As part of Star’s ongoing education and advocacy efforts to encourage the use of refrigeration systems’ safe practices and the reduction of legislative compliance burden, Dr Cotter will share his expert knowledge and provide a detailed review of hazards and risks associated with the safe operation of carbon dioxide refrigeration systems as well as a template for a systemic approach to assessing of risk, emergency planning and facility awareness.

Dr Cotter said: “It is crucial to highlight the hazards associated with carbon dioxide and I am pleased to present on this topic hosted by the Institute of Refrigeration. Current EU and UK legislation require refrigeration systems to operate safely in all circumstances. Still, the hazards associated with carbon dioxide often only become apparent should an incident occur due to the inherent characteristics of this colourless, odourless gas.

'By presenting a standard hazard assessment approach for assessing carbon dioxide refrigeration systems and emphasising the legally binding responsibilities faced by owners and users of carbon dioxide equipment, I hope that we can create a safer working environment for operators, staff, contractors and visitors.'

Dr Dermot Cotter has over 30 years of experience providing support and training on UK regulations and best practice codes for end-users and operators of industrial refrigeration operating on both F-gases and natural refrigerants. He is currently managing director of Star’s consultancy arm, Star Technical Solutions. He was elected to the Board of Directors of the Cold Chain Federation, where he provides advice to its members on all matters related to refrigeration systems and insulated envelope. Dr Cotter has published numerous papers on behalf of the Institute of Refrigeration and the International Institute of Refrigeration, on the subject of refrigerant safety.

The Tech Talk series is one of the IOR’s key long-term projects to promote innovation and facilitate debate on critical issues related to the industry. With roots that stretch back for more than 120 years and with over 2,200 members, the charitable organisation acts in an advisory role to the refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump sector.

The webinar is open to engineers, end-users, and industry stakeholders and is free to attend. A video recording of the session will be made available to those registering for the event but unable to watch live. To register and download the paper, visit https://ior.org.uk/events/carbon-dioxide-hazard-assessment-and-safety-system