Volume 8, Issue 5, May – 2023 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology

ISSN No:-2456-2165

Assessment on the Level of Implementation of CFCs

and HCFCs Montreal Protocol by Refrigeration and
Air-conditioning Practitioners in Benue State, Nigeria
1
Tyav, Alfred Demenongu, 2 Tar, Sesugh Solomon, 3Agu, Peter Ashlame
1 &2
Department of Vocational and Technical Education, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria
3
Department of Science, Technology and Mathematics Education, Nassarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria.

Abstract:- This study assessed the level of implementation 7), Non-compliance (Article 8), Technical assistance (Article
of CFCs and HCFCs Montreal Protocol by Refrigeration 10), as well as other topics [4]. The substances controlled by
and Air conditioning practitioners in Benue State. The the treaty are listed in Annexes A (CFCs, halons), B (other
population of the study comprised of 50 practitioners of fully halogenated CFCs, carbon tetrachloride, methyl
refrigeration and air conditioning across the state. A chloroform), C (HCFCs), E (methyl bromide) and F (HFCs).
descriptive survey research design was used for the study. Throughout the implementation of the Montreal Protocol,
The instrument for data collection was a structured developing countries have demonstrated that, with the right
questionnaire and data collected was analyzed using kind of assistance, they are willing, ready and able to be full
descriptive statistics to ascertain the extent to which partners in global efforts to protect the environment. In fact,
practitioners in Benue State have implemented CFCs and many developing countries have exceeded the reduction
HCFCs Montreal protocol. The result of the study targets for phasing out ODS, with the support of the
revealed that refrigeration and air conditioning Multilateral Fund [6]. Montreal Protocol on substances that
practitioners in Benue State are aware of CFCs and deplete the ozone layer has developed a phase-out
HCFCs effect on Ozone layer depletion but they are not management plan which includes both production and
able to recover and store CFC and HCFC Refrigerants consumption of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydro-
from old refrigerating systems when carrying out repairs. chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) [5].
The study recommended among others that refresher
trainings should be organized for practitioners. The conversion of equipment and recovery of
refrigeration and air conditioning systems using CFCs and
Keywords:- Refrigeration and Air conditioning; HCFCs has not yet been completed; such systems when
Practitioners; Montreal Protocol; Refrigerants. spoiled are left in the hands of technicians for repairs.
Technicians are then required to handle such systems in
I. INTRODUCTION accordance with the Montreal protocol. This study is focused
on the level of implementation of Montreal Protocol by
Human activities since the Industrial Revolution are refrigeration and air conditioning practitioners in Benue State.
accountable for steady rises in atmospheric concentrations of
numerous greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide and II. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
organic chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and
hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). CFCs and HCFCs are Nigeria is not an exception to the global regime for
refrigerants used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems; environmental protection of the ozone layer and in order to
and they are Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) [1]. implement the Montreal Protocol, the Federal Government of
Chlorofluorocarbons are refrigerants that contain chlorine. Nigeria through the ministry of environment partner with
They have been banned since the beginning of the 90's United Nations Development Program (UNDP) through a
because of their negative environmental impacts [2]. The project managed by the Ozone Program and Management
hydrofluorocarbons are refrigerants that contain no chlorine Implementation Unit (OPIAMU) for awareness creation and
and are not harmful to the ozone layer however; their impact training of industrial operators that are concerned with CFCs
on global warming is very large (Mann, 2019). and HCFCs substances. One of the major operators that
handle such substances is the refrigeration and air
According to UNEP[3], The Montreal Protocol entered conditioning practitioners; these practitioners are the craft
into force on 1 January 1989 and has since undergone nine men, technician, technologist and engineers who carry out
revisions; in 1990 (London), 1991 (Nairobi), 1992 repairs, maintenance or handle installation of refrigeration and
(Copenhagen), 1993 (Bangkok), 1995 (Vienna), 1997 air conditioning equipment, they are directly involved in
(Montreal), 1998 (Australia), 1999 (Beijing) and 2016 handling refrigerants that contains CFCs and HCFCs
(Kigali). The Protocol includes provisions related to Control substance. In the year 2008, Refrigeration and Air-
Measures (Article 2), Calculation of control levels (Article 3), conditioners practitioners in Benue State were trained on
Control of trade with non-Parties (Article 4), Special situation proper handling of these substances and hence there is a need
of developing countries (Article 5), Reporting of data (Article to assess the level of implementation on the handling of these

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Volume 8, Issue 5, May – 2023 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
substances by the practitioners of the refrigeration and air refrigerants from old systems; Part “C” 5 items on
conditioning in Benue State. practitioners ability to store CFCs and HCFCs refrigerants
recovered from old systems for proper disposal; and Part “D”
III. RESEARCH QUESTIONS has 5 items on practitioners release of CFCs and HCFCs
refrigerants in old systems to the atmosphere during repairs. A
The following research questions were formulated to five-point response mode of Strongly Agreed (SA), Agreed
guide the study: (A), Strongly Disagree (SD), Disagree (D), and Undecided
 Are the refrigeration and air conditioning practitioners in (UD) with a corresponding numerical response scale value of
Benue State aware of CFCs and HCFCs refrigerants' effect 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 was used to illicit information from the
on Ozone layer depletion? practitioners. The questionnaire items were validated by two
 Are the refrigeration and air conditioning practitioners in experts of refrigeration and air conditioning from the
Benue State able to recover CFCs and HCFCs refrigerants department of vocational and technical education, Benue State
from old systems? University, Makrudi.
 Are the refrigeration and air conditioning practitioners in
Benue State able to store CFCs and HCFCs refrigerants Data collected from the practitioners were analyzed
recovered from old systems for proper disposal? using mean and standard deviation. The cut off point for
taking decision on each item was 3.00. Any item representing
IV. METHODOLOGY a task whose mean was less than 3.00 was regarded as not
able to perform the task.
The study adopted a descriptive research design in which
information relating to the level of implementation of CFCs V. RESULTS
and HCFCs Montreal Protocol by Refrigeration and Air-
conditioning practitioners in Benue State was sought. Fifty The results are presented according to the research
(50) practitioners were sampled from a population of three questions that guided the study.
hundred (300) practitioners in Benue State. The instrument for
data collection was a structured interview questionnaire and  Research Question 1: Are the refrigeration and air
the questionnaire items were structured into four parts (A, B, conditioning practitioners in Benue State aware of CFCs
C, & D). Part “A” had 5 items on practitioners aware of CFCs and HCFCs refrigerants' effect on Ozone layer depletion?
and HCFCs effect on Ozone layer depletion; Part “B” 5 items The data that answer this research question is presented
on practitioners ability to recover CFCs and HCFCs in table 1 below.

Table 1Mean rating of refrigeration and air conditioning practitioners’ awareness of CFCs and HCFCs refrigerants' and its
effect on Ozone layer depletion.
Test Items N SA A D SD Ẋ STD
CFCs and HCFCs are the main Refrigerants Currently Used in refrigeration and 50 23 15 4 8 3.14 0.0190
Air-Conditioning services in Makurdi Metropolis.
The ozone layer is essential to the existence of lifeforms on earth. 50 35 13 2 3.66 0.0021
Ozone depletion can affects life forms on earth negatively. 50 31 14 3 3.48 0.0003
CFCs and HCFCs are substances that deplete the Ozone Layer and threaten the 50 42 6 2 3.80 0.0091
existence of life forms on earth.
CFCs and HCFCs Refrigerants have positive effects on the Ozone Layer. 50 2 3 2 25 3.36 0.0036
0
Releasing CFCs and HCFCs into the Atmosphere Causes Damage to the Ozone 50 38 7 4 1 3.64 0.0015
Layer.
CFCs and HCFCs refrigerants to are on the Phase out list of Montreal Protocol 50 29 15 3 3 3.40 0.0021

Cluster Mean 3.53 0.2195

Note: N = number of respondent, SA = Strongly Agreed, A=Agreed, D = Disagreed, SD = Strongly Disagreed, Ẋ = Mean and
STD = Standard Deviation

The data presented in Table 1 shows the mean rating of implies that they all agreed to the test items aware of CFCs
respondents with regards to awareness of CFCs and HCFCs and HCFCs effects on Ozone layer depletion. The cluster
and its effects on Ozone layer depletion. The data showed mean of 3.53 was also accepted since it met the cut-off point
that the mean rating of the respondents for test item 1, 2, 3, 4, condition. This implies that refrigeration and Air-
5, 6, and 7 are 3.14, 3.66, 3.48, 3.80, 3.82, 3.36, 3.64, and Conditioning practitioners in Benue State are aware of CFCs
3.40, respectively. On the basis of the cut-off point of 2.50, and HCFCs effect on Ozone layer depletion.
all the items indicated that their mean were above 2.50 which

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Volume 8, Issue 5, May – 2023 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
 Research Question 2: Are the refrigeration and air conditioning practitioners in Benue State able to recover CFCs and HCFCs
refrigerants from old systems?
The data that answer this research question is presented in table 2 below.

Table 2 Mean Ratings of refrigeration and Air-Conditioning practitioners in Benue State’s ability to recover CFCs and HCFCs
refrigerants from old systems
Test Items N SA A D SD Ẋ STD
I am able to recover CFCs and HCFCs Refrigerants from Old systems. 50 2 3 7 38 2.14 0.0190
I use recovery pump to recover CFCs and HCFCs Refrigerants from Old Systems. 50 2 1 6 41 2.23 0.0021
I observe safety procedures when recovering CFCs and HCFCs Refrigerants from 50 2 3 8 37 2.13 0.0091
old systems.
The procedures I recover CFCs and HCFCs Refrigerants is in line with Montreal 50 2 3 12 31 2.00 0.0003
Prototocol
Cluster Mean 2.14 0.0012
Note: N = number of respondent, SA = Strongly Agreed, A=Agreed, D = Disagreed, SD = Strongly Disagreed, Ẋ = Mean and
STD = Standard Deviation

Data presented in table 2 shows the mean ratings of refrigeration and air conditioning practitioners in Benue State
respondents with regards to refrigeration and Air- are not able to recover CFCs and HCFCs from old systems.
Conditioning practitioner’s ability to recover CFCs and
HCFCs from old systems. The table revealed that the mean  Research Question 3: Are the refrigeration and air
rating for respondents for test item 1 to 4 fails the cut-off conditioning practitioners in Benue State able to store
point of 2.50; all the items indicated a mean below 2.50 which CFCs and HCFCs refrigerants recovered from old
implies they were all rejected as the refrigeration and air- systems for proper disposal?
conditioning practitioners in Benue State are not able to The data that answer this research question is presented
recover CFCs and HCFCs from old systems. This implies that in table 3 below.

Table 3 Mean Ratings of refrigeration and Air-Conditioning practitioners’ ability to store CFCs and HCFCs refrigerant recovered
from old systems for proper disposal.
Test Items N SA A D SD Ẋ STD
After I Recover CFCs and HCFCs Refrigerants from Old Systems, I 50 2 3 10 35 2.00 0.0006
store in Safety cylinders
I hand over recovered CFCs and HCFCs refrigerants to ministry of 50 2 1 4 43 1.90 0.0001
environment for proper disposal.
I stored recovered CFCs and HCFCs Refrigerants cylinders in a well- 50 2 3 8 37 2.13 0.0004
ventilated room.
I do not release CFCs and HCFCs Refrigerants to the atmosphere during 50 2 3 12 31 2.00 0.0003
repairs of refrigeration systems.
Cluster Mean 2.02 0.0025
Note: N = number of respondent, SA = Strongly Agreed, A=Agreed, D = Disagreed, SD = Strongly Disagreed, Ẋ = Mean and
STD = Standard Deviation

The data in table 3 shows the mean ratings of and ozone layer depletion but they lack knowledge to handle
refrigeration and Air-Conditioning practitioners’ ability to such refrigerants.
store CFCs and HCFCs recovered from old systems for
proper disposal. The Table revealed that the mean rating of The cluster mean of 2.14in table was rejected since it
the respondents for test item 1to 4 fails the cut-off point of not met the specified condition of 2.50. This implies that
2.50, all the items indicated that their mean are below 2.50 refrigeration and air conditioning practitioners in Benue State
which implies refrigeration and air-conditioning practitioners are not able to recover CFCs and HCFCs from old systems.
in Benue State are not able to store recovered CFCs and This also shows that montreal protocol on recovery and
HCFCs refrigerant from old systems for proper disposal. handling of CFCs and HCFCs refrigerants has not been
implemented by the practitioners in the state.
VI. FINDINGS
VII. CONCLUSION
The findings from the analysis shows that the Montreal
protocol to phase out the use of Ozone depleting substances Refrigeration and Air conditioning Practitioners in
such as CFCs and HCFCs have not been implemented by Benue State have not implemented the Montreal Protocol on
refrigeration and air-conditioning Practitioners in Benue CFCs and HCFCs refrigerants to a very great extent that they
State, Nigeria. Practitioners in this specialty are aware of the do not recover or store the refrigerants from old refrigeration
dangers of CFCs and HCFCs refrigerant to global warming systems during repairs.

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Volume 8, Issue 5, May – 2023 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the findings of this study, the following

recommendations were made:
 Workshops and trainings should be organized yearly by
the government and related stakeholders for refrigeration
and air-conditioning practitioners as they are directly
involved in handling of refrigerants that contain CFCs
and HCFCs substance.
 The Government should set-up bodies that will carry out
routine checks, supervision and regulate the activities of
refrigeration and air-conditioning practitioners comply
with Montreal Protocol on CFCs and HCFCs.

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[3]. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
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[4]. Andelin and John, “Analysis of the Montreal
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