A social study of the technicians dealing with refrigerant gases: Diagnosis of the behaviours, knowledge and importance attributed to the F-gases

Compliance with the international agreements and regulations aiming at mitigating emissions of gases with high global warming potential (GWP) requires the involvement of all stakeholders in the value chain of equipment containing refrigeration gases. In particular, the technicians dealing with the installation, maintenance, and dismantling of refrigeration equipment have a relevant role in the prevention of the release of refrigerant gases and their correct management. Besides technical information and training, the awareness of these technicians about the effects of fluorinated gases (F-gases) on global warming is critical for policy, regulations and strategies related to F-gases. This work presents the results of a questionnaire conducted with 586 Portuguese, Spanish, and French technicians to diagnose their behaviours, knowledge, and risk perception face to refrigeration gases and global warming. The results reveal that the repaired equipment mostly contains the pure HFCs R-32 and R-134a, the HFC blends R-410A, R-407C, and R-404A, and the fourth-generation HFC-HFO blend R-449A. They also indicate the need to implement more efficient and credible information/awareness campaigns and to improve the training of these professionals in key respects, such as the relation between F-gases and climate change and the importance of their individual responsibility. Several suggestions were provided by the inquired technicians to improve the repair/maintenance process aiming at mitigating the effect of refrigeration gases on climate change, and to improve the awareness of this topic. These suggestions should be taken into consideration to improve legislation and policies.

Automated summary

Compliance with international agreements and regulations to reduce emissions of high GWP gases requires involvement of all stakeholders in refrigeration equipment value chain, especially technicians involved in installation, maintenance, and dismantling, whose awareness about F-gases' impact on global warming is critical. This study surveyed 586 technicians from Portugal, Spain, and France to assess their behaviors, knowledge, and risk perception regarding refrigeration gases and global warming. The results reveal the predominant use of HFCs and suggest the need for more efficient information campaigns and improved training to enhance awareness and individual responsibility among technicians.