From June to August 2024, GIZ, through the Green Cooling Initiative (GCI) III Project, in collaboration with the Department of Skill Development, conducted an intensive skill upgrading training programme focused on the management of environmentally friendly natural refrigerants for Home and Small Commercial Refrigerator and Air Conditioner Technicians. This initiative was designed to enhance participants’ proficiency in the safe and efficient handling of natural refrigerants in accordance with international environmental standards.

Training Highlights:

• Safety First: The training programme emphasised advanced safety protocols, crucial for handling flammable natural refrigerants. Participants learned risk assessment, health and safety practices in the workplace, and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Practical Skills: Hands-on sessions provided participants with the skills to install, maintain, and operate refrigeration systems using natural refrigerants, ensuring precision and safety.
• Tools and Equipment: Participants were trained on the latest tools essential for effective refrigerant management, including leak detectors and recovery machines.

The training programme is part of the GCI III project, which focuses on promoting sustainability, safety, and environmental responsibility within the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. Training sessions were conducted in four provinces across Thailand: Nakhon Ratchasima, Songkhla, Khon Kaen, and Lampang, with a total of 83 technicians participating. These trained technicians will be able to apply the skills they have acquired in real-world scenarios, enhancing safe practices and setting higher operational standards within the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.