www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I February 2025 9
Associations
SADC RAC ASSOCIATION
WORKSHOP CALLS FOR STANDARDISED TRAINING AND REGISTRATION FOR GAS PRACTITIONERS
By Eamonn Ryan
At the recent SADC RAC Association interactive workshop in Johannesburg , Hennie Basson , secretary general of the regional body , addressed key challenges and developments in the standardisation of training and certification of gas practitioners across the entire region .
The importance of training practitioners to handle refrigerants responsibly was a central theme in Basson ’ s address . His presentation focused on the evolution of registration and training systems , emphasising the need for standardised materials , environmental responsibility and effective cross-border certification .
Basson described the target groups for this training initiative as including government officials , customs authorities , RAC training colleges , private training providers , large companies and refrigeration wholesalers . " The goal is to create a robust network of qualified and certified practitioners across SADC who can work safely and efficiently , reducing the environmental impact and improving safety standards across the region .”
Basson began by reflecting on the history of gas practitioner registration in South Africa . " A few years ago , becoming a registered , authorised gas practitioner was not mandatory . There was an organisation called ACRICSA , which was responsible for registering practitioners , but registration was not yet a legal requirement ." Over time , however , the situation changed , and it became law for practitioners to be registered .
As the industry transitioned to mandatory registration , the training materials available for practitioners were largely sourced from overseas , particularly from the UK . " However , the training materials used were based on outdated resources , and as a result the quality of training deteriorated over time ," Basson notes . This led to the formation of a committee within SARACCA to standardise the training materials . " We realised that the material was being misused and misinterpreted , and it had been repurposed so many times that it was becoming ineffective . That ’ s when SARACCA took the initiative to create standardised training materials for South Africa ."
According to Basson , the new standardised training materials were crucial in ensuring that practitioners across the country received consistent , high-quality training . " The material we use in South Africa now is standardised and must be adhered to by all training providers . This ensures that the quality of training is maintained across the industry ," he says .
Basson also discusses the broader context of refrigerant management in line with international environmental efforts , particularly the Montreal Protocol , which seeks to reduce substances that deplete the ozone layer . " Developing countries , including South Africa , have shown that with the right assistance they are ready and willing to be full partners in the global effort to protect the environment ," he explains .
He emphasises the need for practitioners to be fully trained in the responsible handling of refrigerants . " It ’ s essential that every individual working with refrigerants understands the environmental impact . This includes avoiding venting refrigerants into the atmosphere , promoting recovery and recycling , repairing leaks and using refrigerants with low Ozone Depletion Potential ( ODP ) and Global Warming Potential ( GWP )."
In line with this , Basson highlighted to the African RACs ( Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning associations ) present the significance of practical assessments and the adaptation of training to local conditions . " Training materials should be tailored to suit local needs , including the introduction of environmentally friendly refrigerants . It is also crucial to educate practitioners on safety procedures when handling substances that operate at high pressures or are toxic ."
The South African Qualification and Certification Committee ( SAQCC ) and SARACCA are central to this training and certification process . " SAQCC , alongside the Department of Employment and Labour ,
Hennie Basson , secretary general of the Southern African Development Community ( SADC ) Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning ( RAC ) Association .
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www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I February 2025 9