As a global organization with members across the world, IIAR gives members the opportunity to learn from those with different experiences and points of view as well as improve the overall safety of the industrial refrigeration industry.

“Our industry is dependent on good engineering practices, and it will not grow if we do not have those implemented across the globe,” said Yesenia Rector, IIAR’s international director. “As a standards-writing organization, it makes sense for us to have that global reach and influence.”

The refrigeration industry is one of the safest industries within the United States. “Since we are creating these standards that are recognized in the United States as best practices, our friends in Latin America, for example, want to also emulate these practices.”

Having a broad membership also leads to richer and better discussions. “It is not a one-way street. It gives us in the U.S. the opportunity to learn from the experiences in other countries,” Rector said. Additionally, the global reach makes it easier for members to expand and do business in other countries.

It is easier for a manufacturer in Germany, for example, to do business in Latin America or the United States if they know the equipment is compliant and will work as it should, Rector explained.

“The standards that we write and the education we provide helps that interconnectivity throughout the industry and the globe. Not only that, with the global work that is being done to combat climate change and help with the environment, natural refrigerants make sense,” Rector said, adding that using natural refrigerants efficiently and sustainably benefits everyone.

GLOBAL EDUCATION

As part of its work, IIAR provides education globally. Which training is offered is often decided by the people in the country where it will be shared. “The IIAR Chapter chair in Costa Rica, for example, reached out and said, ‘We adopted the standards, but we need training,’” she said.

Recently, the IIAR-GCCA Education Seminar for Latin America on cold chain and refrigeration provided education for 65 registrants who obtained their Certificate, which is valid for one year. IIAR will meet in November to decide if the association will repeat this event next year.

IIAR is also working on ANR courses with LATAM Chapters and IIAR 2 with Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Peru and Chile.

IIAR has made several courses available in Spanish and the Spanish translation of the ANR IIAR 4 course has been recently completed. It is scheduled to be available by February. The next planned translations into Spanish are for ANR IIAR 9, and Standard ANSI / IIAR 2- 2021. Plus, IIAR’s Standard ANSI IIAR CO2 is available for members and for purchase in Spanish.

Global View

IIAR is also working with the AEFYT (Asociación de Empresas de Frío y sus Tecnologías) to translate Condenser articles into Spanish. “There is a need for knowledge and understanding of natural refrigerants. When we provide that information, it is valid. They want to make sure they can also be part of it and make the industry in their countries grow,” Rector said. IIAR and ACAIRE are developing a joint Diploma in Ammonia Refrigeration. The syllabus and descriptions for the learn – ing modules are currently being developed.

STANDARDS ADOPTION

As part of the association’s work, IIAR allows countries to adopt and modify the standards for their use, and several countries have connected with IIAR as they work to establish standards. “It has been kickstarted by the governments’ need to comply with global changes. It has drawn attention to natural refrigerants,” Rector said, adding that Argentina and Colombia are currently adopting IIAR standards. “Costa Rica is the most advanced in this process because they have already adopted all IIAR standards, and they are in the process of updating with the new versions of IIAR standards.”

ACTIVITY AT A GLANCE

Here is a quick look at what is happen – ing in countries worldwide: Argentina: In Argentina, the Instituto Nacional de Technologia Industrial (INTI)/IIAR Chapter signed a confidentiality agreement in March 2021. A committee is working on the review and adoption of IIAR 1 and IIAR 2.

Australia: The Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) is focusing on advocacy to have HVAC&R personnel classified as essential workers and the field given a unique professional designation. AIRAH is also exploring opportunities to share articles for major periodicals.

Brazil: IIAR has a newly formed chapter in Brazil, which is focused on working within the Brazilian industry to aid in the transition from high-global-warm – ing-potential refrigerants to low-impact refrigerants and expand the use of natural refrigerants.

China: Currently, a memorandum of understanding with CAR is under re – view and being updated.

Colombia: In Columbia, ICONTEC (Colombian Institute of Technical Standards and Certification)/IIARACAIRE (Asociación Colombiana De Acondicionamiento Del Aire Y De La Refrigeración) Chapter, a collaborative agreement was signed in 2020 to pro – tect IIAR content. The (CTN 125) Committee was formed to review standards IIAR 1 (NTC 6572-1) and IIAR 2 (NTC 6572-2). Concurrently, the Ministry of Energy and Mines is studying IIAR 2 for adoption as a national norm under the newly created RETSIT law (Reglamento Técnico para Instalaciones Térmicas).

Costa Rica: Under INTECO (Technical Standards Institute of Costa Rica)/IIAR Chapter/CIEMI (Colegio de Ingenerie – ros Electricsitas, Mecánicos e Industria – les – Allied Association), all IIAR (am – monia) standards have been identically adopted voluntarily with appropriate references to IIAR. INTECO translated ANSI IIAR CO 2 into Spanish and the standard is currently in public review.

Ecuador: A committee within the MP – CEIP (Ministry of Production) and IIAR Chapter began work in January 2022 to adopt IIAR 1 and IIAR 2.

Germany: Eurammon continues to collaborate with IIAR on Condenser magazine articles.

India: The Rotary International Project within India is still ongoing.

Spain: In Spain, the AEFYT (Asociación de Empresas de Frío y sus Tecnologías) has a memorandum of understanding in place with IIAR. Condenser articles are being translated into Spanish. Condenser Magazine ‘Select’ will start publication in early 2022. Plus, progress is being made on an education initiative, which is a 3D education program for ammonia refrigeration systems.

United Kingdom: The IoR (Institute of Refrigeration) IIAR is working on establishing a formal memorandum of under – standing. IoR is studying the possibility of an ARF-funded Research project and ARF scholarship opportunities.