JEDDAH — Saudi Electronics & Home Appliances Institute (SEHAI) implemented intensive technical training on refrigerant and fluorocarbon recovery operation for air conditioners (AC) last week. The training was organized by the Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME) and United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). The one-day intensive training was intended to raise awareness on environmental protection and to enhance related technical skills. The training was conducted by Mohammed S. Al-Sahafi, Air Quality Manager and National Ozone Unit Coordinator, PME, and Khaled Klaly, Program Officer, ODS Phase-out Programs Compliance Assistance (CAP), UNEP, with technical support from Zagzoog for Home Appliances (distributor of General air conditioners, and etc.). Around 50 participants consisting of AC technicians, SEHAI students and Technical Trainers College students participated in the training. The attendees were given a discourse on types of refrigerant, their adverse effects on environment and the necessity to spread environmentally-friendly practices in the huge AC repair and maintenance market in the Kingdom. SEHAI is a joint project which symbolizes a strategic partnership between the Kingdom and Japan. A two-year course provided by SEHAI has been contributing to the development of human resources in the Kingdom and to the creation of employment among Saudi youth. SEHAI has been supported by both Saudi and Japanese governments, Japanese electronics and home appliances manufacturers, Saudi distributors and Nippon Engineering College (NEEC). SEHAI is now ready to receive its new students in the academic year starting from January 2013. For the web application, visit HYPERLINK “http://www.sehai.org/” http://www.sehai.org/. — SG
