A set of free newly updated learning materials is available from the REAL Alternatives 4 LIFE project. The English versions of nine modules have been developed by a team of international experts as part of an European Union co-funded project to address climate change and support the move toward alternatives to high-GWP (global warming potential) refrigerants.
A 15-organization team of project partners—trainers, universities and trade associations across the EU—carried out a thorough review of learning materials originally developed in 2014. This review led to the introduction of a new module focusing on safety and risk assessment to highlight precautions needed when handling flammable, toxic and high-pressure low-GWP refrigerants.
The materials now include these booklets available as free downloads from www.realalternatives4life.eu:
•Introduction to alternative refrigerants—safety, efficiency, reliability and good practice
•Safety and risk management
•System design using alternative refrigerants
•Containment and leak detection of alternative refrigerants
•Maintenance and repair of alternative refrigerant systems
•Retrofitting with low-GWP refrigerants
•Checklist of legal obligations when working with alternative refrigerants
•Measuring the financial and environmental impact of leakage
•Tools and guidance for conducting site surveys
To help raise skill levels and awareness across the EU, the materials are going to be translated into another 12 EU languages over the coming months and will be supported by a free e-learning site that has more interactive resources and links. This site is currently being updated and will also offer 13 language versions.
See www.realalternatives4life.eu for more details.
