Training of Trainers for Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Instructors in Iraq

Twenty-seven (27) Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) instructors (25 male, 2 female) from across Iraq successfully participated in the “Training of Trainers on the safe handling of refrigerants and application of good practices in refrigeration” held at the Vocational Training Directorate in Erbil, Iraq Kurdistan from 18 to 20 June 2023.

The training, organized by the UNEP OzonAction Compliance Assistance Programme (CAP) in West Asia in cooperation with the National Ozone Center (NOC) at the Ministry of Environment of Iraq, aimed to enhance the participants’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes by focusing on various aspects of RAC work.  Topics covered included the safe handling of flammable refrigerants, proper brazing techniques, tube processing, refrigerant recovery, evacuation procedures, and the avoidance of refrigerant purging during charging. The training also incorporated the application of institutional skills assessment, a valuable tool that can be replicated by participants when conducting technician training on good practices.

One of the highlights of the training, which was much appreciated by the participants, was the introduction of new technologies in RAC such as the use of non-flame pipe connections, particularly in refrigeration units employing flammable refrigerants.

Ms. Shatha Kalaf, National Ozone Officer of Iraq, emphasized the importance and significance of this training workshop for trainers in the HVAC sector and underscored its role in facilitating Iraq’s transition towards long-term alternative technologies which in turn would help in ensuring the country’s full and sustainable compliance with the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment.

Mr. Khaled Klaly, Montreal Protocol Regional Coordinator for West Asia, also acknowledged the vital role played by the Iraq NOC in maintaining compliance with the Montreal Protocol and expressed appreciation for its important role in organizing the training and its commitment to implement activities under the HCFC Phase-Out Management Plan (HPMP).

The training was facilitated by Mr. Khaled Klaly and Mr. Manuel Azucena, an internationally recognized Refrigerant Driving License Trainer. The expertise and guidance provided by the trainers contributed to the success of the training, equipping the RAC instructors with essential knowledge and skills. This training represents a significant step forward in building a sustainable and environmentally conscious RAC sector in Iraq.