www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I February 2025 1
RACA Journal : ISSN 1812-772X
Hot and chilled
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RACA Journal Publication www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za eamonn @ interactmedia . co . za
A CALL FOR GREATER PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN POLICY-SETTING
The refrigeration and air conditioning sector in South Africa is facing critical challenges , particularly when it comes to technician training and refrigerant policies . While there have been some efforts from the government to address these issues , there is a growing need for a more collaborative and practical approach to align policies with the real needs of the industry .
Technician training programmes must be improved , and policies must be developed in close collaboration with industry experts to ensure they are practical and relevant . The shift towards greener refrigerants and energy-efficient technologies requires specialised training , but current education and training systems are not adequately equipped to provide the necessary skills . A more coordinated and practical approach to policy-making , along with a focus on hands-on training , is essential to create a more skilled , safe and competent workforce capable of meeting the demands of the sector .
At last year ’ s SADC RAC interactive conference , government announced that it had spent a large amount towards training and equipping 402 people within public works . While the intent behind this funding is cannot be criticised , there were suggestions at the conference that a more targeted approach could yield better results . Instead of focusing on new entrants , it may have been more beneficial to direct resources towards graduates from Further Education and Training ( FET ) colleges who are already familiar with basic technical skills . These individuals could benefit significantly from advanced , specialised training in areas like refrigerant handling , allowing them to enhance their expertise and address the specific
demands of the industry more efficiently . Building on existing knowledge is likely to result in a more competent and capable workforce in a shorter time frame .
In addition to targeted funding , it is crucial for the government to involve industry experts in policy development . Industry players are in a unique position to provide valuable insights , and their involvement could help create more practical and relevant policies . Collaboration between the government and industry stakeholders would ensure that decisions are grounded in the realities of the sector , rather than abstract , one-size-fits-all solutions . The need for a consultative approach is even more pressing when considering the frequent changes in regulatory standards , which otherwise hold the potential to create confusion within the industry . These shifting guidelines make it challenging for businesses to stay up to date with evolving refrigerant technologies and energy efficiency requirements . Clearer , more consistent regulations would provide businesses with the stability and certainty needed to plan for the future and meet both short-term and long-term goals .
As the industry transitions to greener refrigerants , such as R32 , R290 and others with lower ozone depletion potential ( ODP ) and global warming potential ( GWP ), the need for specialised technician training becomes even more urgent . These newer refrigerants are more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly , but they require technicians to acquire new skills to handle them safely . For example , propane ( R290 ) will likely be increasingly used , but this refrigerant is highly flammable and must be handled with extreme caution . Without proper training in the safe handling of these substances , technicians and the public are at risk .
With danger with training new people is that the current educational system is not adequately preparing school-leavers for such challenges . The 30 % pass mark and relaxed entry requirements for FET colleges have resulted in many students entering the system without a solid technical foundation . As a result , they often graduate without the necessary skills to deal with complex systems like refrigerants . This issue is further compounded by the absence of a formal apprenticeship system , which is essential for developing practical skills . Apprenticeships provide hands-on experience , mentorship from seasoned professionals and the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings . Without such programmes , the workforce lacks the depth of knowledge and competence required to tackle the increasing complexity of refrigeration systems .
The safety of technicians handling refrigerants is also a growing concern . As modern refrigerants become more complex and potentially hazardous , it is essential for training programmes to cover not only the basic skills of refrigerant recovery but also the use of safety equipment , such as pressure gauges , manifold sets and vacuum pumps . Technicians need to understand the full range of tools and safety procedures necessary to prevent accidents and ensure their own safety when working with high-pressure systems . RACA
Eamonn
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I February 2025 1