ACR Journal

The RAC Engineer’s Guide to Low GWP Refrigerants 32 Train to Gain! Mike Creamer, Institute of Refrigeration President- elect and Business Edge Managing Director, on why training has a key role to play in meeting the demands of the F-Gas Regulations. Such has been the pace of change with the F-Gas Regulations in the past five years that it is easy for installers to forget that they are legally required to keep up with all these new developments in the workplace. Under F-Gas, anyone working with equipment containing refrigerant must hold LCL Awards, City & Guilds 2079 or BESA (Category I-IV) Certification. I understand how difficult it can be when you are busy on the tools to find time for training but if you don’t have the right certification to do the job, you are putting people’s lives at risk and could face a hefty fine. With new generation refrigerants already with us there’s no time to waste to ensure that you are up to speed with what’s new refrigerants’ wise. A2Ls have emerged as ready-made alternatives to high GWP refrigerants. The success of the A2L R32 in split-system air conditioning is evidence that lower-flammables are here to stay. But there’s no need to be fazed about working with A2Ls. You can learn about new charge calculations, changes in handling, transportation, ventilation and unfamiliar tools quickly and easily. Your reputation is key to the success of your business and training has a vital role in maintaining this. More change is on the way with the F-Gas Regulations in the years to come and this will have a significant effect on our workplace. But if you’re not sure about what to do when working with A2Ls or any other new generation refrigerants, don’t panic – help is on hand. Authorised training providers have the expertise to help you rise to the high-GWP challenge in a way that will suit you and your business. Training is good for your business. With the right certification it opens up new streams of revenue by highlighting your competency to customers.