Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Marco Buoni VicePresident, AREA
Air Conditioning & Refrigeration European contractors’ Association
(www.area-eur.be)
Secretary General Italian Association of Refrigeration Technician, ATF (www.associazioneATF.org)
EU training and certification scheme
Alternative Refrigerants
Sarajevo, 20 Nov 2015
AREA The indisputable voice of European RACHP contractors
• Funded in 1988 in Brussels, Belgium
• Represents RACHP contractors
• AREA in figures:
22 national member associations
20 countries from EU and beyond
> 9,000 companies (mainly SMEs)
+/- 125,000 work force
+/- € 20 bn annual turnover
Design, installation, maintenance and repair of all Refrigeration,
Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps RACHP systems
AREA Priorities General mission statement
"support and initiate activities to promote the industry and its high standards of quality, in
order to serve users' interest in a safe and uninterrupted usage of efficient refrigeration,
air conditioning and heat pump equipment, and to create and maintain a favourable
business climate for European refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump contractors,
in terms of quality, safety, employment, fair competition and profitability".
General objectives
Harmonisation of education & training / certification
Promotion of technical evolutions
Environmental protection / tackling climate change / energy efficiency
Recommendations on and promotion of professional techniques & high-level standards
Key issues
Regulatory aspects
- F-Gas Regulation implementation and review
- Monitoring of Ozone Depleting Substances
- Energy efficiency - Climate change
- Eco-design of energy-related products
Professional standards
- Heat pump installation
- F-gas certification and education
Professional guidance
- Low GWP refrigerants, certification and education
-28%
-44%
„Business as Usual“
Without F-Gas
Regulation & MAC
With F-Gas
Regulation
842/06 & MAC
automotive
directive
Emissions present and future in EU
Emissions present and future worldwide
The Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps systems
containing fluorinated refrigerants in EU should have:
- Logbook
- Periodical inspections
- Installation, repair only by certified craftsmen
In Pills: To prevent refrigerant
emissions
Training and certification
Refrigerant to be sold by distributors
only to certified craftsmen
Refrigerant to be withdraw
only by certified craftsmen
Why creating
Training, Assessment, Certification
Certification is an important tool and a must to organize the labor market
according to the national qualification classification system
Through legislation, this will have the effect of:
• Reducing Refrigerant Emissions, GHG, ODS
• Increasing energy efficiency (reducing CO2)
Contractor-driven:
• More aggressive competition requires proof of higher quality and
certification
Customer-driven:
• Wholesalers, distributors, big customers … require environmentally
friendly and energy efficient products
• Protects the interests of customer through
providing services according to applicable standards
Certification of the personnel and
of the companies who handle air conditioning,
refrigeration and heat pumps equipment
Why creating
Training, Assessment, Certification (2) Certification will also play an important role for the sustainability of the
associations, as it could be an important income stream both through the
training and the certifications organized by the association.
The associations’ role in certification could be also:
•to work alongside the government to set the rules, certification schemes and
regulations
•a third party policing the correct implementation of the regulation
•certification body who guarantees the high standard of the certification
•certification body who issues the certification, renewing periodically
•the body who keeps the list, register and the records of certified technicians and
companies
Why creating
Training, Assessment, Certification (3)
It is recommended that only Certified Technicians holding a
certificate will be allowed to:
• install, maintain, repair, recover, dismantle RAC
systems containing refrigerants
• buy the refrigerant as a proved Certificate holder
NB. Informal Sector buys Refrigerant only if holding the
certification. This will stop the development of an informal
sector and in particular preventing the bad behavior
(accidents, emissions) which is most common in this
sector.
Certification
is the best practical method to
verify the competence of personnel
handling refrigerants and to ensure
the correct installation,
maintenance, repair and
dismantling of a refrigeration,
airconditioning and heat pump
systems.
Natural persons (personnel) carrying out certain tasks on certain types of equipment must be
certified or qualified.
Equipment
Stationary refrigeration, air conditioning, heat pump and fire protection equipment
Refrigerated trucks (above 3.5 t) and trailers
Air conditioning equipment in road vehicles
Tasks
a) Installation, servicing, maintenance
b) Repair
c) Decommissioning
d) Leakage checking
e) Recovery
Who needs to be certified?
(1 - Personnel)
*some countries worldwide offer the certification of companies. It is likely that developing countries could
use a different method to ensure the compliance of the requirements described below, for example
provided that the single service installer, as self-employed person, provides the compliance
Companies carrying out certain tasks on certain types of equipment for other parties must
be certified.
Equipment
Stationary refrigeration, air conditioning, heat pump and fire protection equipment
Tasks
Installation, servicing, maintenance
Repair
Decommissioning
Companies should fulfils the following requirements
(a) employment of personnel certified in accordance with Article 5, for the activities
requiring certification, in a sufficient number to cover the expected volume of activities;
(b) proof that the necessary tools and procedures are available to the personnel engaged
in activities for which certification is required.
Who needs to be certified?
(2 - Companies)
Equipment and tools
Equipment and tools of the certified personnel to be supplied by his employer RC
Manifold x
Vacuum Gauge or Vacuum Meter x
Temperature meter x
Portable leak detector x
Refrigerant weight Scale x
Vacuum pump x
Recovery set x
Nitrogen pressure regulator x
Recycling cylinder x
Figure 4 Recovery cylinder, how to label it
Figure 5 Vacuum pump
Figure 6 Refrigerant recovery machine
Figure 7 Leak detector
Figure 8 Scale
Figure 9 Vacuum Gauge
Figure 10 Pressure Manifold
Figure 11 Temperature Meter
Who needs to be certified?
(2 - Companies) (2)
REGULATION (EC) 303/2008 (or EN 133133 becoming ISO)
MINIMUM COMPETENCE OF PERSONNEL
T = THEORETICAL P = PRACTICAL CATEGORIES
DUTIES AND KNOWLEDGE I II III IV
1 Basic thermodynamics T T T
2 Environmental impact of refrigerants and corresponding environmental regulations
T T T T
3 Checks before putting in operation, after a long period of non-use, after
maintenance or repair intervention, or during
operation
P P
4 Checks for leakage T/P T/P T/P
5 Environment-friendly handling of the system and refrigerant during installation, maintenance, servicing or recovery
P P P
6 Component: installation, putting into operation and maintenance of
reciprocating, screw and scroll compressors, single and
two-stage
P P
7 Component: installation, putting into operation and maintenance of air cooled and water cooled condensers
P
8 Component: installation, putting into operation and maintenance of air cooled and water cooled evaporators
P
9 Component: installation, putting into operation and servicing of Thermostatic Expansion Valves (TEV) and other components
P
10 Piping: building a leak tight piping system in a refrigeration installation P P
REGULATION (EC) 303/2008
MINIMUM COMPETENCE OF PERSONNEL
REGULATION (EC) 303/2008
MINIMUM COMPETENCE OF PERSONNEL
REGULATION (EC) 303/2008
MINIMUM COMPETENCE OF PERSONNEL
REGULATION (EC) 303/2008
MINIMUM COMPETENCE OF PERSONNEL
REGULATION (EC) 303/2008
MINIMUM COMPETENCE OF PERSONNEL
REGULATION (EC) 303/2008
MINIMUM COMPETENCE OF PERSONNEL
Maximum 20-25 candidates per class dependent on number of assessors
Assessor/s should be independent and not involved in the training of the candidates
Multiple answers tests, 30 questions for 90 minutes duration
The same test among candidates with variation of questions to prevent predictability among candidates
Closed books, only specific technical tools such as calculator and pressure-temperature comparator
allowed
NO! mobile phones or cameras NO! copying or communication between candidates
YES! speaking to the assessor to ask explanation of the modalities and of the questions if not
understood; many candidates use different words and vocabulary to identify the same concept (eg. Valves)
Theoretical assessment: Pass mark above 60% correct answers
Laboratory is properly equipped for performing the practical test
Practical assessment: Pass if candidate proves competence in performing main RAC service technicians
activities without or with only small hesitations (remember candidates could be knowledgeable but be
nervous!):
• Thermodynamic parameters reading through gauges and
devices, temperature, pressure, subcooling, superheating
• Parameters interpretation, troubleshooting
• Perform a leak test
• Vacuum, charge, recovery with minimum emissions
• System Logbook reading, understanding and competition
• Brazing leak tight joints
Assessment: practical
organization issues
• Assessors and Trainers should hold a certificate
• Assessors should have multiple years of experience in the field
• Assessors should be comfortable in trainees’ evaluation
• Please see International Standards as ISO 17024 for more details
N.B in order to confirm the value and guarantee the sustainability of the
certification, standards must be kept high and therefore not everyone will
pass the exam!
Assessor Qualification
and competence
A certificate is not:
A training course where a Participation Certificate is
issued at the end without a written, oral or practical
assessment which proves the ability of the service
technician or the quality of the company
Certification is both a theoretical and a practical
assessment
Theoretical Exam
Certification of technicians
in servicing sector how it runs (1)
Sample questions for the Theoretical assessment of the
certification (Real_Alternatives_Project, 2015)
1. The hazards of R32 include:
High flammability
Mild flammability
High toxicity
Mild toxicity
2. What is the maximum charge of R290 that can be used on
a supermarket shop floor (occupancy category A)
It cannot be used in this application
150 g
1.5 kg
There is no limit
3. What is the pressure of R744 in a system which is at
standstill in an ambient temperature of 20°C?
4.9 bar g
7.4 bar g
55 bar g
72.8 bar g
4. What is the approximate displacement required for a
compressor operating on R600a compared to one operating
on R134a to give the same cooling capacity
The same
Two times
Seven times
Half
5. According to the latest European F Gas regulation
(EU517/2014) how frequently must an R1234ze system with
a charge of 300kg and a fixed leak detection system.
It does not need to be leak tested
Once per year
Twice per year
Four times per year
6. Which refrigerant can be detected by the use of litmus
paper?
R32
R744
R290
R717
7. When working with R1270 what is the recommended
radius around the work area that should be free from
sources of ignition?
0.3 m
1 m
3 m
10 m
8. What is the usual method for removing R744 from a
system?
It is vented
It is recovered using a high pressure recovery machine
It is pumped into high pressure cylinders
The system is pumped down
Brazing
Temperature, Pressure, Subcooling, Superheating
Vacuum, Charge, Recovery
Certification of technicians
in servicing sector how it runs (2)
Monitoring systems consists of putting in place several tools within the
National Certification Scheme:
• A register of certified personnel and companies publically available
online (recommended) or held by a national authority
• Only certified personnel and companies can purchase refrigerants and
refrigerant containing equipment
• Only certified personnel and companies can install, repair, maintain,
recover and dismantle RAC systems
• A register with the quantity of purchased and recovered refrigerants
(both at a certified personnel or company level and from at the
distributors) available to the authorities
• Refrigeration System Logbook containing relevant historical data of the
installation, maintenance and repair available for each system (a
threshold to avoid small systems, like domestic refrigeration and air
conditioning, could be evaluated)
The above allows the checking and monitoring of the whole sector,
whether the Service Technician and the company doing the job is
competent and prevents loopholes in the certification system
Monitoring the results of the certification
Registration and monitoring
Registration and monitoring (2) Online Register
with the name of
all the service
technicans and
companies which
are certified
Anybody
(authorities,
costumers,
manufacturers)
can see if
someone is or is
not certified
• Craftsmen are happy to be certified
as they have a recognition of their
important job.
Certification can be spent by craftsmen
as a proper professional qualification,
which is mutual recognized in all 28
European Countries
UK
• 27000 individuals hold Category 1
certificates
• It is estimated that 7000 UK companies
are registered
Germany
• Personnel certified in Germany about
25000
• Companies certified in Germany about
1800
Belgium
• registered companies is estimated at 209
Italy
• Personnel certified in Italy: 42100 (Sept 2014)
• Companies certified in Italy: 10700
Certification
the numbers
• Average cost for preparation to
the certification and the
assessment in 600 Euro (700
dollars)
Certification
the numbers (2)
Country N° of Service Technicians
Australia 55.000 (including automotive mechanics)
Germany 25.000
Italy 45.000
Philippines 3.000
United Kingdom 32.000
Number of certified personnel in different
countries (2014)
Training and certification worldwide • CSG have over the last few years
been deeply involved in helping
developing countries improve living
conditions, by improving refrigeration
and air conditioning systems and
processes, through capacity building
and training technicians to install,
repair, maintain and design numerous
Certification Sessions with United
Nations in Africa and Asia (Rwanda,
Ghana, Tunisia, Eritrea, Benin,
Gambia, Montenegro, Saudi Arabia,
Turkey etc…).
Refrigerant Emissions and Leakage-blended learning for
alternative refrigerants in new equipment
safety, efficiency, reliability and containment
REAL Alternatives
e-learning
classroom
practice
e-library
www.realalternatives.eu
Developed as part of a collaborative European project to address skills needs in technicians in the refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump sector in:
• Carbon dioxide
• Ammonia
• Hydrocarbon
• Low Flammables (HFO/R32 etc)
Refrigerant Emissions and Leakage-blended learning for alternative refrigerants in new equipment
Addresses safety, efficiency, reliability and containment aspects of service and maintenance.
Critical safety factors associated with alternative refrigerants:
• Higher system pressures
• Flammability
• Toxicity
Refrigerant Emissions and Leakage-blended learning for alternative refrigerants in new equipment
Consortium of Expert Project Partners - INDIPENDENT
Institute of Refrigeration, UK
London South Bank University, UK
European Association for Refrigeration,
Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps (AREA)
Informationszentrum für Kälte- Klima- und Energietechnik,
Germany
Foundation for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, Poland
Associazione Tecnici del Freddo, Italy
Limburg Catholic University College, Belgium
With the co-operation of the International Institute of
Refrigeration
The 2 year work programme started Oct 2013 - ending next Oct 2015
STEPS
1 - Research to clarify training needs and opportunities LSBU
2 - Review of existing resources LSBU
3 - Developing training booklets, e-learning pages, library KHLim
4 - Piloting, testing and translation ATF
5 - Measuring impact, evaluating and adjusting IKKE
6 - On going dissemination and stakeholder engagement AREA / IOR
7 - Project Management IOR
8 – Explore sustainability options post funding PROZON
Launch of free resources and training schemes in English, Polish, German,
Dutch and Italian
Spring 2015
• Need for improved skills – especially for CO2 and HFO/low flammable refrigerants
• Retraining to address safety, reliability and leakage
• Assessed and certificated classroom based training, with supporting on line technical information
Conclusions - industry needs
104 responses from major stakeholders to define industry needs
63 individuals from 12 European countries took part in the pilot test
UK:51%IT:
25%
PL:
15%
NL:9%
DE:
0%
DIVIDED BY LANGUAGE(German too early for consistent data
Pilot
Testing
Launch
Numbers – Elearning Login
549 have
registered to use
the website and
download
library/download
booklets
REAL Alternatives blended
learning resources:
• flexible learning programmes and schemes for use by individuals, companies or training providers.
• multi-lingual website
• e-learning & booklets study materials in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Polish
• searchable e-library (over 100 free documents) of resources users can add to
• tracking spreadsheets, report formats and other tools
• standard on-line tests and controlled assessment papers with optional certification
• stakeholders contribute materials and resources
• opportunities for more translations, training programmes etc
Real Alternatives Europe programme modules:
1. Introduction to Alternative Refrigerants - safety, efficiency, reliability and good practice
2. System design using alternative refrigerants
3. Containment and leak detection of alternative refrigerants
4. Maintenance and repair of alternative refrigerant systems
5. Retrofitting existing systems with low GWP alternatives
6. Checklist of legal obligations
7. Measuring the financial and environmental impact of leakage
8. Tools and guidance for conducting site surveys
Learning materials in 8 modules
Multi language e-learning with free registration (English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Dutch)
Each module offers downloadable Learning Booklets (PDF)
Register at the project Website and searchable e-library
Promoting the use of Alternatives at
international meetings and events
Thanks also to our stakeholders, who helped during the project
we are proud to have among our stakeholders European Commission DG Clima & UNEP OzonAction
How you can get involved
• become a stakeholder
• add technical material to the e-library now
• sign up technicians for the FREE e-learning courses launched in MARCH 2015
• register to deliver classroom training courses using these materials as an employer or training provider
• register for updates at the website, follow us on twitter
• translate in other languages
• spread the word…
.
www.realalternatives.eu
8. Member States shall ensure that all natural persons
holding certificates under certification programmes
provided for in paragraphs 1 and 7 have access to
information regarding each of the following:
(a) technologies referred to point (e) of paragraph 3
9. Member States shall ensure the availability of training
for natural persons who wish to update their knowledge in
relation to the matters referred to in paragraph 3
Real Alternatives to
to comply to 517/14 Article 10
Training and Certification
www.realalternatives.eu
THANK YOU!
Email: [email protected]
Marco Buoni VicePresident, AREA Air Conditioning & Refrigeration European contractors’ Association (www.area-eur.be)
Secretary General Italian Association of Refrigeration Technician, ATF (www.associazioneATF.org)
• Melting glaciers
• Rising seas
• Increasing temperatures
For our environment, one of the solution is
Competence
THANK YOU!
Email: [email protected]
Marco Buoni VicePresident, AREA
Air Conditioning & Refrigeration European contractors’ Association
(www.area-eur.be)
Secretary General Italian Association of Refrigeration Technician, ATF (www.associazioneATF.org)
