HYDROCARBON DANGER	The NZ authorities have returned a verdict on the fatal explosion at a dairy factory in Hamilton - yes, it was a hydrocarbon refrigerant that nobody suspected was being used. VASA renews its warnings to vehicle technicians.
	The Code of Practice for automotive has been made law. VASA members will receive the Code in booklet form as soon as we receive them from the Australian Refrigeration Council. In the meantime, you can read the code by following this link. http://arctick.org/pdf/Automotive_RAC_CoP.pdf In addition, in VASA's Hot Air Newsletter, the Code will be serialised, with additional comment or explanation where necessary, so that everyone will be aware of the requirements of the Code. And remember, the Code is law, not just a set of guidelines.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE COMPANY	VASA's Annual General Meeting was held on the Gold Coast on 28 June, resulting in the election of Directors for the next year, till June 2009. President Mark Padwick and Vice-President Mark Mitchell were re-elected, along with directors Barry Rogers, Dave Jackson, Deyan Barrie and Jeff Smit. Company secretary/treasurer since inception, John Blanchard did not seek re-election. Tim Grimes of CoolDrive Distribution was elected in his place.
BIG SAVINGS FOR VASA MEMBERS IN NEW TRAINING PROGRAM	VASA member CoolDrive Distribution, in collaboration with The Automotive Technician and VASA (ic AAAE), have rolled out a series of low cost training days from July to October around Australia. Thanks to this collaboration, VASA members will receive a substantial discount, certainly enough to enable VASA members around Australia to bring their employees to this top day, which covers the basics of electronics, refrigeration, diagnostic procedures and common system faults. This is the type of training you have all been waiting for. If you support this effort, many more training programs will be rolled out on a continuing basis. CLICK HERE FOR THE TRAINING CALENDAR AND HOW TO ENROLL
		At a gala night in Melbourne on 21 April 2008, two young technicians, both from VASA workshops were honoured for their dedication to their industry. See the results by clicking here.
	Wire & Gas 2008 was the biggest and best convention yet, with more than 300 delegates and a record trade show. The Wire & Gas committee have already begun planning for Wire & Gas 2010, and it will revert to the June long weekend. So put a note in your diary now for June 2010. A photo record of the Wire & Gas convention and trade show is available at www.wireandgas.com.au

The automotive Code of Practice, to be enshrined into the regulations governing the Refrigernt Handling Licence and Authorisations, became law in late June 2008. As soon as it is available, it will be published on this site, and it will be serialised and explained in the Hot Air newsletter, available only to members.

Australian technicians are being warned to look seriously at their liability responsibilities in the workplace if they are even thinking about using hydrocarbon refrigerants in vehicles. VASA HAS PREPARED A WHITE PAPER LISTING ALL THE SIGNED EVIDENCE THAT HAS BEEN GATHERED OVER THE YEARS. IT MAKES FOR INTERESTING, IF NOT HORRIFYING READING. WE ENCOURAGE MOTORISTS TO READ THIS TOO. CLICK HERE TO READ IT

Those fleet operators in mining camps and other remote areas of Australia, who are being approached to change over to hydrocarbon refrigeratns in mobile plant - saving you the problem and fees of applying for the new Federal licence on fluorocarbons SHOULD READ BOTH THESE DOCUMENTS AS A MATTER OF URGENCY. THE STORY     THE OFFICIAL WARNING FROM THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT    THE QUEENSLAND ALERT

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