Bangkok, Thailand, 4 July 2023 ‒ Refrigerant Driving License (RDL), a global qualification program for refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) technicians, was unveiled at the 45th meeting of the Open-ended Working Group of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol in Bangkok. UNEP OzonAction and the Air Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) are leading the initiative, in collaboration with the European Association of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Contractors (AREA).
During the side event, 109 representatives (48 female/61 male) of National Ozone Units, NGOs, industry representatives and other meeting participants learned about the benefits of the RDL, its online and hands-on testing components, and how National Ozone Units can implement the RDL programme in their countries.
High global warming potential (GWP) hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases widely used by the RAC industry, are being phased down and replaced by low-GWP alternative refrigerants, guided by the Kigali Amendment of the Montreal Protocol.
Due to the flammability of some low-GWP alternative refrigerants and their increasing use, safe refrigerant management is needed more than ever to minimize risk.
RDL is a globally recognized and accepted qualification programme that sets minimum competencies and skills to assess technicians on proper and safe handling and management of refrigerants.
Global acceptance is one of the key benefits of the RDL. The programme is supported by eleven key industry and professional associations from around the world (see box).
The RDL programme not only supports local practitioners to assess and validate their skills and best practices in identifying, handling, charging, recovery and recycling, leak testing, storing, record-keeping, and circuit maintenance, but it also responds to the needs of Article 5 countries for a safe and environmentally responsible transition to the next generation of refrigerants.
The key takeaways from the side event for National Ozone Units included how to effectively implement the RDL programme in their countries. The session highlighted the online theoretical examination and hands-on practical skills assessment of servicing technicians as one of the critical components of the RDL program, as well as lessons learnt from successful pilots in Grenada, the Maldives, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Suriname, and Trinidad & Tobago.
One observation from RDL pilots conducted in Grenada and Maldives was that technicians considered passing the RDL as a validation of their knowledge. Miruza Mohamed, Director, Environment Management and Conservation of the Maldives said technicians from her country considered the RDL an opportunity for technicians to have their competencies internationally recognized. The fact that a global array of associations were supporters made the technicians eager to participate, noted Leslie Smith, Head of the National Ozone Unit of Grenada.
Regarding the need for programmes like RDL, Jim Curlin, Head of UNEP OzonAction noted “In the world of flammable refrigerants, ideally every single technician should be trained on best and safe practices, and each one of those who have been trained should be confirmed to have acquired the knowledge through a certification process” He added, “A technician qualification program is the best way to minimize risks for the public, the private sector, the government, and the Montreal Protocol. We found it also has many positive side benefits, including both the professionalization of the RAC workforce and its alignment with international qualifications.”
National Ozone Units or others interested in learning more about the RDL programme are invited to contact their respective UNEP Regional CAP teams or the contact listed below.
For more information:
Sonja Wagner
Programme Management Officer
UNEP OzonAction
