By Eamonn Ryan
Margaret Molefe, director for Hazardous Chemicals Management at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), delivered a keynote speech at the SADC RAC interactive workshop. This is Part 6 of a seven-part series.
The next steps involve monitoring these technicians to ensure they are using the tools and refrigerants as required. Molefe mentioned that penalties will be implemented for those who violate safety protocols. Distributors of refrigerants, for example, will be held accountable if they sell refrigerants to unqualified technicians. Contracts are in place to ensure compliance, and penalties will be levied on distributors who fail to verify technicians’ qualifications.
A crucial question from the audience concerned the implementation of a policy that would restrict the sale of refrigerants to technicians who do not have proper certification. Molefe clarified that while this policy has not yet been fully implemented, it will be enforced in the future. Distributors will be required to check that technicians present their safe handling certificate before purchasing refrigerants. If a distributor is found selling refrigerants to an unqualified technician, they will face penalties. Molefe stressed that the enforcement of these laws will be strengthened through collaboration with the Department of Employment and Labour, and the customs authorities will also play a role in ensuring that refrigerants are not sold to unauthorised individuals.
Addressing the safety of refrigerant transport and usage
Another critical issue raised was the safety of transporting refrigerants, particularly flammable gases, on the roads. Molefe highlighted the need for proper signage on vehicles transporting flammable gases, warning others of the potential danger. This would help prevent accidents and ensure that first responders know how to handle situations involving refrigerants. She pointed out that there is still a lack of awareness, particularly with smaller vehicles like buses and cars, which may unknowingly be carrying refrigerants without the proper safety markings.
Molefe also mentioned the health and safety risks associated with improper installation and handling of refrigerants in residential and commercial settings. If refrigerants are incorrectly installed, particularly flammable ones, there is a significant risk of fires, which could cause extensive damage to infrastructure, such as apartment buildings or commercial properties. She described how improper refrigerant handling could lead to dangerous situations where, for example, an explosion might occur in the middle of the night, potentially harming people or causing severe damage to property.
Transitioning to natural refrigerants
Molefe then shifted to the topic of transitioning to natural refrigerants as part of South Africa’s strategy to reduce the use of harmful chemicals. She explained that the country is moving towards leapfrogging to more environmentally friendly refrigerants, including CO2, ammonia and R-290 (propane), which are seen as more sustainable options. Several supermarkets, including Pick n Pay and Checkers, have already made the transition to these natural refrigerants in their cooling systems. This transition is part of a larger effort to reduce global warming potential (GWP) and promote safer, more sustainable alternatives.