TRAINING
For example, traditional recovery machines and vacuum pumps, which may work well with older refrigerants, pose a signifi cant ignition risk when used with A3 refrigerants. Installers must use tools specifi cally designed for these substances to mitigate the risk of fi res and explosions. These courses also teach the importance of thoroughly purging the system before conducting any hot work, such as brazing, to avoid leaving behind even trace amounts of fl ammable refrigerants.
“Even a small amount of residual A3 refrigerant left in a system can lead to catastrophic consequences if it ignites,” notes Beech. “That’s why meticulous evacuation and verifi cation procedures are stressed in the training.”
Bridging the skills gap Despite the critical need for proper training, there is currently
no legal requirement for HVAC installers to undergo specifi c instruction on handling A3 refrigerants. This regulatory gap has led to concerns about the safety of both installers and end users, as improper handling of A3 refrigerants can result in accidents, including fi res and explosions. Carrier Solutions UK advocates for more stringent industry
regulations that mandate A3 refrigerant training. “We know there is a massive skills gap,” sales support director UK, Vince Rodgers points out. “Installers who’ve only ever worked with traditional refrigerants are often ill-equipped to handle the complexities and dangers associated with A3 refrigerants. This gap needs to be fi lled through training and possibly stricter regulatory frameworks.” HVAC systems must be designed and installed with these
new refrigerants in mind. “Technology is evolving, and so must installers,” says Beech. “Understanding how to safely install and maintain A3-compatible systems is critical. You can’t just swap out refrigerants and expect everything to function the same way.”
The future of HVAC training While the fl ammability of A3 refrigerants is a key consideration,
it is important to note that, with proper training and handling protocols, these refrigerants are not only safe but also off er signifi cant advantages in advancing sustainable practices within the industry. As the HVAC industry continues to transition toward more
environmentally balanced refrigerants, the importance of comprehensive training will only grow. Carrier Solutions UK is promoting training that focuses not only on technical skills but also on regulatory knowledge and safety awareness. “Looking forward, we expect the demand for A3 refrigerants
to increase,” Rodgers notes. “The industry is moving towards sustainable solutions, which means more installers will need to be trained to handle these fl ammable refrigerants. The skills required today will become even more critical in the future.” Beech echoes this sentiment: “The transition is happening,
and it’s happening fast. Installers need to be prepared, not just for the refrigerants we use today but for those we’ll be using tomorrow.”
Carrier Solutions UK’s commitment to training and education
ensures that the HVAC workforce is prepared to meet the challenges of this evolving landscape, bridging the skills gap and making the transition to A3 refrigerants as safe and smooth as possible. This training gap is a risk we can’t ignore; as the HVAC industry evolves, so must the skills of its workforce.
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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.
www.acr-news.com • February 2025 19
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