NEWS
Güntner Symposium 2019 hailed a success
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total of 386 participants from 50 nations met in Alpbach in the Tyrol, Austria for an exclusive event with lectures on
current trends and the new Innovation Plaza for networking. The lecture series was opened with a keynote speech by professor Klemens Skibicki, economic historian and university instructor, on innovation and digital business models in B2B-SME. He focused on changes in framework conditions for customers and companies in the digital age and how these conditions can regulate the establishment of future- proof corporations. The lectures ranged from discussions on innovation management at Güntner, to technical aspects such
as the current situation in CO2 view to future scenarios.
applications with a
Visitors were offered an additional presentation platform in the form of the new Innovation Plaza. The 11 stages offered talks with direct insights into a wide range of areas as well as previews of upcoming innovations. Attendees could give direct feedback on topics and discuss concepts and ideas with contacts usually found working behind the scenes. This focus on direct interaction was the key
theme in the introductory address by Robert Gerle, chief sales officer of the executive board of A-HEAT AG, who commented that it is personal contact between the company and the customer which forms the basic requirement for a successful future.
Mates in Mind calls for immediate action
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recent survey that showed six out of 10 workers in construction have suffered mental ill-health because of their work. Following
this, coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Day, the charity Mates in Mind, is called on industry leaders and government to be more considerate and consistent to achieve meaningful improvement within the workplace. This has never been more important in the fight to address the high rate of suicide within the UK construction industry. Construction is a sector in which the impact of mental ill-health and suicide are particularly prominent, with reports showing that within the industry two workers take their own life every working day. The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) recognises this risk and supports Mates in Mind, among other charities, in an attempt to raise awareness and support those within the industry who may be struggling with their mental health.
Thursday 10 October was World Mental Health Day, an internationally recognised day in which organisations and individuals come together to break the silence surrounding mental ill-health. This year’s theme focuses on suicide prevention. According to The Office of National Statistics, in 2018 there was a rise in the number of deaths by suicide with 6,507 recorded - the highest level since 2002. James Rudoni, managing director for Mates in Mind, said: “We are deeply concerned to see a rise in
T
he handling of components for flammable refrigerants involves numerous risks. Since flammable refrigerants, due to their
lower global warming potential (GWP), are very important for achieving the objectives of the F-Gas Regulation, it is necessary to change to them. Asercom has published a guide for the safe
handling of components in the use of flammable refrigerants. The association therefore wants to provide experts, manufacturers and installers of systems that are operated in non-hazardous areas with a handling recommendation. The guideline aims at the safe handling of components used in compression refrigeration circuits with flammable refrigerants. The HVACR industry has to look for alternatives with a lower GWP by gradually reducing the use of fluorinated refrigerants with a high GWP value. Unlike refrigerants with a high GWP value, refrigerants with a very low GWP value are likely to be flammable and combustible. Flammable refrigerants have been used in
this figure, despite the attention that has been given to suicide prevention and increased awareness of mental health in recent years. “The work that Mates in Mind is doing to further raise awareness, address the stigma and improve mental wellbeing throughout workplaces across construction and associated industries, continues unabated. Over the last three years, this interest hasn’t dropped off, in fact just the opposite. “A significant part of the work that we do is to provide real understanding and clarity around the issue of mental health. Signposting and supporting organisations to deliver the right support for their workforce. It is vital that organisations realise that this requires them to listen, encourage and support employees, rather than simply running short-term awareness campaign or one-off training.”
millions of household applications for decades. The filling quantity in household appliances is limited to 150 grams per system. Industry and the associated service sectors are now faced with a new challenge: the increased use of flammable refrigerants means that larger fill quantities are required, which, if handled incorrectly, pose a significantly higher risk potential.
Asercom lays out the specific conditions under which flammable refrigerants are allowed to be used. If components are approved for a particular flammable refrigerant or for a group of flammable refrigerants and their conformity has been declared by the manufacturer, these components may be used, taking into account the specific requirements for their installation and use. The installer must always carry out a comprehensive risk assessment of the installation. This means that he must design the installation in accordance with the safety requirements described in the application-specific safety regulations.
www.acr-news.com November 2019 13 Asercom
provides safe handling guide
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