HVAC&R Nation October 2017 by AIRAH

Feature

Pump it up

Skills WORKSHOP

EneManaging risks to health and safety

Why can’t we be friends? Mech services plumbers vs RAC mechanics

October 2017 / ISSUE 106

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2 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | October 2017

October 2017 / ISSUE 106

Why can’t we be friends? 20 HVAC&R Nation is published by the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air conditioning and Heating (Inc). AIRAH – National Office James Harrison Centre 3/1 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia. Tel: 03 8623 3000

Fax: 03 9614 8949

www.airah.org.au/nation

Magazine team Managing Editor Matthew Dillon matt.dillon@airah.org.au Tel: 03 8623 3000

Contributing writer Sean McGowan

For decades, argy-bargy has existed between two of the HVAC&R industry’s most important players: refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics, and mechanical services plumbers. HVAC&R Nation attempts to bust the myths and misunderstandings that continue to raise their heads.

Advertising sales HVAC&R Nation regulars

Glenn Douglas glenn.douglas@airah.org.au Ph: 03 8623 3018

John McGrath john.mcgrath@airah.org.au Ph: 03 8623 3007

The Toolshed

Skills Workshop 15

see what’s new in the ‘Shed

Managing risks to health and safety

8 Global Update industry news from around the world

ISSN 1834-9522 HVAC&R Nation is printed on paper sourced from well manned forests and other controlled sources.

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Disclaimer HVAC&R Nation is an official publication of the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating Inc. Statements expressed in HVAC&R Nation do not necessarily reflect the policy or views of AIRAH or its members. No responsibility is accepted by AIRAH, the Editor or HVAC&R Nation’s supply partners for the accuracy of information or for errors or omissions. HVAC&R Nation is distributed without charge to all financial members of AIRAH. The publisher reserves the right to alter or omit any article or advertisement submitted and requires indemnity from advertisers and contributors against damages or liabilities that may arise from material published. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without permission of the Publisher.

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24 Around the Nation who’s in the news?

26 Legal Speak The Law and you

28 Smoko with . . . Q&A with HVAC&R Nation

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Lighter Side the shonkier side of the nation

Pump it up Heat pumps have been used in industry for the past decade or more. Although the use of high-temperature heat pumps in Japan is commonplace, it is almost unheard of in Australia. However, with rapidly escalating gas prices, the highly efficient production of heat – particularly from waste streams – has brought heat pumps to the attention of the local food-manufacturing sector, as Sean McGowan reports.

PLEASE CONSIDER THE ENVIRONMENT AND RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO KEEP IT.

October 2017 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 3

Editorial

Everything you wanted to know about R32

BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK This issue of HVAC&R Nation shines the spotlight on refrigerants and refrigeration. That probably doesn’t come as much of a surprise, because ever since its establishment 10 years ago, “the Nation” has celebrated, explored and explained everything to do with the “R” in HVAC&R. It was ever thus. It’s our thing. What you may not know is that AIRAH, the organisation that brings you this mag, was actually founded as the Victorian Institute of Refrigeration way back in 1920. For those of you who are good with figures, that was nigh on 100 years ago. And the Institute has been putting out material dedicated to improving knowledge and awareness around refrigeration for 70 years! The Journal of Refrigeration was first published in July 1947. In that first issue, the esteemed Joseph Raymond from the London-based Institute of Refrigeration wrote how unfortunate it was that it took the devastating Second World War to highlight the value of refrigeration.

Without refrigeration, Raymond wrote, it would have been impossible for soldiers operating in far-off destinations to be kept well fed, or supplied with fresh blood transfusions when these were needed. All these many years later, and there’s no need to preach the importance of refrigeration to anybody, really, but especially for a publication aimed at fridgies. These days the HVAC&R industry continues to evolve in response to society’s values and government legislation, particularly around environmental issues.

In order to have a lower GWP, a refrigerant’s chemical compounds are typically less stable, and therefore more flammable. That’s how it works. With R32 there has been some confusion since it was first introduced here in splits and smaller systems in 2014. Despite assurances from AREMA and others that everything is as it should be, confusion remains. That’s where HVAC&R Nation can help. You have questions about R32. We have answers.

For instance, since the introduction of the Montreal Protocol and the phase-out of HCFCs began, the RAC industry has driven the development of a range of synthetic refrigerants with low global warming potential (GWP). One of these is R32. Here’s the thing: there’s always been a trade-off between GWP and flammability, which has to do with the physical characteristics of chemicals.

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4 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | October 2017

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October 2017 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 5

Toolshed 01

MHIAA says the Avanti range will continue to provide cooling even when outside temperatures reach 46°C.

Acpac from Actrol

“MHIAA’s 130-year history of engineering innovation is seen with the Avanti range using the same blade technology as jet engines,” MHIAA says. “This enables a large volume of air to be blown with the minimum amount of energy generating an airflow that is uniform and quiet.”

Acpac is an exclusive packaged refrigeration condensing unit range manufactured specifically for Actrol by Tecumseh. It includes models with hermetic, scroll, and semi-hermetic compressors. 01

“Acpac is a fully optioned series which is kept in stock, allowing it to be used for both new projects and break-down replacement projects,” Actrol says.

The APS semi-hermetic range has now been extended with the inclusion of more Tecumseh Semi-Hermetic compressors for both medium and low-temperature applications.

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05 03

A one or two-stage heat-recovery system and a specially made control system aim to provide energy-efficient and cost-effective control.

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Dantherm says the long service life of the DanX units results in long-term economic gains, and contributes to a low total cost of ownership.

ABROE from Johnson

“Johnson Controls offers the Australian market a complete range of renowned industrial refrigeration SABROE heat pumps with capacities from 100kW to 10,000kW,” the company says.

The units are available in different sizes and a range of set-up options, including various heat pumps and heat exchangers. 04

“Using natural ammonia (R717) as refrigerant, SABROE heat pumps are environmentally friendly and have no phase-out dates, hence future-proofing your investment. Moreover, SABROE heat pumps have a lifespan of more than 20 years.”

VRF heat pump from Yanmar

A new variable refrigerant flow (VRF) heat pump from YANMAR uses a natural gas and reversible air-source technology to drive dual scroll compressors and provide heating and cooling for commercial applications. The product enables zoning with individual control.

“At the same time it is possible to produce cooling to reduce the load on the dry cooler, cooling tower, water consumption and fuel consumption on the boiler. Basically, all sources can be used as the heat source, and equally many applications can use the heat. The imagination sets the limit.”

Go to www.sabroe.com n

Advantage Avanti

“Using a natural gas-powered engine to drive dual scroll compressors, Yanmar’s variable-refrigerant flow (VRF) heat pump can maintain powerful heating performance, even with low outdoor temperatures, by capturing heat off the unit’s engine to increase efficiency,” Yanmar says. n

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Air-Conditioners Australia (MHIAA) has launched its new Avanti range to Australia and New Zealand.

Bitzer Varipack

Bitzer has added Varipack frequency inverters to its compressor specialist’s IQ product range. Bitzer says Varipack is different from others on the market because it adjusts to suit a system’s cooling demand.

“Using R32 refrigerant, Avanti requires less energy to achieve the desired temperature, and less refrigerant volume to operate,” MHIAA says.

6 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | October 2017

All systems are supplied with a control package. Go to www.humiscope.com.au n

“All the heat pumps can produce hot water for cleaning purposes and process and room heating,” !” says SABROE product specialist Graeme Marr.

The range provides heating and cooling, and comes with both a dry and fan mode.

X marks the spot

Manufactured by Danish company Dantherm, DanX units are solutions for controlling the relative humidity and fresh-air supply in swimming pool halls.

“With this new range, Acpac APS now covers nearly every refrigeration application,” Actrol says, “making it the new standard in packaged refrigeration condensing units.”

The NEX cloud allows users to access live data through a web portal for any web-enabled device. It’s said to provide detailed charts, with CSV data export and email alerts. There’s also minute-by-minute circuit analysis, energy demand profiling, and indoor air quality feedback.

“The APS range is fully fitted, wired, and protected, making it easy to apply to many cooling and freezing applications such as supermarkets, fast-food outlets, restaurants, food processors, butchers, florists, and many other applications,” Actrol says.

The NEX step

NEX data management is a cloud-based monitoring solution designed to measure, maintain, and keep track of HVAC and energy efficiency.

Eight models have been available since last summer, in refrigeration capacities from 4.6kW to 33.6kW at medium temperature, and 0.99kW and 8.3kW at low temperature.

“We now have four new models arriving to extend the series significantly. These four models range in capacity from 39.5kW to 64.2kW at medium temperature, and 9.5kW to 16.5kW at low temperature.

Go to www.mhiaa.com.au n

“The precise coordination of the compressor and frequency inverter saves additional energy, and thus increases compressor efficiency in full and part-load,” Bitzer says, adding that it’s predicted this will reduce both energy consumption and running costs.

Toolshed The Varipack series is suitable for refrigeration systems, air conditioning systems and heat pumps. It can be integrated into systems with single compressors and those with compound systems.

“Vaisala’s carbon dioxide, humidity, and temperature transmitters incorporate the second-generation Carbocap technology and use the Microglow light source technology, which improves their reliability and stability to a new level.”

“The Bitzer software enables application-specific selection of the frequency inverter,” Bitzer says, “while the BEST software promotes easy operation and monitoring.”

Go to www.vaisala.com/GMW80 n

Go to www.bitzer.de n

Transmitters from Vaisala

Vaisala has released six new models in the GMW80 Carbocap carbon dioxide, temperature, and humidity transmitter series.

Aermec has released a range of high-efficiency water-cooled oil-free centrifugal chillers. “The WMX/G range utilises an oil-free variable-speed-drive compressor to reach a cooling capacity of 320kW, with an EER of up to 5.74 and an ESEER of up to 8.44,” Aermec says.

“The new GMW83 suite of transmitters complement the current GMW80 product range, fulfilling customer requirements for standard demand-controlled ventilation and for spaces occupied 24/7,” Vaisala says.

“WMX/G’s innovative compact flooded-spray evaporator and high-efficiency compact shell and tube condenser combine the highest of energy efficiency with easy cleaning/ service access. This unique and innovative evaporator design requires 50 per cent less refrigerant than traditional flooded evaporators, along with the option of using the new R1234ze refrigerant that has a GWP of only 6.

“These transmitters are used in a variety of locations, including office buildings, hospitals, and factories by building automation and integrator companies in order to improve the efficiency of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. “The six new GMW83 product versions include models with or without humidity measurement, as well as models with the following options: display, carbon dioxide LED indicator lights, and temperature set-point,” the company says.

Aermec chillers

“With a footprint from just 1.8 m2, the WMX/G will pass through doors, corridors and goods lifts to access the tightest of plant spaces. ” 09

Go to www.cosair.com.au n

DO YOU HAVE A NEW PRODUCT TO GO IN THE TOOLSHED?

Email matt.dillon@airah.org.au All submissions received will be considered, though publication cannot be guaranteed.

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October 2017 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 7

Global Update

USA

GERMANY

A2L FLAMMABILITY REDUCTION PROJECT

FELONIOUS FRIDGE HACKERS

POTENTIAL BAN ON R1233zd

The US Department of Energy (DOE) has put US$200M worth of funds towards developing materials that could reduce the flammability of A2L refrigerants.

UK police have warned the public that household appliances that connect to the internet are at high risk of being hacked by criminals seeking to steal their identity, rob their home or access their bank accounts.

The German Federal Environment Agency (UBA) is pushing for a ban on the new low-GWP refrigerant R1233zd under a review of the European ODS Regulation.

One of the funding recipients, refrigerant manufacturer Arkema, hopes to develop formulations and additive materials that could reduce the flammability of “mildly flammable” A2L refrigerant blends. However, the end goal for manufacturers is to find a flammability suppressant that doesn’t raise environmental, energy efficiency or toxicity concerns. This is a challenge they’ve have faced in the past, as was the case with HFO R1234yf. This refrigerant contained CF3I, a fire suppressant, which rendered HFO R1234yf non-flammable. But concerns were raised over the fact that CF31 could cause health problems, and had a small ozone-depletion potential. US building codes prohibit the use of flammable refrigerants. n

The humble fridge is now a security hazard thanks to the “Internet of Things”. In 2014, internet security firm Proofpoint discovered a cyberattack that delivered about 750,000 malicious emails in one month, all originating from a smart fridge. The National Police Chiefs Council on crime operations says most consumers are unaware of the risks that come from owning a smart fridge. In a bid to thwart fraudsters, the council is proposing a national security ratings system. Tips about how to hack connected appliances have already started springing up across the dark web. n

THAILAND

CHINA

Earlier this year, the European Commission initiated an evaluation of the European ODS regulation to establish whether it is still fit for purpose. In its feedback submission, the UBA calls for a strict ban of ozone-depleting substances. It also points out that R1233zd, which is being used in new low- pressure centrifugal chillers as an alternative to R123, has a small ozone-depletion potential (ODP) of 0.00034. R123 was first introduced in the early 1990s as an alternative to the CFC R11. Although highly efficient, and with a low GWP (77), R123 is an HCFC being phased out worldwide under the Montreal Protocol. n

USA

THAI TESCO

GREEN ICE

HEARTBREAK HOTEL

Leading Thai retailer Tesco Lotus, part of the Tesco Group, is aiming to ditch R404A refrigerant throughout its 1,500 Express stores in favour of lower GWP HFO blend R448A.

Chinese real estate developer Vanke, Finnish refrigeration company Huurre, and building technology designer Granlund are teaming up to bring greener ice rinks to the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.

The residents of Memphis are all shook up after US$24,000 worth of air conditioners were stolen from a motel near Graceland.

As part of its global commitment to upgrade its supermarket refrigeration systems to lower-GWP refrigerants, Tesco Lotus will switch to Solstice N40 and R448A refrigerant over the next two years. “Tesco Lotus is committed to being a green retailer and achieving our sustainability goals through a number of energy-saving initiatives within our operation,” says Tesco Lotus property director Miroslav Friml. “We are proud to be the first retailer in Asia to switch to a more environmentally friendly refrigerant.” The move is predicted to achieve energy savings of up to 10 per cent. n

“Due to Vanke’s deep-rooted commitment to environmentally sound operations, we welcome Huurre’s expertise in the green, fully digitalised, and automated CO2 refrigeration technology and Granlund’s experience in environmentally solid building technology design,” says senior vice president of Vanke, Shawn Lui. As part of preparations for what’s being referred to as the Beijing 2022 “Green” Winter Olympics, the country is building hundreds of ice rinks and winter sports facilities. The proposed CO2 ice rink will be the first of its kind in China. n

8 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | October 2017

When police arrived on the scene, they discovered more than 100 widow air conditioning units missing. With the hotel’s security camera broken, there was no footage of the devils in disguise. But the units that were left behind were processed for finger prints. Let’s hope the thieves will be doing the jailhouse rock soon. n

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October 2017 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 9

Feature

High-temperature heat pumps have become an attractive proposition in the food-processing industry.

PUMP IT UP Heat pumps have been u sed in indus more. Althou try for the p gh the use o ast decade o f h ig h-temperatu commonpla r re heat pum ce, it is almo p s t s u in nheard of in Japan is escalating g Australia. Ho as prices, the w e v er, with rapid highly efficie from waste s nt productio ly treams – has n o f h e a t – b rought heat particularly local food-m pumps to th anufacturing e a tt ention of the sector, as Se an McGowa n reports. Although heat energy naturally transfers from warmer places to colder spaces, heat pumps reverse this by using electrical energy in a compressor to transfer heat from a cooler source to a warmer one and augment the temperature. In this way, heat pumps can generate three or more times the amount of usable heat as they supply in electrical energy (heating coefficient of performance [COP] of 3 or more). At a domestic level, heat pumps are gaining traction in the domestic hot water market. According to the Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) program, they represent about 3 per cent of hot water heaters used in Australian homes.

But more recently, developments in industrial high-temperature heat pumps that can heat air or water to 90°C plus with high COP – combined with historically high gas prices – have made their use in the food-processing industry an attractive proposition. Anywhere where heating is done by high-priced gas, LPG or electric resistance heaters, heat pumps could be an option worth considering. The most economical applications of these hightemperature heat pumps occur where they are used to recover heat from warm streams, from moist air

10 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | October 2017

Heat pumps are gaining traction in the domestic hot water market

(such as the recovery of the latent heat from the exhaust of washers or dryers), or where they can be used to simultaneously cool one stream and heat another. In these cases the effective COP can be well over 5.

ENERGY PRODUCTIVITY Like so many others, the Australian food-processing industry has been impacted significantly by rising energy prices. Businesses on the east coast of Australia have seen a rapid escalation of gas prices in the past two years, with many companies seeing contract prices rise to $12/GJ or more. For these reasons, increasing numbers of foodprocessing businesses are turning to “behind-themeter” renewables and technologies to improve process efficiency and energy productivity (EP), thereby reducing energy consumption and costs. As reported by IT Power for the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), high-temperature (HT) heat pumps are being highlighted as one technology that could meet some of the 35PJ (petajoule) of energy used to produce high-temperature heat for the Australian food industry.

Feature HEAT PUMPS EXPLAINED A heat pump has four main components: the evaporator, compressor, condenser and expansion device. In the evaporator, heat is extracted from a waste heat source by evaporating the refrigerant at low pressure. The gas is compressed and its temperature increases. In the condenser, this heat is delivered to the process at a higher temperature because the refrigerant condensers and releases its latent heat. Electricity drives the compressor, and this energy is added to the heat that is available in the condenser.

Heat pumps have application for milk pasteurising.

“A2EP released a report, The Next Wave, early in 2017 documenting opportunities to improve energy productivity in the food value chain using innovative technologies and business models,” says Jonathan Jutsen, Chair of the A2EP. One of the key transformative changes identified in the report was the electrification of food processing,

which is displacing fossil-fuel fired boilers and steam systems with non-thermal processes and point-ofend-use heating technologies like HT heat pumps. “We call this change transitioning from Industry 1.0 (the steam age) to Industry 4.0,” says Jutsen. “Heat pumps have a special role through their potential to capture waste heat and upgrade it for reuse in processes.”

The efficiency of the heat pump is denoted by its Coefficient of Performance (CoP), where a CoP of 3 means that three times as much heat energy is delivered as the amount of mechanical work input from the compressor. Heat pumps can take advantage of the heat in the ambient air (air-source), the heat of the earth (ground-source) or the heat in a body of water (water-source).

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October 2017 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 11 HVAC HP Be Impressed 220X150 NoBleed v1.indd 1

19/10/2015 12:23 pm

Feature LOBETHAL ABATTOIR, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Developments in Japan have included the commercialisation of packaged heat pumps using CO2 to produce hot water up to 90°C with a heating capacity of up to 72kW, and hot air up to 100°C with a heating capacity of 110kW. These can deliver a CoP of 4.2 and 3.7, respectively. Other technologies have achieved heating and cooling of circulating water and steam generation using a reverse Rankine cycle (CoP of up to 5), while industrial heat pumps have reportedly been developed to provide steam at 120°C to 165°C using cascading and multi-stage approaches (CoP of 2.5).

Thomas Food International’s Lobethal Abattoir is located approximately 35km west of Adelaide. In an Australian first, a two-stage 630kW ammonia heat pump was installed in 2012 to utilise waste heat expelled by the condensers of a new freezer plant at the facility. The heat pump heats approximately 250,000L of water per day from 11°C–75°C, as an alternative to using a LPG-fired boiler. The hot water produced is delivered to a thermal storage tank and used partly during the night for sterilisation and cleaning purposes, and during the day for processing. The heat pump installed has achieved a CoP ranging from 4.8 and 6.5. This variation is a result of changes in demand from frozen to chilled products, which impacts the operation of the heat pump. Despite the capital cost and high research and development costs incurred, the installation has delivered a 40 per cent reduction in LPG costs in line with a reduction in LPG use for water heating. A 119kL per week reduction in water evaporated in evaporative condensers has also been achieved.

“Improving technologies and economies of scale of production of packaged units are making heat pumps more competitive, supported by declining costs of renewable electricity (and energy storage) and increasing costs of natural gas.” The applications for Australian food processing are many, and vary according to the industry sector. They can include dryers, food washing, water heating for process and cleaning, pasteurisation and combined process heating and cooling, such is the case in the production of bread. Waste heat can be captured from waste-water streams, hot humid air, or condenser heat from refrigeration systems, for reuse in these processes. The report says a number of factors need to be considered in assessing the overall economics of heat pump use. These include the relative price of electricity and available fuels, the lift temperature (between the waste-stream temperature and the process need), the capital cost of the heat pump, the ability to simultaneously deliver multiple functions (heating and cooling) and the operating hours of the heat pump. Importantly, the report says, heat pumps can be the solution to replacing antiquated steam systems that have very poor overall efficiencies. This is often not appreciated by users because the losses are many and varied through the system.

The installation has also resulted in carbon emissions reduction of seven tonnes of CO2 per week.

“By replacing whole-steam systems with non-thermal processing, and point-of-use heating, much greater savings can be achieved,” the A2EP report says.

Read more about this case study and others at www.2xEP.org.au

“Heat pumps can often also deliver other business benefits, including improved plant reliability, reduced system maintenance, enhanced controllability leading to improved product quality, increased throughput, reduced water consumption and environmental management costs, space savings and improved working conditions (less noise and heat).”

HIGH-TEMPERATURE HEAT PUMPS Following the identification of HT heat pump potential in The Next Wave report, A2EP has assessed the opportunities for HT heat pump measures in the food value chain. High temperature heat pumps for the Australian Food Industry was released last month. According to the A2EP report, HT heat pump technology has developed rapidly in the past decade, particularly for heat pumps delivering temperatures more than 80°C – and up to 140–150°C for cascaded or multi-stage heat pumps. “Because heat pumps are more efficient when operating across a smaller temperature difference (about 2–4 per cent per degree reduction), systems that use multiple heat pumps in a series can achieve large efficiency improvements – so they can operate across larger overall temperature differences at high efficiencies,” it says.

BARRIERS TO APPLICATION A number of barriers to the application of HT heat pumps in the Australian food- processing industry exist, including capital cost, a lack of energy-efficiency incentives and government promotion (which drove their adoption in Japan), and a lack of awareness and knowledge of how to achieve the most economically attractive application of the technology. “Based on interviews with stakeholders, most manufacturing businesses have very limited knowledge of high temperature heat pumps and potential applications,” says the A2EP report. A lack of local technical expertise, experience and infrastructure was also identified by the report as a potential barrier.

12 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | October 2017

Heat pumps can be the solution to replacing antiquated steam systems that have very poor overall efficiencies

“While there are at least four companies that have come forward in stakeholder meetings with the interest and capacity to supply high-temperature heat pumps in Australia, there are only a relatively small number – probably less than five – hightemperature installations in the Australian food industry.” Despite the lack of local experience, the Australian Alliance of Energy Productivity believes there is enough potential identified through its report to justify further actions to promote the use of HT heat pumps in the Australian food industry. This could include the piloting of heat pumps in the most promising applications, where strong replication potential exists, including conducting some demonstration projects of the replacement of whole-steam systems. n

THE AUSTRALIAN ALLIANCE FOR ENERGY PRODUCTIVITY (A2EP) The A2EP is an independent, not-for-profit coalition of business, government and environmental leaders promoting a more energy-productive and less carbon-intensive economy. Among its work is the 2xEP project, which aims to double Australia’s energy productivity. It has identified two value chains – food (farm to plate/export) and shelter (focusing on construction materials) – where emerging technologies and new business models can substantially improve energy efficiency beyond the impact of current leading practice in Australia. The High Temperature Heat Pumps for the Australian Food Industry: opportunities assessment report is the first to emerge from the food value chain. It was produced with the funding support of the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage and Sustainability Victoria, and the support of RMIT University and AIRAH among a host of industry stakeholders. Go to www.2xep.org.au/innovation-next-wave.html

Industrial heat pumps for utilisation of waste heat

SABROE HeatPAC™ 108 SR-W Water out: 70°C (Max. out 90°C) Heating capacity: 1150 kW Cooling capacity: 965 kW Energy consumption: 186 kW Heat pump COP: 6.2 Ammonia charge: 50 kg

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October 2017 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 13

Green wedge

DOING IT WELL, WITH XXL Extra-large tyres will now be recycled thanks to the world’s first tyre plant, coming to Perth next year. The world’s first recycling plant to handle extra-large tyres, such as those used on mining dump trucks, will open in Perth, Western Australia in June next year.

or more, through a complex heat and chemical process at sufficient volume to make it economically viable,” Bayley says.

“Our process will turn a very large and difficult-tohandle environmental waste problem into high-value commodities, which is a result consistent with the highest aspirations of the circular economy.” Located in the Perth suburb of Welshpool, the plant will have a capacity of 5,000 megatonnes (MT) of OTR tyres per year. This is the equivalent of two million litres of oil, approximately 2,000MT of carbon, and 1,000MT of steel. n

The venture is a collaboration between the Tytec Group and Green Distillation Technologies (GDT), a global award-winning tyre-recycling technology company. They have jointly established Perth-based Tytec Recycling to undertake economic green recycling of large tyres, referred to as OTR or off-the-road tyres. These are classified as those with rim sizes ranging from 63cm to 1.6m, and are used on the large mining dump trucks. GDT chief operating officer Trevor Bayley says the world-first plant comes after more than 12 months of logistical research and development work undertaken at the designated Tytec Recycling R&D plant in Warren, New South Wales. “This work has developed a solution to the problem of handling a four-tonne tyre with a diameter of 4m

14 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | October 2017

XXL tyres can now be recycled.

HVAC&R

MODULE

106

Skills Workshop PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

Skills summary n What? A guide providing detailed information on the model WHS Act and associated regulations, particularly for its application to and impact on the HVAC&R industry.

n Who?

PULLOUT

Contractors; HVAC&R designers, installers, mechanics/technicians and maintainers; property developers and owners.

INTRODUCTION The national model Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws comprise a national model WHS Act, national model WHS regulations and a suite of national model WHS codes of practice. The stated objectives of harmonising WHS laws through a model framework are to protect the safety of workers, improve safety outcomes, reduce compliance costs for business and improve efficiency for health and safety regulators. This guide reviews the model WHS Act and associated regulations particularly with respect to its application to, and impact on, the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) industry. Much of the explanatory material included in this guide is taken from commonwealth, state or territory publications.

THE ACT The main objective of the model WHS Act is to provide for a balanced and nationally consistent framework to secure the health and safety of workers and workplaces by: a) Protecting workers and other persons against harm to their health, safety and welfare through the elimination or minimisation of risks arising from work; and b) Providing for fair and effective workplace representation, consultation, co operation and issue resolution in relation to work health and safety; and c) Encouraging unions and employer organisations to take a constructive role in promoting improvements in work health and safety practices, and assisting persons conducting businesses or undertakings and workers to achieve a healthier and safer working environment; and

MANAGING RISKS

TO HEALTH AND SAFETY The national model Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws comprise a national model WHS Act, national model WHS regulations and a suite of national model WHS codes of practice. The stated objectives of harmonising WHS laws through a model framework are to protect the safety of workers, improve safety outcomes, reduce compliance costs for business and improve efficiency for health and safety regulators. This guide reviews the model WHS Act and associated regulations particularly with respect to its application to, and impact on, the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC&R) industry

d) Promoting the provision of advice, information, education and training in relation to work health and safety; and e) Securing compliance with this Act through effective and appropriate compliance and enforcement measures; and f) Ensuring appropriate scrutiny and review of actions taken by persons exercising powers and performing functions under this Act; and g) Providing a framework for continuous improvement and progressively higher standards of work health and safety; and h) Maintaining and strengthening the national harmonisation of laws relating to work health and safety and to facilitate a consistent national approach to work health and safety in this jurisdiction. Regard must be had to the principle that workers and other persons should be given the highest level of protection against harm to their health, safety and welfare, from hazards and risks arising from work as is reasonably practicable. The Act is discussed in detail in Section 2 of this guide.

THE REGULATIONS The Work Health and Safety Regulations are made under Section 276 and Schedule 3 of the Work Health and Safety Act and cover a wide range of matters relating to work, health and safety, including: • Representation and participation (Chapter 2*); • General risk and workplace management (Chapter 3*); • Hazardous work involving noise, hazardous manual tasks, confined spaces, falls, work requiring a high risk work licence, demolition

work, electrical safety and energised electrical work and diving work (Chapter 4*); • Plant and structures (Chapter 5*); • Construction work (Chapter 6); • Hazardous chemicals (Chapter 7*); • Asbestos (Chapter 8); • Major Hazard Facilities (Chapter 9); • Mines (Chapter 10); and • General (Chapter 11). * These regulations are discussed in greater detail in following sections of this guide.

HVAC&R INDUSTRY COMPLIANCE As with any industry, the HVAC&R industry needs to comply with the relevant requirements of the act and regulations. This guide attempts to identify key areas of interest and application for the HVAC&R industry and provide a simple explanation of the requirements of the Act and Regulations where possible. Some of the key regulations that impact HVAC&R are discussed in the following sections. The requirements for worker participation and representation, health and safety risk management, and general workplace management apply as much to the HVAC&R industry as any other industry. Hazardous tasks such as those involving noise, hazardous manual tasks, work in confined spaces, risk of falls, and electrical work are all of relevance to HVAC&R work and this guide examines the requirements of the Act and regulations in relation to these hazards.

October 2017 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 15

HVAC&R Skills Workshop Of particular interest to the HVAC&R industry are the requirements of the Act and regulations for the registration of certain plant designs and the registration of certain plant items. Also of interest are the requirements of the Act and regulations for working with hazardous chemicals and pipelines associated with hazardous chemicals. These areas are all discussed in the subsequent sections of this guide.

DIFFERENCES IN TERMINOLOGY AND SCOPE Key changes in the WHS Act compared with previous OH&S legislation (in some states) includes: • Changes in terminology e.g. from “occupational health and safety (OH&S)” to “work health and safety (WHS)”; • A broadening in the definition of who is a worker; • A broadening of persons with health and safety duties; • Requirement for all duty holders to consult with others; • Changes in terminology and role or function from OH&S Representatives, OH&S Committees and authorised representatives, to Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs), Health and Safety Committees (HSCs) and WHS entry permit holders; • The introduction of a positive duty for “officers” (not just directors of a company but also the secretary and anyone who has decision-making power or financial influence. This can include operations managers );

on the code in determining what is reasonably practicable in the circumstances to which the code relates. This differentiates approved WHS Codes of Practice from voluntary or industry codes of practice which may be developed by parties under other arrangements.

• Work Health and Safety Consultation, Cooperation and Co-ordination

There is no legal requirement for model Codes to be complied with. A duty holder can adopt other methods of meeting their obligations if they provide a level of health and safety equal or better to the standard set out in the model Code. But it is useful to bear in mind that following an approved Code of Practice can help you if you face a workplace health and safety investigation or prosecution.

• Managing the Risk of Falls at the Workplaces

Development of any new model Codes must be agreed by Safe Work Australia, be subject to tripartite consultation, and be approved by Ministers with responsibility for WHS in each jurisdiction. The Intergovernmental Agreement for Regulatory and Operational Reform in Occupational Health and Safety (IGA) gives Safe Work Australia responsibility for coordinating development of model Codes to support the model WHS Act and Regulations. To be approved by Safe Work Australia, proposed model Codes must receive a two-thirds majority of all Safe Work Australia Members present and voting at the meeting, plus a majority of all votes from Members representing the Commonwealth, States and Territories. Model Codes are not always the most appropriate way of providing guidance. There are other tools WHS regulators develop to assist duty holders, see Figure 1.

Act and Regulations

• No longer a need to undertake a risk assessment in all situations; • Unions may still prosecute breaches, under certain circumstances; and • Removal of the “reverse onus of proof” in prosecutions, in line with criminal law standards. The model WHS laws consist of broad, outcome-focused duties. This ensures the highest practical level of protection against harm arising from work while allowing businesses flexibility to choose solutions that best suit their circumstances. The model WHS Act relies extensively on this approach, as demonstrated by the primary duty of care and the duties of officers, workers and other persons. However, to understand how to comply with these broad duties, duty holders need guidance either in regulations or in other supporting material.

SUPPORTING GUIDANCE Codes of Practice provide guidance on what is reasonably practicable and are generally written for the primary duty holder. They need to be useful for various business sizes and for other duty holders including workers. Under the WHS laws, approved Codes of Practice have a special status as they are admissible as evidence in court proceedings. Courts may have regard to a code as evidence of what is known about a hazard, risk or control. They may rely

Compliance and Enforcement Policy

Codes of Practice Fact sheets

Australian Standards

Interpretive guidelines

Guides

Figure 1: Model WHS laws – Information hierarchy.

MODEL WHS CODES OF PRACTICE

• Demolition Work • Managing Electrical Risks at the Workplace • Excavation Work • Preventing Falls in Housing Construction • Managing the Work Environment and Facilities • First Aid in the Workplace • Labelling of the Workplace Hazardous Chemicals • Preparation of Safety Data Sheets for Hazardous Chemicals • Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace • Hazardous Manual Tasks • Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work • Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace • How to Manage Health and Safety Risks • Safe Design of Structures • Spray Painting and Powder Coating • Welding Processes.

GENERAL Part 3.1 of the regulations impose risk management duties on the PCBU who has a duty under the regulation to manage risks to health and safety. It requires duty-holders to manage risks to health and safety by identifying hazards, applying a hierarchy of control measures and, in specified circumstances, require a review of control measures.

APPLICATION TO HVAC&R The requirements for health and safety risk management apply as much to the HVAC&R industry as any other industry. An overview of the steps in the risk management process for any hazard, is provided in Figure 2.

Codes of Practice provide practical guidance for duty holders on how to comply with the WHS laws. They are also admissible in court proceedings under the WHS laws as evidence of what is known about a particular hazard, risk or control measure. Duty holders can adopt other ways that provide a level of safety equal to or better than the standards set out in the model Code of Practice.

HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT

Where Workplace Relations Ministers agree to the proposed model WHS Codes of Practice by consensus, they become agreed model Codes. The current agreed model Codes are:

The first step in risk management is to look for any hazards that could cause injury to staff or the public. This involves identifying all the possible situations or events which could harm people in the workplace. Activities, which may help in the hazard identification process (see Figure 3), include workplace inspections, checklists, records of past accidents or near misses, information from manufacturers, employee consultation and Australian Standards. If everyone in the workplace is aware of WHS issues, hazard identification is a more efficient process.

• How to Safely Remove Asbestos • How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace • Abrasive Blasting • Confined Spaces • Construction Work

16 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | October 2017

A hazard is anything that has the potential to cause harm. It could be a piece of equipment, a chemical substance, the work environment or a way of doing a task.

HVAC&R Skills Workshop Steps in risk management process 1. Indentify hazards

consultation

training

information management

Have the control measures created new hazards?

Isolate the hazard by controlling or guarding it.

4. Engineering controls Redesign equipment or work processes to reduce or eliminate risk.

5. Administrative controls

2. Assess the risks

Have the control measures eliminated or reduced the risks?

3. Decide on control measures

Have the control measures been implemented as planned?

4. Implement control measures 5. Monitor and review

Figure 2: Steps in the risk management process.

Risk is the possibility that a hazard will cause harm. When a hazard has been identified its potential to cause injury and/or financial loss must be assessed. The greater the possibility of injury or loss, the higher the risk is said to be. The risk assessment should consider both the likelihood of an incident occurring and the consequences of an incident occurring.

PULLOUT

3. Isolation

Promote safe practice through policies, processes, training and signage.

6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Use personal protective equipment to minimise risk. Note: Lower order controls include administrative controls and personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE should not be relied upon as the primary means of risk control and should be used when risk cannot be managed by other means and in conjunction with other control measures.

It should be noted that some states have statutory requirements to provide PPE for certain activities. The Hierarchy of Control is an approach that involves working through this order of possible control measures until an appropriate and reasonably practicable solution is reached. Starting with Step 1, each strategy is considered in turn. For example, can this be implemented, will it solve the problem? If this control measure is not sufficient to manage the hazard, move on to the next until a solution is identified. Different levels of control have different effectiveness and require different levels of participation and supervision, see Figure 4.

ELIMINATE THE RISK

Elimination

The gold standard for WHS is to eliminate any identified risk, i.e., remove the risk entirely. If it is not possible to eliminate the risk, there is a well-established hierarchy of control measures that must then be followed to minimise the risk. The control measures that are applied as a result of the risk assessment must meet the ‘reasonably practicable’ standard.

Substitution

Increasing effectiveness and sustainability

Isolation

HIERARCHY OF CONTROL

Engineering

If the risk cannot be eliminated entirely then it should be minimised as far as is reasonably practicable. A duty holder must minimise risk by undertaking one or more of the following hierarchy of control measures:

Administration

1. Elimination

Personal protection equipment

Remove the hazard completely from the work area.

2. Substitution

Figure 4: Hierarchy of control measures.

Replace the material or process with something less hazardous.

Safety audits

Employee complaints and observations

Workplace inspections

Hazard Indentification information sources

Accident investigations

MORE INFORMATION Workplace inspections

AIR AH

GUIDE

ING E OF AND HEAT INST ITUT NING RALI AN CON DITIO THE AUST ATIO N, AIR REFR IGER

to Guide l WHS Lainw dustry Mode r the HVAC&R ralia in Aust

Health and environmental monitoring

Increasing participation and supervision needed

Incident inury illness reports

INDUST

DE RY GUI

2017

This month’s Skills Workshop has been taken from the Guide to Model WHS Law in Australia for the HVAC&R industry. Go to www.airah.org.au/store

Figure 3: Hazard identification information sources.

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Next month: Reciprocating compressors October 2017 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 17

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18 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | October 2017

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RISE OF THE ViPR An alternative approach to fitness is designed to bridge the gap between movement and strength training. ViPR (pronounced “viper”) stands for vitality, performance, and reconditioning. Creator Michol Dalcourt wanted to design a piece of fitness equipment that combines task-oriented movement patterning with resistance training. Studies show moving with a load (such as the ViPR) improves balance, agility and dynamic strength, to reach goals such as weight management, improved functionality in daily life, and enhanced performance in sport. Dalcourt says this simple rubber tube allows users to reach these goals by challenging – and therefore conditioning

muscle, fascia, nerves, skin, and other systems of the body. “Movement is fundamental,” Dalcourt says. “And what makes up effective movement is a blend of lifting, shifting, and twisting. Integrated movements like these become incredibly effective at producing a result.” Rather than isolating muscle exercises, such as weight-lifting, training with the ViPR claims to work all the muscles at once, leading to greater results, quicker. The human body was designed to spread forces and stress out into the system, so training with the ViPR is less likely to cause injury. ViPR can be found in the fitness and training facilities of NHL hockey teams, NFL football teams, NBA teams, as well as Formula 1 drivers, Olympic athletes,

tactical military personnel, law enforcement and firefighting houses. Available in sizes of 4kg through to 26kg, the ViPR can serve as a replacement for dumbbells, kettlebells, medicine balls, and balance equipment, making it a cost-effective option. Go to www.viprfit.com n

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October 2017 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 19

Cover Feature

WHY CAN’T WE BE

FRIENDS? For decades , argy-bargy has existed HVAC&R ind between tw ustry’s most o of the im p ortant playe air condition rs ing mechan : refrigeratio ics, and mec n and h anical servic HVAC&R Na es plumbers tion attemp . and misund t s to bust the erstanding myths s that contin ue to raise their heads . Reforms proposed by the Queensland government within its “Queensland Building Plan” have once again set off age-old arguments about the role and licensing of mechanical services plumbers (MSPs) and refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) mechanics in the HVAC&R industry.

Although the two specialist occupations have worked alongside each other for decades, myths and misunderstanding have only served to create an “us versus them” mentality between the two trades.

20 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | October 2017

In response to proposed reforms that stemmed from the Queensland government’s Queensland Building Plan, the Queensland arm of the Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors’ Association (AMCA) released a Statement of Position in July that helped define the unique role each group plays in the industry.

Both Mechanical Services Plumbing and Refrigeration deserve recognition as the two distinct and separate trades they are

“Both Mechanical Services Plumbing and Refrigeration deserve recognition as the two distinct and separate trades they are,” says the AMCA Queensland document. The statement was backed by a number of other industry groups, including the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC); the Australian Refrigeration Mechanics Association (ARMA); the Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH), which publishes HVAC&R Nation; Refrigerants Australia; and the Air Conditioning and Refrigerant Equipment Manufacturers Association of Australia (AREMA). All support a mechanical plumbing as well as a refrigeration occupational licence being introduced in Queensland (Editor’s note: a story for another day).

Cover Feature In recognising the need for both trades to work side by side, HVAC&R Nation asked Graham MacKrill, executive director of AMCA Queensland and New South Wales, and Chris Fontana, M.AIRAH, divisional manager for leading Tasmanian contractor Degree C, to help us break down some of the myths that exist.

What roles do mechanical services plumbers and RAC mechanics play – and how do they differ? According to Fontana, mechanical services plumbers are generally the tradespeople on site that carry out the installation and commissioning of commercial air conditioning equipment, while RAC mechanics carry out the installation, commissioning and ongoing maintenance of anything that contains refrigerant gas. As part of its Statement of Position, AMCA outlined the unique roles each party plays in delivering mechanical services, refrigeration and air conditioning to the community. It outlined the RAC mechanic’s scope of works to include: • Handling of flammable refrigerants; • Handling of refrigerants with global-warming and ozone-depleting potential;

Graham MacKrill

• Micro-biological control in a building’s water and air systems, including air conditioners and ducting, cooling towers, evaporative condensers, industrial fluid coolers and evaporative air conditioners; • Carry out the commissioning and balancing of conditioned air and chilled water systems.

• Ventilation requirements;

It outlined the work mechanical services plumbers should be appropriately qualified to carry out as including:

• Life safety systems that contribute to the smokehazard-management requirements of a building;

• Installation and maintenance of chilled water piping, air-handling units, chillers, pumps, heat exchangers,

• Handling high-pressure refrigerants;

Chris Fontana, M.AIRAH

cooling towers, industrial fluid coolers, buffer tanks, expansion tanks and all associated fittings including RPZ valves, isolation valves strainers, non-returner valves, balancing valves, motorised control valves and including the flushing, filling and pressure-leak testing of the chilled water system; • The construction and installation of air conditioning and ventilation duct work, including associated fire and smoke control features, balancing dampers, branch take-offs and flexible ducts; and • Roof sheeting, flashing and weather proofing.

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October 2017 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 21

Cover Feature RAC mechanics require a work vehicle to carry out their day-to-day work.

“When there are minor defects discovered in the installation, who’s responsibility is it to fix these?” says Fontana. “These issues need to be addressed and communicated to all workers.”

Is the continuing angst representative of a regulatory failure? According to MacKrill, despite the differences that exists in licensing between states and territories, the angst between mechanical services plumbers and RAC mechanics is more representative of specialisation. “It’s a result of specialisation in the marketplace, and the fact that electricians have really eroded a substantial amount of the domestic and residential air conditioning market.” Fontana says his experience in Tasmania suggests that while refrigeration training is adequate, mechanical services plumbing training still has some way to go.

Who is typically the aggrieved party, and what are the myths?

He says the same goes for when a system has been installed.

The long-held view of RAC mechanics is that mechanical services plumbers compete with them for their work, despite not holding an ARC licence.

“An RAC mechanic has a better understanding of the working of the refrigeration system within an air conditioning unit,” he says, “so is better equipped to perform ongoing maintenance and repairs.”

“To mechanical services plumbers, refrigeration mechanics can be perceived as lazy, filter tappers or glorified cleaners,” says Fontana. “And to RAC mechanics, mechanical services plumbers can be perceived as dumb duct bashers. “But neither misgivings are justified, and both have a role to play during different parts of the life cycle of the equipment installed.”

Do mechanical services plumbers compete with refrigeration mechanics for work? Not according to the AMCA. “Notwithstanding where a company may choose to allocate certain tasks to their workers, if anyone can show me where, as a refrigeration and air conditioning contractor, you have lost work and have been competing against a mechanical services plumber let me know,” says MacKrill. He says that despite the myths, such circumstances simply don’t exist. “Mechanical services plumbers,” he says, “are not out there competing against fridgies.”

Why do we need specialists to perform tasks that are so closely aligned? Fontana says it is impossible to master all aspects of the industry. “We need multiple trade disciplines to carry out the various tasks within our industry,” he says. “It is far more efficient to use a mechanical services plumber for running chilled water lines and installing ductwork. It is their trade, and they are better tooled up for it. And there are also idiosyncrasies when dealing with water-pipe work as opposed to refrigeration pipe that a mechanical services plumber understands.”

Is there much angst on the ground between two groups – or does it more likely exist around the table? Both trades are required to work closely together on site, alongside electricians – and especially so on larger projects. Fontana says issues can arise on site at times, but this is common of all trades. “Electricians versus plumbers of all disciplines – mechanical, sanitary, fire – and roofing versus fridgies versus builders, and everyone hates plasterers,” Fontana jokes. “It’s generally a bit of fun banter onsite but unfortunately it can become more than that sometimes and go too far.” Misunderstanding between the trades also seems to exist within companies. “A problem I hear, as I deal with both groups, is that generally mechanical services plumbers work onsite, make their own way to site and keep their gear onsite in a large, lockable box or site container – so have no need for a company-supplied work vehicle,” says Fontana. “Refrigeration mechanics, however, require a work vehicle to carry out their day-to-day duties as they travel from job to job. This can create problems between the two groups. The RAC mechanics have an issue with being the only ones on call within a company. It is generally not a problem but every now and then the issues raise their head and it needs to be addressed.” Other issues occur after hand-over of a site from the mechanical services plumbers in the contracting team to the RAC mechanics in the service team.

22 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | September 2017

“It seems the course is made up of a lot of units that are not specifically designed for mechanical services plumbers.”

What should industry be doing to put an end to the myths and misunderstandings that exist between mechanical services plumbers and RAC mechanics? Fontana says improved training that shows how all three trades – mechanical services plumbing, refrigeration and air conditioning and electrical – interact and align with one another would be a major step to putting an end to the myths and misunderstandings that exist in the HVAC&R industry. “At trade school, as an RAC technician, training is held for refrigeration only – and the same goes for plumbing and electrical,” says Fontana. “It would be good if at the start of trade school, apprentices were given an explanation as to how their particular trade aligns with the plumbing and electrical trades, and shown that all three are necessary for the installation of larger commercial equipment.” He says it would also benefit the industry to see a better system for recognition of prior learning, so that dual trades could be more easily achieved. “This would lift the standard of the whole industry, but unfortunately certain industry bodies are only interested in locking people out of their trade.” n

TELL US ABOUT IT Share your views on this subject with HVAC&R Nation by emailing us. And if you know of instances where mechanical services plumbers are actively competing for the same work as licenced refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics, HVAC&R Nation would like to hear about it. Write to us at airah@airah.org.au

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October 2017 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 23

Around the nation 4

FOOD COLD CHAIN COUNCIL

Experts from Australia’s cold chain sector have formed the industry’s first advocacy group, the Australian Food Cold Chain Council (AFCCC). The group aims to enforce Australia’s cold foodhandling produce procedures and reduce food waste. “The new [AFCCC] is not about promoting an industry – we want to change the industry for the better,” says interim chair and managing director of SuperCool Australia Pacific Mark Mitchell. “One of our priorities will be to apply whatever pressure is needed in industry and in government to make sure the existing Australian standards for cold chain food handling are properly followed.” The AFCCC also plans to improve the industry by revising equipment and handling processes, as well as upgrading monitoring and assessments to determine where weaknesses lie. Australia New Zealand general manager of Carrier Transicold, Stephen Elford; technical director of Thermo King, Peter Lawrence; and transport manager of Simplot Australia, Kyle Hawker are some of the other cold chain sector experts also serving as AFCCC’s interim chair. For more info, email AustralianColdChain@gmail.com n

ICE BEAR HAS AN ICE CUB

Melbourne-based manufacturer Apricus has secured exclusive distribution rights to Ice Energy’s new, smaller-scale version of its popular air conditioning unit Ice Bear, dubbed the Ice Cub. This deal will allow Ice Energy to cover all market segments, including utilities, commercial, industrial, and residential. “We’re delighted to be partnering with Apricus in this new market,” says Ice Energy CEO Mike Hopkins. “Over the last 12 months we’ve had a steadily growing number of inquiries from Australia about our products.

This is not surprising, given the needs of the country’s grid, the importance of their cooling load, and the ability of our products to turn that load into a cost-effective and reliable storage resource capable of flattening peak demand.” The Ice Cub is an all-in-one, hybrid battery unit that claims to replace the conventional home air conditioner. The system fills an insulated tank with ice in four hours, stores it, and then, on command, switches from conventional air conditioning to using the ice to cool a house for at least three hours, all without electricity. “We share Ice Energy’s enthusiasm about our partnership, as well as about the Australian market for Ice Energy products,” says Apricus Australia director Chris Taylor. Go to www. apricus.com.au n

CHARTER HALL GETS COMFY

Property group Charter Hall has become one of the nation’s first companies to use the HVAC management app Comfy. The app allows users to personalise workplace heating and cooling settings, potentially resulting in more content and productive staff, and significant energy savings. Head of technical services, Craig Rodgers heard about Comfy at an intelligent buildings conference n the US during 2016. He was attracted to its ability to interact with tenants and to provide feedback on how they are feeling. “It is only a matter of time before it takes off in the market,” says Rodgers. The app combines cloud-hosted analytics, an interface with a building’s BMS system, machine learning, and AI to deliver a range of personalised settings. The Comfy dashboard also gives building managers details of how space is being used within an office, and where requests are being made for adjustments. Over time, it also tracks user preferences and can automatically adjust heating and cooling to their preferences as they move into different spaces.

24 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | October 2017

Charter Hall’s Sydney office has cut back on 10 per cent of its HVAC energy use since the app was brought into play. Go to https://comfyapp.com n

ARBS 2018 INDUSTRY AWARDS

Nominations for the ARBS 2018 Industry Awards are open now. The awards recognise excellence in Australia’s HVAC&R and building services industries across a range of areas including: • ARBS Young Achiever Award • ARBS Product Excellence Award • ARBS Software/Digital Excellence Award • ARBS Project Excellence Award • ARBS Outstanding Service & Maintenance Provider Award • ARBS Industry Education/Training Award • ARBS Hall of Fame. “The Awards are an opportunity for industry participants to showcase their skills, products and performance across all sectors of the HVAC&R and building services industry,” says ARBS events organiser Sue Falcke. “It’s important that we identify, encourage and congratulate the talent and endeavour that sustains our industry.” A panel of industry experts will evaluate the nominations based on criteria such as leadership, sustainability, performance, and innovation. Go to www.arbs.com.au n

SEELEY SWOOPS AND SUCCEEDS

The Climate Wizard CW-P15 by Seeley International has achieved yet another major industry accolade after it was announced a winner of the New Product Innovation category in the Australian Business Awards 2017.

Around the nation 5

9 6

“The CW-P15 builds on the strong reputation of the multi-award-winning Climate Wizard range, and its ability to cool using 100 per cent fresh air,” says Seeley international founder and executive chairman, Frank Seeley, Affil.AIRAH. “It achieves this with no added moisture by using a hyper-efficient counter-flow heat exchanger, and in doing so challenges all of the assumptions that people make when they think of an evaporative cooler.”

• Mandatory reporting to local government of any test result that exceeds 1,000 CFU/mL Legionella or 5,000,000 CFU/mL HCC • The definition of a “competent person” will change and will be based on the function or role of the individual and not the tertiary qualifications. • The current requirement for a “Certificate of Disinfection” will be discontinued and will be replaced by certification of the RMP.

Typically, refrigeration and air conditioning apprentices in Australia enter from a Certificate II Electrical course. However, committing to an apprenticeship can be daunting for some students due to a lack of industry experience, uncertainty about what trade they want to do, fear of committing to a three-year course, and confusion about what some trades do or what is involved. The aim of the pre-apprenticeship is to tackle these issues.

The Australian Business Awards are an international, all-encompassing awards program that recognises organisations that demonstrate business and product excellence, sustainability and commercial success.

The regulatory changes will take place this year, with the potential to develop a database further down the track.

The course will be full-time, five days per week for a 10-week duration. After the conclusion of the pre-apprenticeship a three-week work placement with an AMCA member.

Go to www.seeleyinternational.com n

LEGIONNAIRES’ LEGISLATION

In news post on its website, HydroChem has provided an update on NSW Legionella legislation. Public health officials have proposed changes to the management practices of cooling towers after the 2016 Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks across Sydney. NSW Health formed an expert panel comprised of AIRAH, risk management experts, state and local government, environmental health officers and microbiologists. The panel proposed the following changes: • An RMP, based on AS 3666 part 3, must be developed for every system. • The RMP will have to be prepared by a “competent person” and reviewed every five years. • An annual audit of the RMP by a certified third party to confirm that recommendations have been implemented. • The annual audit certificate is to be lodged with local government. • Monthly sampling of cooling tower systems for Legionella and heterotrophic bacteria • A unique identifying number for every cooling tower system. Each system must be registered annually to ensure registrations remain current.

For more info go to https://hydrochem.com.au n

WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION

Go to www.amca.com.au n

Hosted by the National Association of Women in Construction NSW Chapter, the 2017 NAWIC Awards for Excellence attracted 61 entries across 11 categories. The awards celebrate both rising female stars and recognised leaders from across the property and construction industry, as well as the companies supporting and guiding female talent. “More and more company leaders in our industry now see gender equity as a driver of productivity, innovation and enhanced financial performance,” says NAWIC’s NSW chapter president Sarah Hogan. The Lendlease Crystal Vision Award for Advancing the Interests of Women in the Construction Industry was presented to JLL’s Project Director Esti Cogger. The HASSELL Award for Business Woman of the Year was presented to Juliette Economo of Downer Group. Go to www.nawic.com.au n

HVAC PREAPPRENTICESHIPS

The AMCA and Box Hill Institute have partnered with the Refrigeration and Climate Control Centre of Excellence (RCCC) to launch a new, multi-disciplinary pre-apprenticeship course for those entering the HVAC&R industry.

CYCLO CELEBRATES 70 YEARS

Founded in 1947, Cyclo Fans claims to be the first company in Australia to manufacture exhaust fans specifically engineered for commercial kitchens. This year it’s the company’s 70th birthday. The Melbourne-based company says it produces the world’s most efficient and durable exhaust fans, installed atop thousands of hospitality and entertainment venues, food outlets and residences throughout Australia, New Zealand and Asia. The company says its success is due in part to the redesign of the original fans/inverters by a NASA rocket scientist and engineer, George Lorette, in 1960. Lorette redesigned the fans based on his rocket science engineering. Cyclo says the result was a fan design that is more aerodynamic and efficient at extracting air from commercial kitchens. The design has been incorporated and expanded to more than 130 fan variations. Cyclo GM Craig Bacalhau, Affil.AIRAH, says the fans rarely need replacing, and that many of the fans installed in the 1950s and 60s are still going strong. Go to www.cyclofans.com.au n

October 2017 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 25

Legal Speak

GETTING PAID IN FULL This month our legal correspondent Frank Gambera explores the Personal Properties Security Act 2009, and how to protect your plant, equipment and unpaid tax invoices. Since its introduction in 2012, the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (PPSA) has changed the way that businesses register and protect their assets. The PPSA creates a national register of security interests over personal property that is publicly accessible. A simple online search of the database can be conducted against a business, and will display all the registered security interests for that business. The PPSA is of relevance to the HVAC&R industry because it is the norm to install units in properties using a contractor’s own plant and equipment on a “Retention of Title” basis or credit arrangement with the owner or builder. Contractors should be aware that “Retention of Title” clauses in supply contracts, or their invoices alone, will not entitle them to retrieve their plant and equipment or be paid their tax invoices should an owner or builder be placed in liquidation. Bottom line: contract clauses and invoices don’t mean you can go in and retrieve units from a job when word gets out a builder has gone belly-up. The PPSA may offer some protection for contractors in situations where an owner or builder is placed in liquidation. The plant and equipment may be recovered if the contractor has registered a “security interest” in their plant, equipment and their accounts under the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR).

Registration Recording security over plant and equipment is an electronic process. It is imperative in ensuring that other contractors do not gain priority interest in plant and equipment or payment of unpaid tax invoices. The registration process is designed to be quick and cost-efficient, with parties being able to register their interest either online or in some cases by SMS. Registration requires describing the plant and equipment so it can be easily identified, and providing accurate and complete information about the contractor.

Risks and benefits of registering In instances where the plant and equipment is not registered correctly it may be deemed that the registration is not valid. In this case contractors may be at risk of losing their security interest if the plant and equipment is in the possession of an owner or builder who goes bankrupt. Time constraints and costs also apply to registering a security interest, with the cost depending on the duration of the registration period. Costs range from $7.40 to $130.00.

Frank Gambera

So what is the Personal Property Securities Register? The PPSR is a tool that may offer the contractor risk protection even if plant and equipment, such as heating and cooling units, have been installed and are no longer in the contractor’s possession at the time an owner or builder becomes insolvent (or goes broke, as we normally say). Under the PPSR, personal property is widely defined as any property that is not land or a fixture. It includes material assets such as plant and machinery as well as non-material items such as accounts/tax invoices.

What should you do? Contractors are encouraged to review their trading activities to determine if registering a security interest over personal property of owners and builders is the right move for them. If the decision to register is made, this process should be completed as early as possible to ensure the best chance of placing the contractors interests over other secured creditors. n Frank Gambera is a director for McMahon Fearnley Lawyers. Contact him at fmg@mcmahonfearnley.com.au or (03) 9670 0966.

AIRAH TRADE NIGHTS

AIRAH Trade Nights are a great opportunity to broaden your networks and see the HVAC&R industry’s latest innovations. Whether you’re looking for the latest technology to improve your business, or extending your networks, there will be plenty on offer. AIRAH Trade Nights are free to attend and open to everyone, but you must be registered to attend. October 12

Shepparton

Vic

October 19

Adelaide

Free entry – Doors open at 4pm Exhibitors with the latest HVAC&R products and innovations. Drinks, food and more.

26 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | October 2017

GUIDE

AIRAH TIN G OF AN D HEA TIT UTE NIN GAIRA AN INS H GUID STR ALI CO ND ITIO E A guide to THE AU N, AIR Model WHS Law in Austra ERATIO lia for the REF RIG

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have statutory that some states It should be noted certain activities. provide PPE for requirements to involves approach that of Control is an control measures The Hierarchy this order of possible solution working through and reasonably practicable until an appropriate is reached. turn. is considered in 1, each strategy will it solve Starting with Step be implemented, to this can is not sufficient For example, this control measure next until a solution the problem? If move on to the manage the hazard, is identified. ss different effectivene of control have supervision, and levels n Different levels of participatio and require different see Figure 6.

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WHS laws who WorkSafwith associated Victoria’ existing all persons in e Victoria Training, information Housing Constru the worker and anyshazard ctionwork carried and fit forcontinu • Managin size necessary to protect from occupat es to enforce legislation. is a suitable ional health by the PCBUgasthe Work equipmentThis means safety arising andEnvironm and safety or undertaking to refer to their health (OH&S) ent and Facilities wear it. that Victoria’s toor • risks Victoria’ is to use workplaces First Aid inof the conduct of the business s codes and protective information the Workpla understandable manner need out as part the personal guidanc that aboutalso e material that a readily ce howensure must legislatio to comply or replaced ssofor and provided in The PCBU n. 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AIRAH

GUIDE

1.9 Jurisdic tion Variations al

All of the followin the Work health g jurisdictions have implemented and Safety Health and Safety Regulat Act (2011) and the Work modifications ions where noted. (2011), with the followin g As at 1 May 2017 the 2016 amendmno jurisdiction had adopted (see 1.10 below). ents to the Act and Regulations

1.9.1 Com monweal

WHS Act th Most HVAC&R 2011 s22 work health business will fall within and state or territory Commonwealth safety jurisdiction rather than jurisdiction. the of Australia Because , the with potentia Commonwealth WHS of the federal nature or territory l overlap with : laws www.safeworka State/Territory need to deal In general, WHS laws. contact-informa ustralia.gov.au/whs-aut the Commo horitiestion nwealth WHS • apply to laws: • Commo busines nwealth Commonwealth ses and undertakings https://w ww.safeand national regulato of the , Commo rs and non-Co whs-authorities- workaustralia.gov.au/sni mmonwealth nwealth public authorit homepages/con ppet/ if the work is carried out licensees–including ies tacts-commonw • Australia oversea ealth n Capital • require s; Commonwealth http://w ww.wor Territory co-operate duty holders ksafe.act.gov.au and /health_safety State/Territory-b co-ordinate activitie to consult, • New South s with Wales ased busines a correspo http://w ww.safe ses that have other nding State/Te a duty under work.nsw.gov.au rritory-based • make special WHS law; and • Norther n Territory defence and provision to deal with http://w ww.wor national security Australian Federal Police ksafe.nt.gov.au/ For more informa operations. , Pages/default.as • Queens px land Commonwealth tion on features unique https://w ww.wor – Commonwealthjurisdiction see Consult to the ksafe.qld.gov.au ation Paper Work https://docs.emp Health and • South Safety Australia consultation_pa loyment.gov.au/system Bill 2011. http://w ww.safe per.pdf /files/doc/other/ work.sa.gov.au • Tasman ia 1.9.2 Aust http://w ww.wor ralian Capit ksafe.tas.gov.au al Territory A key variation • Victoria in the Australia jurisdiction n Capital Territory enables the http://w ww.wor of practice Minister to ksafe.vic.gov.au for the manage approve codes of asbesto ment, control • Western s or Australia or remova Other variationasbestos containing http://w ww.wor material (Sectionl s in the ACT kcover.wa.gov.au include: 274(2)). • Omissio n of the model Chapters on chemicals and Major Hazard Facilitieshazardous instead preservi (MHFs), ng arrange Dangerous ments under Substances Act 2004 (ACT); the Dangerous Substances (General) Regulatiand • Addition on 2004 (ACT). al infringeable chapter. offences in the constru ction

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25 www. airah.o

rg.au 9

u www.airah.org.a

www.airah.org.a

TRY INDUS

17 IDE 20

HVAC&R safety – an essential guide

WHS and OH&S regulations have a big impact on the HVAC&R industry and its stakeholders. With this in mind, AIRAH has published the Guide to Model WHS Law in Australia for the HVAC&R Industry. The guide sheds light on the ins and outs of regulations. And it helps provide an understanding about specific WHS issues and challenges that our industry members encounter in their work, in addition to the general duties assumed by employers and supervisors. Indeed, the guide outlines very clearly where individual responsibilities in the industry reside. AIRAH’s aim in publishing the guide is to raise awareness of legal responsibilities so that those onsite can safely install, maintain and operate HVAC&R equipment.

Buy a copy now at www.airah.org.au/store

October 2017 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 27

Smoko with . . .

IRAH Name: Ben Strapp, Affil.A

Sporting hero? Kobe Bry

rcial. Company : Climat Comme Occupation: BIM modeller.

industry do you work in? What par t of the HVAC &R Commercial air conditioning. &R industry? ut working in the HVAC What’s the bes t thing abo new technology. h t is constantly evolving wit It’s an exciting industry tha new to learn. There’s always something rs. d in the industry? Five yea How long have you worke Skills Workshop. tion of HVAC &R Nation? What’s your favourite sec Dream car ? Tesla Model

Dream date? Dinner and

a movie.

Dream holiday? Coast to Drink of choice? Scotch What song did you las t

coast across the United Sta

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. . . When I'm not working I'm l. family or playing basketbal my h Reading, spending time wit

tes.

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listen to? Deadmau5 – “St

robe”.

We are made ? “The cosmos is within us. Favourite quote or saying lf” – Carl Sagan. for the universe to know itse of star-stuff. We are a way Vietnamese roll. Favourite smoko snack?

SAFETY FIRST

FLAMMABLE REFRIGERANTS Safety Guide

SAFETY

GUIDE

SAFETY

FLAM

MABL E REFRI GERA NTS HEATING E OF INST ITUT ONI NG AND DITI TRA LIAN , AIR CON THE AUS Enclosed RAT ION vehicles includ REFRIGE e:

SAFETY

GUIDE

FLAMMA BLE

Enclosed vehicles

REFRIGE RANTS

CONSIDER

include:

cylinders in a

vehicle that is

an enclosed

transport is to be used to Is the vehicle that an enclosed vehicle? open to the gas cylinder(s) the vehicle is not as: luggage area of such vehicles That is to say the air) and includes the elements (open

over the tray

vehicle

without windows) • A van (with or • A panel van ge • A station wagon the tray or luggage/stora a canopy over • A utility with area over the tray a torneau cover ge • A utility with the luggage/stora vehicle whereby • Other type of part of the inside of the vehicle is compartment

Utility with a canopy

transported, less

Enclosed trailer This self-assess of all gas cylinders water capacity Is the gas cylinders ment document is for the transport 250L? up to a quantity than Flammab

vehicle is deemed are down, the an enclosed vehicle

of of 250L of le gases in Division 2.1 enclosedcabinet(s) wagons, and in a vehicles such shouldstored as cylinders be Section the gas Are 12 of this guide. read in conjunction vans and with the the vehicle? inside For quantities greater than gases, the 250L of Division full the Transport requirements of thegas escape2.1 Flammable any Australian Code ofsealed Dangerou whereby (ADG s Goods by vehicle? for apply and Is the7)cabinet of the enclosed Road reference forcannot enter the inside requireme must be made and Rail nts. to the ADG 7 or tube in the Is there a pipe to the outside?

cabinet, which

is vented

NTS

SAFETY

2 dangerous

MANDATO

RY ACTION

GUIDE

goods

ITEM

CONSIDER SATISFAC

Utility with

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TORY Transport of gas cylinder s in a vehicle Transport that is an of gas cylinder enclosed vehicle in an enclose d vehicle s Yes No Action required

the tray

Is the vehicle that is to be the gas cylinder(s) used an enclosed to transport vehicle? That is to say the elements the luggage area of the vehicle (open air) and includes such is not open to • A van (with vehicles as: or without windows) • A panel van • A station wagon • A utility with a canopy over area the tray or luggage/storage • A utility with a torneau cover • Other type over the tray of vehicle whereby the compartm ent is part of the inside luggage/storage of the vehicle Is the water capacity of than 250L? all gas cylinders transporte d, less

an enclosed vehicle

No Yes When cylinders the covers Transport of gas vehicle are down, the vehicle is deemed in an enclosed Utility with a cover enclosed compartment

E REFRI GERA

Traffic light in a “tool assessment system of trade” for the transp vehicle ort of Class

GUIDE

Y SATISFACTOR

Transport of gas

When the covers

SAFETY

us goods t of Class 2 dangero for the transpor ent system Utility with an enclosed Traffic light assessmvehicle compartm ent ACTION ITEM in a “tool of trade” MANDATORY

REFRIGE RANTS

Utility with an

FLAM MABL

ble Flammearants Refrig FLAMMA BLE

Action required

is YES, to this question If the answer with an open consider a vehiclespace such as a trayUtility with a canopy luggage/storage truck.

the tray a canopy over aids the For vehicles with install a vent that the of the vehicle, which will negate the in circulation of air flammable gases build-up of any the vehicle. storage area of

Are the gas cylinders stored inside the in a cabinet(s) vehicle?

is NO, to this question for a If the answer conditions apply. then the (relaxed) vehicle do not “Tool of Trade”

Is the cabinet cannot enter sealed whereby any gas the inside of the enclosedescape vehicle? Is there a pipe to the outside?or tube in the cabinet,

the door the seal around to a As an example, should be similar The of the cabinet refrigerator. door on a household is held cold air in the refrigerator seal. in by the door

which is vented

If the answer to this question consider a is YES, vehicle with luggage/s torage space an open truck. such as a tray For vehicles of the vehicle,with a canopy over the tray install a vent circulation that aids of build-up of air which will negate the any flammable the storage area of the vehicle. gases in the

If the answer to this question then the (relaxed) is NO, condition “Tool of Trade” vehicle do s for a not apply.

As an example, of the cabinet the seal around the door should be door on a similar to household refrigerato a cold air in r. The the in by the door refrigerator is held seal. The pipe or tube to be discharged allows any leaking gases to outside atmosphe re.

gases allows any leaking The pipe or tube to outside atmosphere. to be discharged

Are there appropriat e markings door of the on the cabinet, to indicate its contents?

Enclosed trailer

markings on the Are there appropriateto indicate its contents? door of the cabinet,

of for the transport nt document is 2.1 This self-assessme a quantity of 250L of Division to such as vans and gas cylinders up in enclosed vehicles the Flammable gases be read in conjunction with wagons, and should guide. 2.1 Flammable Section 12 of this than 250L of Division Code for For quantities greater of the Australian Rail gases, the full requirements Goods by Road and ADG 7 Dangerous the Transport of reference must be made to the and (ADG 7) apply . for requirements

www.ai rah.org

.au www.ai rah.org

.au 67

www.airah .org.au

INDUST

3 DE 201

www.airah .org.au

RY GUI

FREE ONLINE PUBLICATION AIRAH has released its Flammable Refrigerants Safety Guide, which is now available for FREE download. Believed to be the first of its kind in Australia, the guide was developed by independent organisations and stakeholders. AIRAH’s Flammable Refrigerants Safety Guide covers the health and safety risks involved in the design, manufacture, supply, installation, conversion, commissioning, operation, maintenance, decommissioning, dismantling and disposal of HVAC&R equipment and systems that contain a flammable refrigerant.

The guide is available to download FREE from www.airah.org.au Select the “Resources” tab then click “Technical Resources” on the drop-down menu.

28 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | October 2017

AIRAH and Industry classifieds EVENTS Shepparton Trade Night AIRAH Trade Nights are a great opportunity to broaden your networks and see the HVAC&R industry’s latest innovations. It’s a great way to find new ways to give your business a competitive edge. Whether you’re looking for the latest technology to improve your business, or extending your networks, there will be plenty on offer. Date: Thursday, October 12 Time: TBA Venue: Parklake Hotel 481 Wyndham St Shepparton, Vic

Australasian Building Simulation Conference 2017 AIRAH and The International Building Performance Simulation Association (IBPSA) are proudly hosting a joint Australasian Building Simulation Conference in Melbourne. Date: Wednesday, October 15 to Thursday, October 16 Time: TBA Venue: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre 1 Convention Pl South Wharf, Vic

FREE Classified Ads

WOA Vic – Women in Engineering Join the Women of AIRAH Victorian division committee and Jenny Bailey, author of Women in Hard Hats, in a discussion on building leadership, confidence, and life satisfaction in the engineering sector. Date: Monday, October 16 Time: 5.30pm–7.30pm Venue: Rendezvous Hotel 328 Flinders St Melbourne, Vic

AIRAH WA Members’ Annual Lunch AIRAH’s WA division is proud to present the annual AIRAH WA Members’ Lunch. The guest presenter is Perth architect Peter Lee, Director at HASSELL, a multi-disciplinary design practice with studios in Australia, China, South-East Asia, UK and the USA. Date: Tuesday, October 17 Time: 12.15pm–3.00pm Venue: The Old Brewery 173 Mounts Bay Rd Perth, WA

SA Members’ Golf Day The AIRAH South Australia division invites members and guests to its annual Golf Day. Date: Friday, October 20 Time: TBA Venue: Flagstaff Hill Golf Club Memford Way Flagstaff Hill, SA

NSW Members’ Golf Day The AIRAH New South Wales division invites members and guests to its annual Golf Day. Date: Thursday, October 26 Time: TBA Venue: Parramatta Golf Club 1156 Victoria Rd West Ryde, NSW

AIRAH Awards Night

Built on a history of recognising excellence and achievement within the HVAC&R Industry, the AIRAH Awards will return in 2017 to honour those who have delivered significant contributions to our industry. The Awards presentation dinner applauds the industry’s high achievers, stand-out projects, and ground-breaking research. Date: Thursday, November 2 Time: TBA Venue: Piers 19–21, Level 3 26–32 Pirrama Rd Jones Bay Wharf Pyrmont, NSW

HVAC&R Nation is offering a free industry classified service! Whether you are looking, selling, trading or tendering – HVAC&R Nation classifieds is the best way to spread the word!

TRAINING NSW – Industrial Ammonia Plant Operations This course is designed for plant operators who need to be aware of the potential hazards associated with ammonia and a sound knowledge of how an industrial ammonia plant is operated. This three-day course includes both theoretical and practical components, and includes visits to a working industrial ammonia plant. Who should attend: Plant operators, fitters and turners, electricians, boilermakers, mechanics and contractors who have not worked with ammonia. Key topics: Refrigeration systems, compressors, lubricants, condensers, cooling towers and ancillary components, refrigerant control devices, liquid overfeed systems, ammonia awareness/safety, service procedures and fault finding, legal requirements and legislation. Date: November 20–22 Venue: TAFE NSW – Sydney Institute, Ultimo

Send in your submissions, text only – no images or logos.

Send your submissions to: matt.dillon@airah.org.au or c/o AIRAH, Level 3, 1 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne Vic 3000.

Advertise in HVAC&R Nation in 2018

Contact: Glenn or John 03 8623 3000 October 2017 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 29

The Lighter Side

This month’s Lighter Side is brought to you by DA19

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••• 21

g and Heatin

3000 te of urne VIC lian Institu Street, Melbo 8949 th 3 39614 1 Elizabe Fax: +61 Level 3, 3000 3 8623 Tel: +61

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h.org.au www.aira

1 WINNER

Brought to you by

BACK-UP BThis UCKET is either madness or brilliance. A great shot of an impromptu water system captured by Andy in Western Australia. n

ODGY DAMP DCheck out this soggy set up! We hope the next fridgie dons a mask and gloves in that bacteria-ridden basement. n

AIR AIt’sNCIENT hard to imagine this ancient unit blowing out cool air instead of dust. Nabbed by Iain from New South Wales. n

AND CHILL SSentIDEWAYS in by Rupinder from the Northern Territory, this sneaky installation is the definition of sharing. n

HAZARD FThisIREfearsome fire hazard was snapped by Josh and Mark in Western Australia. Let’s hope this air conditioner doesn’t run on R32! n

HAVE YOU COME ACROSS SOMETHING SCARY, UGLY OR JUST PLAIN FUNNY? If your entry is deemed the monthly winner, a bottle of Jim Beam bourbon 750ml will be on its way to your door. Please include a postal address with your entry. Entrants must be aged 18 years or over. Send submissions to Managing Editor, Matthew Dillon at matt@airah.org.au

30 | HVAC&R Nation | www.airah.org.au/nation | October 2017

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October 2017 | www.airah.org.au/nation | HVAC&R Nation | 31

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