The move follows Toshiba’s announcement last year that it was switching to R32 for use in split and multi-split air conditioning systems immediately, and for use in air-to-water heat pumps starting in mid-2019.

The change is the result of the phase-down in use of widely used refrigerant R410A, which has a higher global warming potential, under the F-Gas Regulations.

Neil Hitching, sales director at Toshiba Air Conditioning, said: “We are pleased to be able to provide installers and service companies with the theoretical and practical knowledge required to handle R32 and other flammable refrigerants safely. Our priority is to ensure the highest standards of safety for all Toshiba installations and the Flammable Refrigerant Training Programme will help to ensure a successful and safe transition to this new class of refrigerants.”

R32 is classed as an A2L refrigerant and is lower in flammability than A2 and A3 refrigerants, such as propane. However, under UK health and safety law and transport regulations, R32 is still considered flammable and the distinction between A2L and A2/A3 refrigerants is not recognised. For this reason, and because flammable refrigerants of all classes are likely to become more widely used in future, the Toshiba training programme covers safe handling of all flammable refrigerants, and equips installers to handle both A2L and A2/A3 refrigerants.

Toshiba is offering customers a contribution towards the cost of the course, which is also available through its Rewards scheme, effectively making it available free to those enrolled on the scheme with sufficient points.

Toshiba has joined forces with industry training organisations Business Edge and the Practical Refrigeration Training Centre, which will offer the course in the South of England at Waterlooville and Tiverton, in the Midlands at Milton Keynes, and in the North at Burnley. The course is approved and validated by City & Guilds and Logic Certification.

The one-day programme covers safe handling of all A2L, A2 & A3 flammable refrigerants, and includes:

• The dangers of working with hydrocarbons, including health and safety requirements and identification of hazards;
• Regulations, codes of practice and industry recommendations for installation, servicing and maintaining and de-commissioning hydrocarbon systems;
• Properties of hydrocarbon refrigerants, their advantages and disadvantages and typical applications;
• Understanding the differences between halocarbon and hydrocarbon acr systems, including identification of components and system features unique to hydrocarbon systems;
• How to plan and prepare for work on hydrocarbon acr systems – risk assessments, appropriate tools and PPE, and establishment and maintenance of a safe area;
• Servicing and maintaining hydrocarbon RAC systems;
• Correct tools, leak testing, retro-fitting suitability, and safe charging, recovery, brazing, transportation and storage.

For more details and to register, click here.