Matt Dillon
In cooperation with a coalition of partner organisations, UNEP OzonAction and the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) have launched the Refrigerant Driving Licence (RDL).
Designed for use by refrigeration and air conditioning technicians, the new qualification program is designed to complement rather than replace existing national technician qualification schemes.
“It also offers a ready-made and structured framework for countries that currently do not yet have a national technician certification program, but wish to start assessing the skill levels of their RAC workforce,” the UNEP OzonAction says.
The UNEP says that with an advisory committee consisting of some of the world’s leading HVAC&R associations, global acceptance is one of the key benefits of the RDL.
“Training is incomplete without the next step that verifies knowledge and skills have been acquired,” says Head of UNEP OzonAction Jim Curlin. He adds that certification has been identified as a critical need by several UN committees.
The RDL consists of two exams covering small RAC applications. An online exam conducted by AHRI tests knowledge of skills and tasks. A supervised practical exam conducted by the European Association of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Contractors (AREA) assesses candidates’ hands-on performance. Technicians receiving passing scores on both exams earn an RDL certificate and wallet card.
Topics covered in the exams include refrigerant types, tools, fabricating copper tubing, evacuation and charging, refrigerant circuit tools, recovery/recycling/recycling machines, brazing, and safety.
“In the world of next-generation refrigerants, which include flammable gases, every single technician should be trained on best and safe practices,” Curlin says. “And each one of those who have been trained should be confirmed to have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills.”
In its initial phase, the RDL is offered specifically to National Ozone Units (NOUs) – government units in developing countries that are responsible for managing their national programs to comply with the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layers. They can include the RDL as part of their phase-out and phase-down projects proposals under the Multilateral Fund.
The deadline for NOUs to express interest in setting up the RDL program in their countries is April 30, 2024.
Click here or email the UN OzonAction for more information.
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