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Category: News
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Apprentices hammered by COVID-19 crisis
Industry is calling for urgent government measures as Australian apprentice numbers plummet due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the National Australian Apprenticeship Association (NAAA), about 5.5 per cent of apprentices and trainees have been suspended or cancelled since March 1. National employer association the Ai Group says that apprentice commencements are down 60 per […]
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AMCA advice on COVID-19 and HVAC
The Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors’ Association (AMCA) has released a position statement on the role of HVAC systems in mitigating the risks of airborne transmission of COVID-19. In the statement, the AMCA recognises that ventilation and air filtration provided by heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC) can reduce the airborne concentration of COVID-19 […]
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HydroChem appoints new CEO
HydroChem has named Mike Lenton as its new CEO. Lenton’s predecessor, Nick Duncan, will be moving into a full-time strategy, talent-development and project role. Duncan has been credited with transitioning HydroChem to a national operation over the past 15 years. “Having recently completed 18 successful years as the General Manager of Hydro Flow, Mike is […]
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BBC series to explore impact of green buildings
The World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) is collaborating with BBC StoryWorks to produce a film series about sustainable buildings and construction. The series launches later this year, and will recognise the impact buildings can have on both the quality of people’s lives and our natural environment, particularly in the mitigation of and adaption to climate […]
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AIRAH and IRHACE seal MoU
The Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) and the Institute of Refrigeration, Heating and Air Conditioning Engineers of New Zealand Inc., (IRHACE) have inked a Memorandum of Understanding. Although the two member bodies have co-operated on initiatives and knowledge sharing for many years now, the arrangement has always been an informal one. […]
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IAQAA updates draft on COVID-19 guidelines
The Australian Chapter of Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) has released a new Draft Reference and Guidelines for Post Cleaning Validation of Buildings Contaminated with SARS-CoV-2. This is an updated version of the original Draft of guidelines, published in April, on the validation of post-cleaning work in buildings where a person infected with COVID-19 was […]
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Australia’s $3.8b cold-chain food waste
Failures in the cold food chain cost the Australian economy nearly $4 billion worth of wasted food at farm gate values, says a new government- and industry-sponsored study. The study was carried out by the Melbourne-based Expert Group for the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment and Refrigerants Australia. This is the first time […]
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AMCA appoints Shackleton, farewells Mackrill
The Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors’ Association (AMCA) has appointed Adrian Shackleton as Executive Director of both AMCA Queensland and AMCA New South Wales. Adrian joins the AMCA after five years with Services Trades College Australia, where he was General Manager and Company Secretary. Starting his career as a plumber, Adrian has worked in the […]
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New study raises concerns over HFOs
Research co-led by York University and Environment and Climate Change Canada has unearthed new evidence about the impacts of hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) on the environment. HFOs have been positioned by some as the future of synthetic refrigerants. They have zero ozone-depleting potential and break down very quickly in the atmosphere, resulting in very low global warming […]
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Chill Challenge announces grants
Engineers Without Borders USA has announced grant awards for seven proposals in its Chill Challenge, an initiative launched in September 2019 to develop affordable refrigeration technologies for off-grid households in the developing world. “The development of off-grid refrigeration has enormous potential for improving the lives of millions of the poorest and most vulnerable people on […]
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China to tackle HFCs
China has proposed a national plan to deal with hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The plan recommends adjusting the existing regulations dealing with Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) to cover HFCs, and to strengthen monitoring and enforcement of existing measures. It also proposes adding HFCs to existing regulations consistent with implementation of the Kigali Amendment, including a quota system […]
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Next step in Australia’s emissions reduction
The Australian government has released a series of recommendations from the Report of the Expert Panel examining additional sources of low cost abatement. A panel chaired by former Business Council of Australia president, Grant King, looked at ways to incentivise low-cost abatement across the country, with a focus on the industrial, manufacturing, transport and agriculture […]
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RAC apprentices on hold for driving licences
The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) is calling for refrigeration and air conditioning apprentices to be prioritised among those waiting for driver licence tests. In Victoria, COVID-19 restrictions have led to the suspension of driver’s licence testing in Victoria, resulting in a backlog of almost 30,000 applicants. This includes refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) trade apprentices, […]
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Solar chimney a life-saver
Researchers at RMIT University have designed a solar chimney that saves energy – and lives. While solar chimneys are known for their sustainable features – with the ability to reduce energy usage by up to 50 per cent – the researchers have designed one that is also optimised for fire safety. The new design is […]
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Role of refrigeration in worldwide nutrition
The International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) has published their sixth Informatory Note on Refrigeration and Food: The Role of Refrigeration in Worldwide Nutrition. It is an update of previous versions published by the IIR in November 1996 and June 2009. The Informatory Note draws on the latest facts and figures from reputable organisations such as […]
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Legionella on the rise in Sydney
As governments begin easing COVID-19 restrictions, the NSW Ministry of Health (NSW Health) has issued a reminder that building owners and occupiers have a legal obligation to ensure air conditioning cooling towers are properly maintained, to reduce the risk of Legionnaires’ disease. “There has been an increase in cases of Legionnaires’ disease across the Sydney […]
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Heads-up on heating from Standards Australia
As winter approaches and people start heating homes and other buildings, Standards Australia has sent out a message to raise awareness about safety and energy efficiency. Standards Australia notes that standards set out requirements for the safe design, use and energy consumption of heaters and similar electrical appliances heavily used in winter. It also points […]
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RRA launches augmented reality app
Refrigerant Reclaim Australia (RRA) has released a series of new digital training resources that provide an innovative and hands-on way for apprentices to understand the refrigerant recovery processes for various types of equipment. “The processes for recovering refrigerant, pressure testing, evacuating and re-charging systems are critical for both upholding industry best practice and reducing the […]
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ASHRAE’s guide to reopening buildings
The ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force has developed guidance on how to reduce potential health risks when buildings reopen after the COVID-19 pandemic. 2019–20 ASHRAE President Darryl Boyce says we have reached a time where planning for a safe return to normal activities has become a priority. “Safe operation of HVAC and building water management systems […]
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Road to raising flammable charge limits
Life Front has released a new report with recommendations on how to safely raise the charge limits for flammable refrigerants in refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump (RACHP) applications. The EU-funded project aims to remove implementation barriers posed by legacy charge-limit standards. The report comes after the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) paved the way for […]