This e-learning programme contains four e-learning modules that will help you to develop skills in refrigerant containment and leakage reduction.

The e-learning programme will cover not only the legal requirements but also the environmental and financial impact of leakage and how to take a proactive approach to reducing leaks in refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump systems (RACHP systems) to prevente refrigerant leaks in the future.

There are four modules in the complete programme:

1-Environmental, cost and legal aspects of refrigerant leakage
2-Reducing leakage through appropriate maintenance and service
3-Minimising Leakage – Good Practice for Design, Installation and Commissioning
4-Reducing leakage through site specific surveys and advice

Each module includes self test exercises (which are not full assessments). They are included to help you check that you have understood the material in the module.

Note: the materials are being updated to take into account changes in EN378:2016 published December 2016 and will be reissued shortly. In the mean time you can download this free summary of key changes in the European safety standard from the Institute of Refrigeration (UK).

An optional Certificate of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is available to learners who successfully complete a REAL Skills Assessment. The multiplte choice Assessment papers cover the first three modules only. The fee for Certification and Assessment is 35 euro per person (which covers all three modules). For more information on how you can obtain Certification and the conditions of accessing the Assessments see w ww.realalternatives.eu

REAL Zero builds on the F Gas Regulation requirements with good practice recommendations. Recently revised and updated, the programme provides free e-learning & downloads which will help you to:

Explore the principles of Good leak testing and most common leak points in a system
Understand the design and installation issues related to leakage prevention
Improve our knowledge of the implications of leakge for service and maintenance contractors
Communicate effectively the importance of containment to equipment owners and end users.

There are booklets and tools that will support your learning and are provide more information on the topics covered in the e-learniing modules. These are:

13 most common leaks
Designing out leaks
Leakage matters: for service and maintenance contractors
Leakage matters: for equipment owners
An excel tool to track refrigerant use and illustrate the financial and environmental cost of leakage

You can access these from the Downloads area of the e-learning site.

The REAL Skills learning programme has been developed by a consortium of associations and training bodies from across Europe, based on a project originally co-funded by the EU Lifelong Learning Programme in 2011, with the support of industry stakeholders. Educators, manufacturers and designers across Europe have contributed to the content.

You can use and distribute this material for individual training purposes. The Modules, Booklets and Tools remain copyright of the Institute of Refrigeration and partners. Material may be reproduced either as a whole or as extracts for training purposes on written application to REAL Skills Europe, c/o Institute of Refrigeration, UK email: ior@ior.org.uk. Any queries about the content or the learning programme should also be addressed to ior@ior.org.uk.

This document is based on information and legislation current at date of publication. The Institute of Refrigeration and partners accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions.