AIRAH Suspends Upcoming Events in Australia till June Due to COVID-19

By Ilana Koegelenberg, Mar 24, 2020, 09:02 2 minute reading

Association may reschedule some divisional events and training sessions to later in the year.

AIRAH HVAC&R industry events are temporarily postponed because of the virus. © andriano/ 123RF.com

The Australian Institute of Refrigeration Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) has announced that it will suspend all upcoming HVAC&R conferences and events through May 31 amidst the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic shutdown. 

This means a halt to AIRAH’s Industry Nights, seminars and face-to-face training dates, according to a recent statement by Tony Gleeson, AIRAH’s CEO. Some of the divisional events and training sessions may be rescheduled to later in the year, pending developments. Other events will become webinar/video streaming resources, to be determined on a case-by-case basis.

The suspension also includes the Refrigeration 2020 Conference, originally slated to take place March 23–24 in Melbourne. “We are working to secure new dates for this event, with more information to be announced,” said Gleeson. “We are, of course, cognizant of the quickly shifting landscape and will accommodate the state and federal governments’ requests in an effort to protect public health,” he said. 

The Professional Diploma in Building Services – HVAC&R will go ahead as an online program with the next semester beginning April 1. AIRAH will also continue to offer its Professional Certificate in HVAC&R Fundamentals.

COVID-19 and HVAC&R – common questions 

Given the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many are concerned about how the disease is spread and the role (or risk) of HVAC&R systems. As such, AIRAH has compiled a resource of some of the most frequently asked questions.

The association answers questions such as:

  • Can COVID-19 be transmitted through air-conditioning systems?
  • What actions are required for workplace air conditioning systems?
  • Should special filters be installed in offices to help control the spread of the disease?
  • Do I need to disinfect my home air conditioner?
  • Is refrigerated or frozen food at risk of carrying COVID-19?
  • How easily can coronavirus spread inside a plane?

How does COVID-19 affect you?

As the pandemic continues to evolve globally and the effects become clearer, we’d like to find out how the HVAC&R industry is dealing with this. How is the virus affecting your business and what have you done to adapt in these challenging times? Share your view by sending an email to: michael.garry@shecco.com.

By Ilana Koegelenberg (@Ilana_Ed)

Mar 24, 2020, 09:02




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