U-3ARC U-3ARC Union of Associations of African Actors in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
U-3ARC Union of Associations of African Actors in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

FLAMMABLE REFRIGERANTS - New explosion in Niamey or the dangers of unpreparedness

On Friday, March 28, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., a fire broke out in the store of a refrigeration and air conditioning retailer in Niamey, the capital of Niger. While the causes have not yet been determined, it remains certain that many air conditioners and household appliances, containing R600, R32, and R290 refrigerants—admittedly eco-friendly but highly flammable—were among the equipment found there. Should we remain lethargic in the face of rampant carnage?

Daouda Mbaye, Rédacteur en chef

FLAMMABLE REFRIGERANTS - New explosion in Niamey or the dangers of unpreparedness

In Africa, a new explosion has been added to the list of disasters caused by explosions of flammable gases in new refrigeration equipment. In a commercial district of Niger's capital, Niamey, opposite the Martial Arts Academy, a household appliance store was destroyed by a massive explosion last Friday at 1:30 p.m. Although the material damage is estimated to be significant, there was more fear than harm. The time of the incident, the professionalism of the Civil Protection firefighters, and the coordination of Nigerien police and Nigelec officers helped avoid the worst, according to initial reports. Ibrahim Ali Barga, President of APFN, who deplored this umpteenth blunder, confirmed the information. For Madi Sakandé, President of U-3ARC, this is a new opportunity to sound the alarm and urge all stakeholders to be careful. In his opinion, "our countries are not ready for the management of flammable refrigerants!!!" There is a lot, a lot, a lot to do before flooding our markets with equipment that can be considered real time bombs!!!"

For Africa, which generally has a hot climate, the RAC sector is essential. Everyone agrees that it is not a luxury, remains vital to ensure inclusive development because it is cross-cutting, guarantee food sovereignty... However, there is no question of putting the cart before the horse. "PLEASE DON'T GO TOO FAST! THOSE WHO ARE LEADING THESE PROJECTS AND FUNDING ARE NOT YET USING THEM AT HOME. LET'S TAKE THE TIME TO UNDERSTAND THE ISSUES BEFORE TAKING THEIR OWN CONTROL," President of U-3ARC reiterated.

Prerequisites for the Use of Eco-Friendly and Flammable Refrigerants

Currently, the observation is that the biggest polluters continue to harm the planet. They aren’t located in Africa. The legitimate question is, "Why conduct trials on a continent that currently lacks the appropriate training, necessary tools, skills, and technology to manage such a flow of equipment?"

A major effort must be undertaken in terms of training, equipping with tools and measuring instruments, and also raising awareness. It is the responsibility of all professional stakeholders to conduct awareness campaigns on the precautions surrounding the use of household appliances powered by eco-friendly but flammable refrigerants. Dja Nsob Ndeudji Tchoua, President of the APFCC, shares this point of view. The danger is all the greater because the uninformed technician or user may believe they are dealing with a non-flammable gas, formerly!