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 5 of a seven-part series.
While some technicians initially struggled with the theoretical aspects of the training, Molefe was pleased to report that many of them successfully completed the course and passed the required trade tests. She noted that a significant number of these technicians have since gone on to earn trade certifications enabling them to further advance their careers in the refrigeration sector.
Looking ahead, Molefe stressed the importance of continuing education and licensing for service technicians. She highlighted that, although many technicians had been trained, some still need to regularly renew their safe handling certifications to ensure they remain up-to-date with the latest regulations and best practices. The government is committed to ensuring that technicians continue to develop their skills and that their qualifications are regularly updated to meet the evolving needs of the refrigeration sector.
Through these efforts, South Africa aims to professionalise the refrigeration and air conditioning workforce, ensuring that technicians are not only equipped to handle the safe installation and maintenance of refrigeration systems but are also knowledgeable about the environmental impacts of their work and the importance of transitioning to green refrigerants.
A collaborative effort for a sustainable future
Molefe reiterated that the work being done in South Africa to phase out ozone-depleting substances and improve the refrigeration sector is part of a larger global effort to protect the environment and public health. The collaboration between government departments, industry partners and international organisations is key to ensuring the success of these initiatives. She encouraged workshop participants to continue working together to address the challenges facing the refrigeration sector and ensure that sustainable practices are adopted worldwide.
Through continued training, certification and collaborative efforts, South Africa is taking significant strides toward a future where the refrigeration sector not only supports food security and health but also contributes to the global effort to protect the ozone layer and combat climate change.
Addressing refrigerant handling, safety and certification
Molefe discussed the ongoing initiatives to improve safety and ensure quality standards in the refrigeration sector, particularly for service technicians who play a crucial role in the management of refrigerants and the safety of refrigeration systems.
On October 24 this year, a significant milestone was achieved with the certification of 402 service technicians. These technicians were presented with safe handling tools and certificates, marking them as the first group to be formally recognised for their qualifications and trained to handle refrigerants safely. Molefe emphasised that this group represents the pioneers of a broader initiative to ensure that all technicians working in the sector are properly trained and equipped with the necessary tools to do their jobs safely and effectively.