Sultanate of Oman Strengthens Capacity of Technicians to Provide Cool Services that Protect Environment

6 January 2020, Muscat  ̶  Refrigeration and air conditioning is at the heart of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. Many of the refrigerant gases controlled under this treaty, including hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), have adverse environmental impacts if released to the atmosphere as the result of leaks, improperly-installed or poorly-maintained equipment. UN Environment (UNEP) and the Sultanate of Oman recognize that the skills of the workforce who install and service refrigeration and air conditioning equipment is key to optimizing the equipment performance and protecting the environment. Accordingly, UNEP's OzonAction Compliance Assistance Programme in West Asia joined with the Sultanate of Oman's Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and the Ministry of Manpower to upgrade the skills of the country's refrigeration and air conditioning technicians on the latest techniques in leak detection, safe handling of refrigerants and application of good practices in servicing. The training, which was supported by the Montreal Protocol's Multilateral Fund, was conducted from 24-26 December 2019 at the Seeb Vocational Training Center.



The participants comprised engineers, supervisors and technicians from different contracting companies and service providers in refrigeration and air conditioning in the Sultanate of Oman, were trained on how to effectively detect leaks and also shown the latest technologies in leak detection. The participants were also trained in safe handling and manipulation of piping, such as cutting, bending, flaring, swaging and brazing techniques, which were given emphasis since leakage of refrigerants sometimes occurs during piping operations.

The participants were also given the opportunity to identify refrigerants using an electronic refrigerant analyzer, perform recovery and recycling of refrigerants, conduct charging of blends and they received information on how to safely service refrigeration and air conditioning equipment with flammable refrigerants.



The knowledge in theory, skills and aptitude of the participants with regard to issues such as housekeeping and safety applications were also evaluated through an institutional assessment in preparation for the proposed implementation of the National Assessment and Certification for all technicians engaged in refrigeration and air conditioning activities.

For further information:

Khaled Klaly
Montreal Protocol Regional Coordinator for West Asia
UNEP OzonAction
Manama, Bahrain
Email: Khaled.klaly@un.org