TRAINING Addressing
skills gaps in A3 refrigerant handling
Cameron Beech
Cameron Beech, DX & VRF product manager UK, and Vince Rodgers, sales support director UK for Carrier Residential & Light Commercial EMEA, explore the importance of training programmes for handling new A3 refrigerants, the adoption challenges faced by installers, and the role of industry regulations in shaping the future of HVAC training.
I Vince Rodgers
As the HVAC industry moves towards more sustainable refrigerant solutions, one major shift is the increased adoption of A3 refrigerants such as R290 (propane). These
highly fl ammable substances are pivotal in reducing global warming potential (GWP) but also present unique challenges in terms of safety and installation. Carrier Solutions UK has recognised a signifi cant skills gap among HVAC installers, many of whom lack the specialised knowledge required to safely handle A3 refrigerants.
To address this gap, the company promoted extensive training
programmes held at recognised centres throughout the UK by trusted third-party specialist training operators. The courses focused on equipping installers with the expertise necessary to handle these fl ammable refrigerants safely and effi ciently and are awarded by both Logic and City & Guilds, ensuring that installers who complete it are fully qualifi ed to work with A3 refrigerants.
Specialised training The HVAC industry has historically relied on refrigerants like
R410A, which, although eff ective, have a high GWP. With environmental regulations tightening and governments pushing for more sustainable alternatives, A3 refrigerants, such as R290, have become increasingly popular. However, these refrigerants present new risks due to their fl ammability, making specialised training essential for ensuring safe installation and maintenance. “Installers have been trained to handle traditional refrigerants, but working with A3 refrigerants is a diff erent ball game entirely,” says Cameron Beech, DX & VRF product manager UK. “There’s a huge skills gap when it comes to understanding the properties of these substances and the specifi c safety protocols required for handling them.”
Safety protocols
Carrier Solutions UK is promoting training programmes that heavily emphasise safety, focusing on protocols vital for working with A3 refrigerants and upskilling the current cohort of engineers. One of the critical components of the courses is understanding the diff erence between A2L and A3 refrigerants. A2L refrigerants, like R32, are mildly fl ammable, while A3 refrigerants, such as R290, are fully fl ammable and therefore require stricter safety measures.
18 February 2025 •
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