European Union: insufficient training on low-GWP refrigerants

Within the context of the revision of the EU F-gas Regulation that could include measures in favour of decreased use of HFCs in refrigerating equipment, AREA sought an overview of the availability and level of training regarding low-GWP and in particular natural refrigerants.
Within the context of the revision of the EU F-gas Regulation that could include measures in favour of decreased use of HFCs in refrigerating equipment, AREA – the European association of refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump contractors – sought an overview of the availability and level of training regarding low-GWP and in particular natural refrigerants.

The survey shows that out of all contractors active in the 14 European countries which replied, 6% are trained to use CO2, 11% to use hydrocarbons and 12% to use ammonia.

Some training facilities exist in Western Europe but – except in some countries such as Denmark and the Netherlands, they are generally insufficiently equipped. AREA calls for compulsory EU training based on harmonized minimum requirements and estimates training costs as being up to 3000 € per practitioner.