One hundred refrigeration and air conditioning technicians in Honduras participated in two training sessions to enhance their skills on natural refrigerants and sustainability in the cooling sector. The training, titled 'Safe Handling of Flammable Refrigerants,' was a collaborative effort between the Secretariat of Natural Resources and Environment (SERNA), through its Ozone Technical Unit of Honduras (UTOH), and the Green Cooling Initiative III by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.
This initiative marks a significant step towards promoting eco-friendly refrigeration technologies and upholding Honduras's commitments under the Montreal Protocol. The sessions were held in San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa, reflecting a strong interest among local companies and institutions in sustainable refrigeration practices.
In San Pedro Sula, 56 professionals were trained from March 14 to 16, 2024, while 45 were trained in Tegucigalpa from March 18 to 20. The College of Mechanical, Electrical, and Chemical Engineers of Honduras (CIMEQH) hosted the sessions, reinforcing a commitment to specialized technical education.
Participants included employees from various sectors keen on adopting safer refrigeration methods. Instructors from technical schools also participated, aiming to pass on the knowledge to their students. The comprehensive curriculum covered both theoretical and practical aspects of handling natural refrigerants like R-290 (propane).
The first two days focused on theoretical instruction, covering safety standards, system components, and preventive maintenance. The final day featured practical exercises, enabling participants to apply their new knowledge. Continuous assessment through digital tools helped identify and address areas for improvement.
The training aimed to enhance technical skills, promote workplace safety, and improve the quality and competitiveness of Honduran professionals. It concluded with the awarding of diplomas, symbolizing a new phase of commitment to sustainable refrigeration practices.
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