cold chain to minimise waste and ensure food security in our country . Excess products should be donated to food banks and other organisations so that nothing goes to waste .”

The following is an excerpt from Echulet ’ s presentation : “ In terms of the cold chain in East Africa , we have seen significant improvements . Firstly , there has been a focus on the horticultural industry , with a rise in the number of different types of centres . In the food and beverage sector , there has been increased government support for the cold chain .”

“ One major challenge is the limited access to cold chain facilities for local farmers , as most of these facilities are located in urban markets . The cost of setting up cold chain facilities is also a significant challenge in our region , making it slightly expensive . Another challenge is the perception among farmers that cold chain is a cost rather than a value-add .”

“ Despite these challenges , there have been several opportunities for growth in the industry . Post-harvest losses have

Graaf announced as the winner and congratulated by the judges : Ivan Sutic , financial director of Chilleweni Cold Storage Solutions and Renier du Preez , CEO of Digistics .

been reduced , with production processes improving and losses decreasing from 60 % to 25 %. The emergence of industry specialists has also provided a platform for changes and advancements .”

“ Overall , the cold chain sector in East Africa has experienced immense growth , supported by the government and an increase in awareness about the value of cold chain . This growth is expected to continue , with positive impacts on the economy and global market .”

Van der Berg then announced the winner as Megan Graaf . CLA

Training takes higher profile at SAQCC Gas and SARACCA Written by Eamonn Ryan

Cold Link Africa met up with then-incoming SARACCA executive director John Parry together with director of SAQCC Gas Eddie Cooke to discuss the latest strategy for the training of airconditioning and refrigeration installers and artisans .

The following article was written a while ago but scheduled for this month , having announced the retirement of John Parry as chairman of SAQCC Gas to take up the post of executive director of SARACCA following the retirement of Barney Richardson . That has all reversed following the untimely death of incoming executive director John Parry ( see his obituary on page 11 of this issue ).

To date , out of about 6 000 practitioners , approximately 3 000 have been registered with SAQCC Gas to work in the air-conditioning and refrigeration industry . These are the people working directly on the pressure portion of the refrigeration circuit and consequently the ones who will influence the safety of the installation most . Training is consequently vital to the industry , as is registering with relevant associations .

It ’ s worth repeating that registration is a legal requirement . The Pressure Equipment Regulation 2 specifically states that the regulations shall apply to the design , manufacture , operation , repair , modification , maintenance , inspection and testing of pressure equipment , with a design pressure equal to or greater than 50kPa , in terms of the relevant health and safety standard in the Regulations under section 44 of the OHS Act .

SAQCC Gas as a committee comprises four gas associations for 100 gases : LP gas , compressed gases , the natural gases , and the refrigerant gases . It does the registration and certification for all the gas practitioners and controls the certificates of conformity ( CoCs ) required for new installations and maintenance .

Parry says , “ CoCs are a legal requirement and anyone installing an air conditioner or gas hub without one is committing an illegal act .” Cooke adds that the association itself was formed out of a mandate that came from the Department of Labour . Within the OHS Act there ' s a specific pressure equipment regulation , which mandates any gas system to be issued with a CoC . That means for design , installation , commissioning , maintenance , or any repairs , that system needs a CoC from a registered practitioner . That practitioner must be registered with and get training through one of the associations , depending on the gas type they work with .

ROUTES TO QUALIFY FOR MATRICULANTS TO GET INTO THE GAS SECTOR Parry explains that anyone interested in qualifying in air conditioning can enrol with a private training college and do an apprenticeship to become a technician through SARACCA . There are training providers in the major centres : Cape Town , Durban , Kimberley , Johannesburg and Pretoria . This process is similar for the other associations , adds Cooke . He notes that each association has a different membership working in the different gas fields ( other than

All photos by © Eamonn Ryan / Cold Link Africa

Eddie Cook , director at SAQCC Gas ( left ) and John Parry , chairman of SAQCC Gas and director of SARACCA ( right ).

refrigerants ). “ Matriculants or school leavers can also find a job with one of the industry employers , and with subsequent experience and training through their relevant association can get officially qualified in a specific gas industry .

“ There are a number of technical schools and colleges where matriculants can get exposure to certain of these industries such as gas or refrigeration , just as with plumbing or electrical ,” says Cooke .

He recommends interested people visit the SAQCC website for the minimum requirements .

In tandem with the energy crisis in South Africa and more people switching to using

COLD LINK AFRICA • September 2023 www . coldlinkafrica . co . za 9