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Author: Mark Vender
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Green light for new training package
Changes to Australia’s most widely offered RAC qualification were finally approved by the Australian Industry Skills Committee (AISC) on August 12 as part of Release 2 of the UEE Electrotechnology Training Package. The qualification, UEE32220 Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, will supersede the current UEE32211 course. Apart from amendments to meet the 2012 […]
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Construction sector calls for help
The Australian economy was officially declared in recession this week, with the announcement of a record 7 per cent drop in GDP for the June quarter – the largest fall in quarterly GDP since records began in 1959. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the plunge in GDP was due to the combined […]
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Aussie HVAC&R company makes COVID-19 advance
Australian IAQ, deep clean and corrosion protection expert Aeris Environmental has secured extended residual claims from the Therapeutic Goods Administration for its Aeris Active disinfectant cleaner. The on-label claims now include “Residual COVID-19 kill for up to seven days” and “Residual antibacterial for up to 30 days (or 200 touches) against gram-negative E. coli and […]
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Webinar on airborne transmission of coronavirus
The Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) is presenting a webinar on Thursday, September 3, on airborne transmission of coronavirus. Since the pandemic began, more attention has been focused on the possibility of aerosol transmission of the virus. This session, presented as part of AIRAH’s Streamline series of webinars, will look at […]
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Flammable charge limits on the move again
Charge sizes for flammable refrigerants in HVAC&R equipment are changing with a proposal to raise international limits for room air conditioners, and the adoption of a new standard in Australia for refrigeration appliances. An International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) working group has released a proposal to update safety standard IEC 60335-2-40. This would allow larger amounts […]
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Driving collaboration on high-performance buildings
The Energy Efficiency Council (EEC) is presenting an exclusive webinar on August 26 about driving global collaboration on high-performance buildings. The event will feature Paul Ruyssevelt, Professor of Energy and Building Performance at the UCL Energy Institute and Vice Chair of the International Energy Agency’s Energy in Buildings and Communities Programme (IEA EBC). Ruyssevelt is […]
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Victoria gets view of professional registration act
Work continues in Victoria on the implementation of the Professional Engineers Registration Act 2019, which will come into operation on July 1, 2021. The scheme will apply to engineers providing professional engineering services in and for Victoria in the areas of mechanical, electrical, fire safety, civil and structural engineering. Public consultation opens on August 26 […]
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COVID-19 forcing a rethink on ventilation
Over the past few weeks, as the world registers more outbreaks of COVID-19, the attention on aerosol transmission of the virus has intensified. Researchers at the University of Florida have now made an important breakthrough. The team isolated viable virus from aerosols collected in a hospital room dedicated to two patients with COVID-19. The air […]
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Share how you work and you could win
The University of Wollongong (UOW) is conducting an online survey of HVAC technicians and contractors who service office buildings around Australia. The survey will help UOW support the Australian government in understanding the industry and shape future policies and programs. “Well-maintained HVAC systems function better, use less energy, emit fewer greenhouse gas emissions and boost […]
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ARBS to fund diploma in sustainable design
The ARBS Education and Research Foundation has announced a grant of $39,000 to the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) to assist in the development of a Professional Diploma in Energy-Efficient Sustainable HVAC. The diploma will consist of four key units of competence: Compliance with energy and sustainable codes of practice Energy […]
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Trades to get automatic recognition across borders
HVAC&R technicians could find it easier to do business across state and territory borders as part of a new government plan for automatic recognition. The proposal, announced by Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, will cover trades such as HVAC&R technicians, electricians and plumbers, as well as a raft of other licensed occupations such as teachers and property […]
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One Nation takes up hydrocarbon cause
HVAC&R may become a vote-decider in the upcoming Queensland election, as the One Nation party supports changes to regulations around hydrocarbons in refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Last week the member for Mirani, Stephen Andrew, posted a question for notice to the Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, Dr Anthony Lynham. “With reference to […]
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EndoCube offers improved energy use and food safety
A product designed and manufactured in the UK and widely used in the northern hemisphere for the past 10 years has now made it to the Australasian market. The EndoCube has been designed to address a “fundamental flaw” in refrigeration and provide lower energy consumption and fresher food. According to EndoCube Southeast Asia Pty Ltd […]
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Mitsubishi Electric Australia announces Dealer Awards
Mitsubishi Electric Australia has celebrated its best dealers across the nation and within teach state and territory at this year’s Dealer Awards. Although the event was hosted virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions, Mitsubishi Electric Australia says that the sentiment behind acknowledging its most valued dealers and the company’s successes remained the same as previous years. […]
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Unlocking the Mpemba Effect
A new research study at Simon Fraser University in Canada may lead the way to exploiting the mysterious Mpemba Effect – the process by which hot water freezes faster than cold water. The Mpemba Effect is named after Tanzanian school student Erasto Bartholomeo Mpemba who, legend has it, was making ice-cream in a food tech […]
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HVAC&R cleared to work through new restrictions
For the past week the HVAC&R and wider building industry has been scrambling to assess the impacts that stricter COVID-19 restrictions will have on businesses and employees. On August 2, the Victorian government declared a state of disaster and imposed new Stage 4 lockdown measures. Rules around workplaces, which extend to construction sites, were further […]
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New REHVA guidelines focus on airborne COVID-19
The European Federation of European Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Associations (REHVA) has released an updated guide on how to operate HVAC and other building service systems to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in workplaces. The revised document puts a greater emphasis on the potential for airborne transmission of COVID-19. Accordingly, it proposes an infection […]
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Next stop for professional registration: WA
The Western Australian government has released a consultation paper proposing changes to the Building Services (Registration) Act 2011 to allow for the registration of building engineers. Released by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, the consultation regulation impact statement (CRIS) comes at a time when registration schemes are appearing around the country – […]
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Green Star – coming to a home near you
Green Star ratings are coming to Australian homes, with the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) announcing a draft Green Star Homes Standard for consultation. Part of the Green Building Council of Australia’s Future Homes Strategy, the initiative is intended to drive transformation in the residential sector to create a market for healthier, more resilient, […]
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GBCA webinar: Insights into IEQ
The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) is holding a live webinar on Thursday, August 27, to present a range of Green Star case studies and explore the challenges associated with indoor air quality. Designed for industry practitioners, the session will look at some of the most challenging technical indicators and common mistakes. It will […]