The following story is an extract from the booklet 'Women in the Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Industry."
I have always been determined to use my passion for science to make a positive impact. After completing a Bachelor of Science, I started a PhD in Analytical Chemistry at Victoria University; performing this work heightened my interest in entering the industry, so I left academia for hands-on experience and started my career as an Industrial Chemist.
After a few changes I became a QA Chemist at A-Gas, excited to be a part of such a great company and to play (even a small) part in combating global warming. By helping to prevent releases of ozone depleting substances (ODS) and synthetic greenhouse gases (SGS) during analytical processes, I am contributing to making a difference now for the benefit of future generations.
My daily responsibilities include working with refrigerants and taking samples of, and performing analysis, on halons and other ozone depleting substances in accordance with the ISO 17025 requirements. The laboratory at A-Gas in Melbourne manages the National Halon Bank on behalf of the Australian Department of Environment and Energy, and our obligation is to provide laboratory services. Halon 1211 and Halon 1301 are liquified, compressed gases that are extraordinarily effective fire extinguishers and can combat fires without the production of residues that could damage the assets being protected. These halons are ozone depleting substances and are no longer produced (with a few exceptions for “essential uses”), but halons are still in use in some circumstances as they are a necessary part of modern life and must be carefully and responsibly managed. My role in this is to conduct tests so the Halon Bank can provide halons that are high in purity and meet the requirements of ASTM D5632 and D7673. This then means that the agents are fit for purpose and should operate as designed.
"The world needs the best and brightest minds to address
the major issues seen today, and there are so many
exciting opportunities for women in the industry!"
The analytical tests that I perform include testing for purity and non-condensable gases by gas chromatography, and for water by Karl Fischer titration as well as several other wet chemistry techniques. I am also responsible for maintaining the calibrations of the equipment, ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, and monitoring our lab systems’ performance. Another large part of my work is research and development of in-house test methods for new products used as halon alternatives.
The world needs the best and brightest minds to address the major issues seen today, and there are so many exciting opportunities for women in the industry! In a traditionally male-dominated environment, women bring balance as we can provide different points of view and opinions. For me, working in the refrigerant industry has been a rewarding and fun ride so far. I have learnt so much about ozone depleting substances and synthetic greenhouse gases and their effects on the atmosphere and climate. Especially today, when the war on climate change is such an important issue that effects everyone, education, understanding and research are the way forward. My role in testing halons, quality control of ODS and SGS, and preventing any releases during the analysis process, is my contribution towards this fight against climate change.
I used to lack confidence in myself when presenting my ideas, and found I would then doubt my opinions or allow others with louder voices to overshadow my own. If I couldn’t express myself with confidence, how would I ever be able to convince others that I had worthy opinions? Luckily, I had a senior female role model (Elvira Nigido, National Halon Bank Manager) who gave me a pep talk after one such meeting and told me that I was not only a chemist, but a good chemist and I knew what I was talking about! I needed to believe that and not let others convince me otherwise. It seems like such a simple statement, but it made a world of change in my daily working life. Since then, I speak with confidence, assured that I know my work best and can better explain scientific data and results in a convincing and clear way. I now find that male colleagues take notice and do not just listen to me but hear what I have to say. It was so important for me to have another woman advocating for me, especially in such a male-dominated industry. Having other women pave the way and improve the system, allows women to gain more opportunities for women in these critical industries - no matter how small the contribution.
For the future, I hope I can expand the work I do as a chemist and contribute more to our capabilities in testing replacements for ODS and SGS in the environment. My personal belief is that everyone should have a positive impact on the environment, so we can leave a legacy for the next generation. As I have two young children, I want them to grow up in a green, sustainable planet and for this to happen, we need to make changes now.
Women shouldn’t second guess themselves, they should trust their intuition and advocate for themselves. Don’t accept gender stereotypes and speak up against misguided comments. Don’t apologize for having an opinion. You matter, your role in this industry matters, even though sometimes it may not feel that way. I believe it is important to allow yourself to stand up and be heard, and to be confident in your abilities.
