Employers back mandatory flammable refrigerant training

There is strong support from employers for mandatory certified training for those handling flammable refrigerants, according to a survey conducted by the Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Industry Board (ACRIB).

The survey of ACRIB members during April/May sought views of the RACHP industry towards refrigerant handling training, qualifications and skills. This relates to the future review of the GB F-Gas Regulations and the EU proposals to introduce mandatory certification for flammables and certification for carbon dioxide and ammonia for those working with these types of refrigerant.

ACRIB says the 132 responses received from across 10 member organisations show that employers need to continue to invest in training in this area to ensure their workforce is up to date and working safely, and also send a clear message to policymakers that future F-Gas legislation needs revision to meet industry needs.

The results were shared in a meeting with Defra in August to propose that industry views and readiness for training on these alternative refrigerants is taken into account, as Defra prepares for its consultation on appropriate legislative approaches to refrigerant handling. 

There are high levels of awareness of the availability of qualifications for handling of flammable refrigerants, hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide and ammonia. Over 80% of those who responded said they were aware of certified training for all of these refrigerants.

Another positive finding was that many employers already have the necessary certified training in place – or are planning to do so. There appears to be overwhelming support for the introduction of mandatory flammable refrigerant certified training alongside or in the next GB F-Gas Regulation, to bring alignment with the EU F-Gas Regulation requirements already in place. This is also true for bringing in carbon dioxide and ammonia training under the Regulation for anyone who handles these refrigerants.

There are mixed views on the need for regular recertification – with a fairly even split between those who would like to see renewal every five years brought in, and those who only want to recertify when legislation changes. ACRIB notes that under the EU F-Gas Regulation, UK Building Safety Act, and to align with Engineering Services CSC Skills Card renewal periods, regular refresher assessment as a means of proof of competence is something that the sector is likely to have to move towards in the future.