Tobago Training in Hydrocarbon as a Refrigerant

The National Ozone Unit of Trinidad and Tobago would like to invite you to a FREE training in Hydrocarbon as a Refrigerant in Domestic and Commercial Refrigeration.  

Our local expertise, Flavorite are conducting the training in the use of Hydrocarbon as a refrigerant. It is open to all technicians, students and persons in the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Sector.  The training will be held at Crown Point Beach Hotel, Crown Point, Tobago, at 9:30 am to 1 pm. 

>> Please register early as space is limited by calling the number below or via e-mail:

 

Monitoring Refrigerant Imports can Save the Earth!

On Thursday 27th June, 2013, an article entitled "Better monitoring of refrigerant imports: Can help save the Earth" featured in the Business Day section in the Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday Newspaper. The article  was co-written by Dr. Marissa Gowrie, National Ozone Officer, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources and Nadita Ramachala from the Standardisation Division of the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards (TTBS).

The article gives the public an overview of the global environmental phenomena of ozone depletion caused by emissions of ozone depleting substances (ODS) such as refrigerants in the atmosphere.  It also showcases the efforts made by the National Ozone Unit to protect the ozone layer and phase out ODS ensuring the that Trinidad and Tobago meets its obligations under the Montreal Protocol. 

It also highlights the collaboration of the National Ozone Unit (NOU) of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources in regulating refrigerants being imported and sold in the country via the development of national standards for the air-conditioning and refrigeration industry.  This alliance will ensure the improvement of these products and services while helping to guide the phasing out of refrigerants classified as ODS. 

If you missed last week's article in the Newsday, check out the link below to view the full article:

Better monitoring of refrigerant imports: Can help save the Earth

Page 19, Business Day

Trinidad and Tobago Newsday Newspaper

Disbursement of EU Grant Funds to ARIA

On Monday June 10, 2013, The Minister of Planning and Sustainable Development as the National Authorising Officer of the European Union Grant Funding held a press conference to commemorate the disbursement of over $400,000TTD in grant funding among five NGOs and the Vet-Med, UWI at the La Lune Room, Level 20, and Eric Williams Financial Complex.

The Air- Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Association of Trinidad and Tobago (ARIA) was one of the NGOs to receive European Union  (EU) grant funding.  ARIA has been a long time and valuable stakeholder of the NOU; partnering with the Unit on numerous occasions including training of the air-conditioning and refrigeration sector on alternatives of ODS and best practices, the TPMP and the successful phasing out of CFCs and its current work on the HPMP.  In light of this, two members of the NOU; Mr. Javed Lakhan and Ms. Anastasia Gordon, attended the press conference in support of ARIA.

The EU Grant Funds were used to support the Re-training Session for the air-conditioning and refrigeration sector in good refrigeration practices. Training technicians in the industry is essential for the wise use and prevention of  the incidental release of refrigerants into the atmosphere.  ODS need to be safely recovered (not vented into the atmosphere) from equipment during maintenance operations by a trained technician through the use of recovery and recycling equipment. 

L-R: Mr. Kenneth Boodoo, President, ARIA, receiving grant funds from the Ms.  Arlene McComie, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Planning and Sustainable Development and Ms Daniela Tramacere, Charge d'Affaires, EU Delegation.

EU Grant Fund Awardees including Mr. Kenneth Boodoo, ARIA (3rd from the left) with the Senator, Dr. the Honourable Minister Bhoendradatt Tewarie (4th from the right) and Ms. Arlene McComie, Permanent Secretary, both from the Ministry of Planning and Sustainable Development.

Meeting of the English Speaking Caribbean and Haiti Ozone Officers

The United Nations Environment Programme Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (UNEP ROLAC) along with the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis hosted the Meeting of the English Speaking Caribbean Ozone Officers held during the period March 18-21, 2013 in Basseterre, St. Kitts.

Trinidad and Tobago was represented by Dr. Marissa Gowrie; the National Ozone Officer and Ms. Neera Singh, Ozone Assistant both from the National Ozone Unit (NOU); Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources. Representatives from the UNEP OzonAction ROLAC and Paris Office, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and national stakeholders from St. Kitts and Nevis were also present.

The meeting focused on:

• Major decisions coming of the 24th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol and the Compliance Status of the Montreal Protocol in the Caribbean Network 
• Major issues addressed in the 23rd Meeting of the Open Ended Working Group of the Montreal Protocol
• Recent decisions of the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund Secretariat and the implications for the Caribbean Region
• Certifications and licensing systems  for technicians (case study on a system set up by the Belize Ozone Unit)
• Graduate level course on the Management of Ozone Depleting Substances in progress to be implemented at the University of the West Indies and its benefits to the Caribbean region
• Implementation of the Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) Phase Out Management Plans (HPMPs)

This forum provided a distinct opportunity for the English Speaking Caribbean and Haitian Ozone Officers to share and learn from each others' experiences. 

Training on Alternatives to Methyl Bromide for Pest Control Operators

Methyl Bromide (an ozone depleting substance - ODS) is used in fumigation for pest control. Under the Montreal Protocol, this substance must be phased out by 2015. Therefore, training in the alternatives for fumigation pest control is extremely important. The NOU held training sessions from March 11- 13, 2013 at Premier Quality Services Limited in Trincity Industrial Estate, Macoya.

Training sessions on March 11th and 12th, 2013 were aimed at informing pest controllers on the current alternatives to Methyl Bromide. In addition, a sensitisation session for the Pest Control Sector was also held on Wednesday 13th March, 2013.  This session was geared towards educating pest control companies of fumigation best practices in the industry.  

Mr Anthony Ramdeen (Consultant for the Methyl Bromide Phase Out Project) carrying out the training on the alternatives of Methyl Bromide for fumigation and fumigation best practices.

   

 

Dr.Gowrie  giving an introductory presentation to the pest control operators on the Montreal Protocol and the NOU

Phase out Schedule for Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) from January 1, 2013

NOU takes part in EduFest 2012

In commemoration of Cancer Awareness Month, on October 9^th, 2012  the Cancer Society of Trinidad and Tobago (TTCS) and Republic Bank Ltd hosted an awareness day to educate children about cancer and how to lead healthy lifestyles. EduFest 2012 was held at the National Academy for the Performing Arts, North Academy (NAPA).

There were several booths highlighting the various types of cancers affecting citizens. The National Ozone Unit (NOU) represented by Neera Singh and Anastasia Gordon attended and shared information on how to protect yourself from the harmful effects of UV radiation and prevent skin cancer. 

There were a number of high schools and primary schools in attendance. These young people and their teachers were very enthusiastic and were well aware of ozone layer depletion and its effects. It was truly a pleasure to take part in this event.

Aerial view of NOU booth, Anastasia Gordon (right) and Neera Singh (left) interacting with a group of high school students

 

Anastasia Gordon interacting with a group of primary school students

Quiz Time! Anastasia Gordon and Neera Singh (NOU) testing students awareness of ozone depletion and its link to skin cancer

Key points to remember to protect yourself from UV radiation 
and prevent skin cancer:

• Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. 
• Seek shade especially in the middle of the day when the sun’s rays are strongest. 
• Slip on a shirt. Cover up with protective clothing to guard as much skin as possible when you are out in the sun.  
• Use sunscreen and lip balm with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
• Cover your head with a wide-brimmed hat, shading your face, ears, and neck. 
• Wear sunglasses with 100% UV absorption to provide optimal protection for the eyes and the surrounding skin. 
• Follow these practices to protect your skin even on cloudy or overcast days. UV rays travel through clouds.

25th Anniversary Celebration of the Montreal Protocol and Launch of NIHERST Ozone Awareness Display

 

 

The Montreal Protocol celebrates its 25^th year of existence in September, 2012.  World Ozone Day is celebrated each year on September 16^th.  The National Ozone Unit, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST) launched the Ozone Awareness Display at the NIHERST Science Centre on September 14, 2012 in commemoration of World Ozone Day and to mark the 25^th Anniversary of the Montreal Protocol. 

The Honourable Ganga Singh, Minister of the Environment and Water Resources was there to receive a commemorative plaque for Trinidad and Tobago’s important contribution to protecting the ozone layer.  The display serves to build awareness for children on both the damaging effects of chemicals (such as CFCs and HCFCs) on the ozone layer and how to protect themselves from harmful UV radiation from the sun as a result of the weakened ozone layer.

 Dr Marissa Gowrie presenting a token of appreciation to Ms Maureen Manchouck, President of NIHERST

 

Senator, The Honourable Minister Ganga Singh interacting with the Ozone Display

 Rosemary Lall (UNDP Representative)  presenting the Commemorative Plaque for the 25^th Anniversary to the Minister

Hydrocarbon Sensitisation Training

The National Ozone Unit comprising Dr. Marissa Gowrie (National Ozone Officer) and Ms. Neera Singh (Ozone Officer) held Hydrocarbon Sensitisation Training sessions over the month of August 2012. 

The dates and venues of the sessions included:

• August 6th and 10th, El Sororro
• August 7th, Macoya
• August 8th, Couva
• August 27th, San Fernando
• August 30th, Tobago 

A key obligation of Trinidad and Tobago under the Montreal Protocol is the phase-out of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). To facilitate the phase out, the refrigeration and air conditioning sector needs to be properly trained in alternative refrigerants. This is set out in the HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP)  for Trinidad and Tobago.

One of the alternative refrigerants currently being explored is hydrocarbon, which is considered to be a green refrigerant. It is non-ozone depleting and has a low global warming potential (GWP). However, hydrocarbon is a flammable substance and therefore, proper training is required for technicians to safely work with the refrigerant.

The sessions served to build awareness of the importance of training service technicians in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Industry to work with hydrocarbon systems. Mr Ruben Marchand (Hydrocarbon Expert) and Mr Vernon Ramjattan (School of Practical Air-Conditioning) were the trainers for the sessions. Stemming from these sessions, the way forward will be to begin training technicians to service systems utilising hydrocarbon as a refrigerant.                                                                                      

Dr. Marissa Gowrie (National Ozone Officer) speaking at the Tobago Session

Technicians at the Hydrocarbon Sensitisation Session in San Fernando

LIST OF ACRONYMS IN OZONE

ARIA	Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Association
CFC	Chlorofluorocarbons
GRP	Good Refrigeration Practices
HCFC	Hydrochlorofluorocarbon
HFC	Hydrofluorocarbon
HC	Hydrocarbon
HPMP	Hydrochlorofluorocarbon Phase out Management Plan
MAC	Mobile Air Conditioning
MB	Methyl Bromide
MLF	Multi Lateral Fund
NOU	National Ozone Unit
NOO	National Ozone Officer
ODS	Ozone Depleting Substances
TPMP	Terminal Phase out Management Plan
UNDP	United Nations Development Bank
ODP	Ozone Depleting Potential
UNEP	United Nations Environment Programme
UNDP	United Nations Development Programme
UNEP ROLAC	United Nations Environment Programme Regional Office of Latin America and the Caribbean