AURETU2002
Recover vehicle refrigerants

This unit describes the performance outcomes required to recover vehicle refrigerants. It includes identifying refrigerants and removing them into a designated recovery cylinder for correct disposal.Licensing, regulatory requirements apply to this unit. Users are advised to check with the relevant regulatory authority.

Application

Work applies to the recovery of vehicle refrigerant from automotive air conditioning systems -including heating, ventilation, air conditioning and cooling (HVAC) systems - fitted in light and heavy vehicle, mining, construction, agricultural, motorcycle, outdoor power equipment and marine environments.

Work is carried by a vehicle dismantler and automotive parts recycling contractor.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for refrigerant recovery

1.1. Workplace instructions and documentation relevant to the task are sourced and work requirements confirmed

1.2. Workplace health and safety (WHS) and environmental requirements and critical precautions are identified and applied

1.3. Vehicle air conditioning and HVAC system, including system components and service ports, are identified for decommissioning

1.4. Recovery equipment necessary for the work is assembled and checked for operation

2. Operate recovery equipment

2.1. Refrigerant type is identified and documented

2.2. Recovery equipment is connected to the vehicle

2.3. Recovery cylinder is weighed to determine available capacity, and tare weight is set and recorded

2.4. Recovery equipment is operated and monitored according to manufacturer instructions

2.5. Recovery equipment, including hoses and recovery cylinder, is shut down and disconnected according to manufacturer instructions at completion of the recovery process

3. Complete recovery operations

3.1. Tare weight indicating the quantity of refrigerant recovered is recorded according to regulatory requirements

3.2. Vehicle HVAC system is evacuated and decommissioned and the results are recorded according to workplace requirements

3.3. Recovery equipment and recovery cylinder are stored according to regulatory and workplace requirements

3.4. Tools are inspected, serviced and stored

3.5. Filters are inspected, and cleaned or replaced according to manufacturer instructions

Required Skills

Required skills

communication skills to:

follow verbal and written instructions

clarify workplace instructions and determine job requirements

gain information from appropriate persons and assistance as required

learning skills to identify sources of information, assistance and expert knowledge to expand own skills and knowledge of dangers associated with refrigerants

literacy skills to:

read and follow information in written job instructions, specifications, standard operating procedures, charts, lists, drawings and other applicable reference documents

obtain and record measurements

numeracy skills to:

weigh recovery cylinder, refrigerant and the calculation of weights

planning and organising skills to plan own work requirements and prioritise actions to achieve required outcomes and ensure tasks are completed on time

self-management skills to:

select and use appropriate equipment, materials, processes and procedures

recognise limitations and seek timely advice

follow workplace documentation, such as codes of practice and operating procedures

teamwork skills to apply knowledge of own role to complete activities efficiently to support team activities and tasks

technical skills to use tools relating to the recovery of vehicle refrigerants from systems, including:

specialist tools

measuring equipment

technology skills to operate diagnostic and automotive refrigerant recovery equipment

Required knowledge

WHS regulations, requirements, equipment, material and personal safety requirements, including:

codes of practice

personal protection needs

application and purpose of recovery equipment procedures

recovery procedures, including:

types and location of service ports

recovery equipment and recovery cylinder operation

awareness of environmental requirements associated with refrigerant recovery

dangers associated with working with refrigerants and lubricants

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge.

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to:

observe safety precautions and requirements, in particular the dangers associated with handling refrigerants

select recovery methods and decommissioning techniques appropriate to the circumstances

safely operate automotive refrigerant recovery, tools and equipment

recover and store refrigerants according to workplace licensing and equipment manufacturer requirements

record relevant details in relation to workplace and licensing requirements

understand environmental regulations and refrigerant waste disposal procedures.

Context of, and specific resources for assessment

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.

Assessment is to occur:

using standard workplace practices and procedures

following safety requirements

applying environmental constraints.

Assessment is to comply with relevant:

regulatory requirements

Australian standards

industry codes of practice.

The following resources must be made available for the assessment of this unit:

automotive vehicle, plant and equipment or a simulated automotive air conditioning system

refrigerant

waste or recovery cylinder

hose and vehicle couplings

refrigerant scales

recovery equipment, including vacuum pump

refrigerant identifier

appropriate hand tools

licensing requirements and Australian standards.

Method of assessment

Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.

Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with the application of required skills and knowledge.

Assessment methods must be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on required skills and knowledge to ensure correct interpretation and application.

Competence in this unit may be assessed in conjunction with other units which together form part of a holistic work role.

Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate the needs of diverse clients.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally sensitive and appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Workplace instructions and documentation may include:

verbal instructions

written instructions

safe work procedures relating to the operation of air conditioning systems

decommissioning vehicle air conditioner procedures

operation of recovery equipment

regulatory compliance documentation

refrigerant recovery sheets

workplace auditing records

Australian standards.

Workplace health and safety and environmental requirements may include:

personal protective clothing and equipment

use of tools and equipment

safe handling of material

use of fire-fighting equipment

workplace safety policies and procedures

workplace first aid equipment

hazard control, including control of hazardous materials and toxic substances.

Critical precautions may include:

dangers associated with working with refrigerants and lubricants, including:

frostbite

carcinogenic properties

care taken with some flammable refrigerants.

Recovery equipment must include:

general hand tools

refrigerant hose and coupler

refrigerant recovery unit

refrigerant scales

designated recovery cylinder

refrigerant identifier.

Refrigerant type may include:

chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)

hydrofluorocarbon (HCFC)

refrigerant oils – lubricants, mineral and synthetic.

Identified and documented must include:

quantity of refrigerant recovered

cylinder gross weight

records kept on ARCtick Form A3.


Sectors

Electrical

Unit sector

Technical – Air Conditioning and HVAC


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.