RACA Journal I April 2026 www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za 37
SUPPORT voices
GRANT LAIDLAW
Grant Laidlaw is currently the owner of the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Academy( ACRA) in Edenvale. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and an associate degree in educational administration. He has a National Technical Diploma and completed an apprenticeship with Transnet. He has dual-trades status: refrigeration and electrical. He has been involved with SAIRAC for over two decades and served on the Johannesburg committee as chairman and was also president between 2015 and 2018. Currently he is the SAIRAC national treasurer.
WELCOME TO THE SOLUTIONS PAGE
By Grant Laidlaw
Many people ask for assistance in understanding theoretical and practical aspects of the industry. I will endeavour to enlighten. We are going back to basics as I have questions coming in that indicate that the basic understanding necessary to work in industry is not in place.
Clement asks: Hi Grant, I see that in the air-conditioning space we have some technicians who, when working on R32 units, remove the R32 and use R410a. They do not know how to deal with the safety aspects of R32. Can you please discuss the use of flammable refrigerants?
Hi Clement, thank you. Replacing R32 with R410a is not advisable. Let us look into flammable refrigerants in more detail as their usage is definitely on the increase. Working with flammable refrigerant and cylinders requires strict safety procedures due to their high flammability. The primary danger is fire or explosion if the gas leaks and finds an ignition source. Proper training and adherence to safety protocols are critical for anyone handling these materials.
GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES Use the right equipment:
All tools and equipment, including recovery machines, vacuum pumps, leak detectors and charging scales, must be rated for use with flammable refrigerants and must not create a spark. Remember that single phase electric motors may use brushes which create arcing when in use.
Control the work area: Establish a 2 – 3m hazard zone around the system, post signs and remove all ignition sources.
Eliminate ignition sources: Remove or turn off all potential ignition sources, such as open flames, sparking electrical components and mobile phone usage.
Dealing with ignition sources There should be no sources of ignition as part of the refrigerating system or equipment. Precautions should be taken to avoid the possibility of direct sources of ignition from exposed electrical contacts. Electrical items that have the potential to produce electrical sparks during normal operation should receive particular attention to eliminate them as potential sources of ignition. The following methods can be applied:
• Insulate terminals
• Locate within an approved enclosure
• Replace with solid-state type component
• Replace with sealed type component
• Locate externally
Adequate precaution is achieved providing the items mentioned above are used within the refrigeration system.
Ensure adequate ventilation: Always work in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors. Flammable refrigerants are heavier than air and can accumulate in low areas posing an asphyxiation and flammability risk. Use an extraction system in workshops and / or a fan to disperse any refrigerant release.
Fire extinguisher:
• Ensure that a suitable fire extinguisher is available.
• Use personal protective equipment( PPE): o Wear gloves, safety goggles and full-coverage clothing to prevent frostbite from contact with liquid refrigerant
RACA Journal I April 2026 www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za 37