In two sessions held in August and September 2023, 32 SENA trainers from the whole country participated in a training for the safe handling of inflammable refrigerants in AC equipment. This promotes the use of devices with ultra-low GWP and high efficiency, such as those with natural refrigerants. The trainings are part of the GCI III project, implemented by Proklima.
In the spirit of the international climate goals, the refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) sector needs to reduce the use of HCFCs and HFCs as refrigerants due to their environmental impact. A perfect solution is highly efficient equipment with natural refrigerants. The training held in Bogotá and in Barranquilla, capacitated 32 trainers from SENA (The National Training Service of Colombia), in the safe handling of R290 in AC. This gives them the opportunity to strengthen their knowledge and train their students in this topic. The training was given by Gildardo Yáñez (opens in a new window), of the most recognized RAC experts in Latin America.
The training reviewed the characteristics of R290 maintenance in theory and practice. Environmental and safety requirements, good practices for maintenance, installation, repair, and leakage detection were among the subjects covered. The participant Olga Victoria Sanz commented that the training was a very important opportunity to update their knowledge. Participant Diego León Muñoz added that getting to know the equipment and refrigerant will help them as trainers promote their safe use.
The project is sponsored by the Green Cooling Initiative III -
Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection BMUV