By Eamonn Ryan
The Southern African Development Community Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (SADC RAC) association held a workshop in Johannesburg in November. This is Part 1 of a seven-part article.
David Botha, the executive director of both the South African Qualification and Certification Committee (SAQCC) and the South African Refrigeration Air Conditioning Contractors’ Association (SARACCA). © RACA Journal
David Botha, the executive director of both the South African Qualification and Certification Committee (SAQCC) and the South African Refrigeration Air Conditioning Contractors’ Association (SARACCA), highlighted to the workshop the important roles these organisations play in certifying and training technicians within South Africa’s refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
His presentation focused on technician certification, safety standards and the environmental impact of refrigerants, stressing the critical need for more training centres and innovative solutions like e-learning to address the growing shortage of qualified professionals.
Turning to the topic of technician certification, Botha explained that in South Africa, technicians are classified within a structured system ranging from A1 to B8. These classifications determine the level of work a technician is qualified to perform. Importantly, the certification process ensures that technicians possess the necessary knowledge and skills to handle refrigerants safely. Botha emphasised that while a five-day course (as discussed in the earlier presentation by Margaret Molefe, director for Hazardous Chemicals Management at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), and reviewed elsewhere in RACA Journal) may allow technicians to work with refrigerants, it does not equate to full qualification to handle more complex tasks such as servicing large chiller plants or repairing air conditioning units. Rather, these shorter courses serve to equip technicians with the skills to work safely, ensuring that they understand the essential requirements for refrigerant handling, such as proper installation and removal practices.
The role of SARACCA in industry regulation
SARACCA, established over 63 years ago, has played a crucial role in regulating the refrigeration and air conditioning industry (HVAC&R) in South Africa. The association’s members, primarily contractors, are responsible for ensuring that technicians operate within the standards set forth by both SARACCA and SAQCC Gas. SARACCA’s mission is to safeguard the industry by promoting safety, professionalism, and environmental protection in all areas of refrigeration and air conditioning, from domestic appliances to large industrial operations.
