Brazil is taking big steps towards sustainable cooling! In March and April, the first “Training of Trainers” courses focused on the safe use of flammable refrigerants in air conditioning. 27 instructors from across the country are now equipped to train 700 technicians, driving Brazil’s transition to eco-friendly refrigerants. Discover how this initiative is shaping the future of refrigeration and contributing to global climate goals.
Training for a Sustainable Future in Refrigeration
In March and April, Brazil hosted the first two editions of the “Training of Trainers” course as part of the Brazilian HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP), focusing on the safe and efficient use of flammable refrigerants in air conditioning systems. The sessions took place in São Paulo at SENAI-SP and in Rio Grande do Norte at CTGAS-RN. A total of 27 instructors from five different states participated, each representing a region of Brazil.
A Collaborative Effort for Sustainable Cooling
The course was developed by the Brazilian HPMP, coordinated by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. It was led by Dennis Frieske, a German engineer and international refrigeration consultant, who commended the technical expertise and dedication of the participating instructors.
Comprehensive Training for Safe Refrigerant Handling
Spanning 40 hours, the course combined both practical and theoretical content, covering safety and environmental standards (EN 378 and ISO 5149), handling of flammable refrigerants like propane, refrigerant recovery and charging, electrical safety, and leak detection. The instructors also gained hands-on experience with installation methods, tightness tests, and commissioning.
Empowering Instructors to Train Technicians Nationwide
Offered free of charge, the course will be available at SENAI partner schools across five regions of Brazil, including São Paulo, Goiânia, Porto Velho, Toledo, and Natal. Upon completing the course, the instructors will return to their schools to train 700 refrigeration technicians by the end of this year.
Supporting Brazil’s Climate-Friendly Transition
This training initiative plays a crucial role in Brazil’s transition to sustainable and climate-friendly refrigerants. By focusing on the natural refrigerant R-290, it aligns with international efforts to protect the ozone layer and reduce the use of high Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants.
