The first Italian pilot training of the European SKILLSAFE EU project, dedicated to the safe handling of R290 monobloc heat pumps, was successfully held on 23 June 2026 at the headquarters of Baxi Italia in Bassano del Grappa. The initiative was carried out in collaboration with Centro Studi Galileo, a member of the project’s Joint Industry Expert Group (JIEG).
The course, addressed to installation technicians in the sector, represented a particularly important operational opportunity to explore the new European guidelines on the design, transport, storage, installation and disposal of residential monobloc heat pumps using propane. Representing the SKILLSAFE EU consortium was Miranda Groot Zwaaftink, Project Manager at NVKL. For Centro Studi Galileo, Ilario Spinello took part as trainer, together with Chiara Bertelli and Luisa Girolami, who were responsible for the activity.
The SKILLSAFE EU – Skills Enhancement for Safe Handling of Highly Flammable Refrigerants in the EU project aims to strengthen the technical skills required for the safe handling of highly flammable refrigerants, while supporting the deployment of low-climate-impact heat pumps. Similar activities have already been carried out in the Netherlands, Spain, Greece and the Czech Republic, while further sessions are scheduled in the coming months in Germany, Portugal and Norway.
During the training, it was highlighted how these pilot sessions contribute to promoting a harmonised level of training for European installers. The feedback collected from Italian technicians provided highly valuable observations and suggestions, which will support the improvement of training materials and future educational activities.
SKILLSAFE EU is also currently developing a second guideline dedicated to the safe handling of split heat pumps using R290 refrigerant. Centro Studi Galileo will continue to contribute to the work of the JIEG, confirming its role in the European pathway towards technical qualification, safety and the transition to lower-environmental-impact solutions.