By Eamonn Ryan
The South African HVAC&R industry is making a strong push for companies to register their refrigeration practitioners online.
David Botha, executive director of SARACCA. © RACA Journal
This initiative aims to streamline the management of Certificates of Compliance (COCs) and ensure adherence to critical industry standards, according to David Botha, executive director of SARACCA.
Speaking at FRIGAIR 2025, Botha highlighted the significant advantages for companies in registering their practitioners through the online portal. “If you have more than one practitioner working for you, we prefer if companies go onto that online profile and register their practitioners,” Botha stated. This allows companies to monitor their employees’ activities in the field, review COCs for accuracy, and ensure all work aligns with company standards. It also provides a crucial safeguard, ensuring that if company-owned COCs are used by practitioners working independently, the company retains oversight and responsibility.
The industry categorises practitioners into seven distinct groups, each with specific scopes of work and limitations. Botha emphasised the importance of practitioners understanding their assigned category to avoid working outside their authorised scope.
- A1 Category: Primarily focused on safety in plant rooms, these practitioners are registered but do not issue COCs. Their registration ensures they have received the necessary training for their work environment.
- A2 Category: Authorised to issue COCs for refrigeration and cold room units up to 10 kW.
- A3 Category: Consists of pipe installers and fitters, who are not permitted to issue COCs.
- A4 Category: This is the largest category of practitioners who do not possess a formal trade test but have significant industry experience (anything from four to ten years). They are authorised to issue COCs for units up to 18 kW (60 000 BTU units), covering common air conditioning units, condensers and console units. Botha stressed that A4 practitioners cannot issue COCs for units exceeding 18 kW, such as larger package units.
- A5 Category: Designated for apprentices in training. They are not permitted to issue COCs until they have completed their trade test.
- B6 Category: Encompasses all qualified practitioners holding a trade certificate in air conditioning and refrigeration. These individuals can issue COCs for a broader range of work.
- B7 Category: (carbon dioxide): Practitioners specialising in CO2 systems are required to be trade tested and actively working in the industry.
- B8 Category (ammonia): This category presents a unique challenge due to the lack of a formal trade test for ammonia. SARACCA currently recognises individuals with trade tests in related fields such as electricians, pipe fitters or millwrights, who have extensive experience in ammonia refrigeration. However, Botha warned that this allowance is temporary and will cease once an ammonia trade test becomes available. “Anyone else coming into the ammonia industry that hasn’t been registered as a B8 before will not have the opportunity to register as a B8 category without a trade certificate,” he clarified.
Industry challenges and future outlook
The presentation also touched upon the need for improved integration of ventilation regulations with COCs, suggesting a more holistic approach to compliance within the industry.
Botha highlighted the significant difference between the training received in a standard electrical trade programme and the comprehensive three-year air conditioning programme, which concludes with a specialised trade test. He noted that individuals with an electrical trade background might have received little to no training in air conditioning during their apprenticeships. To qualify for B6 or B8 registration, electricians are required to successfully complete an additional trade test specifically for air conditioning and industrial refrigeration.
“For mechanics working on vehicle air conditioning systems, we have the B9 Category (car air conditioning). To qualify, mechanics must hold a trade certificate in their field, complete specialised courses for vehicle lifts, and crucially, possess a safe handling of refrigerant certificate.”
He continued, “The B10 Category (transport refrigeration) is dedicated to practitioners working on larger transport refrigeration units. For those operating in coastal areas, handling refrigeration systems on marine vessels, we have the B11 Category (marine refrigeration).”
Botha reiterated a universal requirement: “All practitioners, regardless of category, must have a valid safe handling of refrigerant certificate. Without this essential document, along with other supporting proof, registration in any category will not be possible.
“The ‘C’ category is reserved for inspectors, mechanical engineers and designers. These professionals fall into subcategories C12, C13 and C14.” He highlighted a key advantage for these individuals: “If they can demonstrate proficiency and knowledge of refrigerant safe handling through their core qualifications and documentation, they do not need to undertake the separate safe handling of refrigerant course again for registration in this category.”
However, Botha clarified, “A mechanical engineer, for instance, cannot be registered as a B6 practitioner unless they also hold a relevant trade qualification.” He noted that, “Inspectors within this category have stringent requirements, needing to adhere to the Pressure Regulating Act and often completing specific courses through approved training providers”.
Alarming statistics: the COC compliance gap
Botha presented alarming statistics regarding the state of compliance in the South African refrigeration industry. While there are 3 692 active practitioners with valid registrations across different regions, the number of Certificates of Compliance (COCs) issued between 1 February and 31 March was a mere 1 723. He noted that the low number of issued COCs, despite a busy workforce, indicates a widespread failure to comply with legal requirements.
“By law, you need to issue a COC for every single new installation that you install, every single new installation, every compressor that you change, every system where there’s no refrigerant in the system because the pipe broke off, you need to fix the leak, pressure test it, vacuum it, get it back and recommission and issue a COC. It is not at the client’s discretion.”
He warned of increasing scrutiny from inspectors, sharing a recent example where a company was ordered to retroactively issue COCs for 23 air conditioning units installed years ago simply to remain operational.
“It can close your business,” Botha cautioned, urging companies and practitioners to prioritise compliance. He encouraged everyone to consult the SARACCA and SAQCC Gas websites for detailed information on legal requirements.
The R22 phase-out’s looming deadline
Botha reiterated the critical importance of the R22 refrigerant phase-out, stemming from the Montreal Protocol and its subsequent amendments, including the Kigali Agreement. The deadline for R22 phase-out is 2026. He emphasised the severe legal ramifications for non-compliance, including potential fines and even imprisonment for venting R22. He urged practitioners to proactively engage with clients about transitioning away from R22 and towards more environmentally friendly alternatives.
He warned that the country will see a drastic reduction in R22 imports, projecting a mere 2% to 2.5% of current volumes, or 75-100 tons, from 2026 onwards. This scarcity will lead to exorbitant prices and potential operational crises for businesses still relying on R22.
“If you don’t warn your clients now to start moving away from R22 and using the new refrigerants, there is going to be a problem,” Botha cautioned. He highlighted a significant price increase for R22, from R1 472 per 13kg cylinder in 2023 to R2 457 in 2025, anticipating exponential rises to “six to 10 times more expensive” by 2027.
Botha unveiled another sobering reality: venting R22 refrigerant can result in a fine of up to R10-million, 10 years imprisonment, or both. This stern warning underscores the severe legal and environmental consequences of improper refrigerant handling. He urged companies to ensure their practitioners comply with safe handling procedures to avoid such penalties.
What is SARACCA?
SARACCA (South African Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association) is a unified body of contractors committed to upholding industry excellence. Each member operates independently but adheres to a collective set of governing standards, ensuring compliance and the highest level of professionalism. By fostering free competition, SARACCA promotes best practices within the refrigeration and air conditioning sectors, ensuring that our members deliver reliable, efficient, and compliant services across the industry.
