This unit applies to refrigeration systems associated with refrigeration and air conditioning, including commercial, industrial, domestic, marine and transport applications.

The application of this competency must cover a variety of refrigeration equipment and systems.

Demonstration of competency must be in accordance with Australian Standards, including AS - HB40 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning codes of practice, and relevant ozone and greenhouse substance legislation.

Band: A

Unit Weight: 4

Path 1

MEM09002B

Interpret technical drawing

MEM12023A

Perform engineering measurements

MEM18001C

Use hand tools

MEM18002B

Use power tools/hand held operations

MEM18055B

Dismantle, replace and assemble engineering components

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Assess refrigeration system operation

1.1. Refrigeration system operating principles and terminology are applied to assessment activities.

1.2. All relevant information is obtained and correctly interpreted prior to the commencement of work on the refrigeration system.

1.3. Refrigeration system checks are undertaken safely in accordance with standard operating procedures, relevant codes and regulations.

1.4. Appropriate operating procedures are developed as required.

1.5. Pressures and temperatures are correctly determined and recorded.

1.6. Faults are correctly isolated to component level and appropriate corrective action is determined.

1.7. The refrigeration system is checked for leaks.

1.8. The refrigeration system is checked for contamination.

2. Recover refrigerant and evacuate system

2.1. The refrigerant in the system is recovered in accordance with standard operating procedures, codes and regulations.

2.2. The refrigerant recovered from the refrigeration system is contained in accordance with the relevant codes and regulations.

2.3. The refrigeration system is evacuated in accordance with standard operating procedures, codes and regulations.

3. Charge the refrigeration system

3.1. The refrigeration system is charged with the correct refrigerant in accordance with standard operating procedures.

3.2. The appropriate lubricating oil is added to the refrigeration system in accordance with standard operating procedures.

3.3. The refrigeration system is checked for leaks.

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

planning and sequencing operations

developing operating procedures for equipment as required

selecting correct refrigerant for a given system

obtaining and interpreting drawings, instructions, specifications, procedures, codes and regulations

testing and checking refrigeration components and systems including electrical safety checks and tests

checking for conformance to specifications

undertaking numerical operations within the scope of this unit

determining pressures and temperatures

documenting test results and procedures undertaken

using equipment and test techniques

identifying faulty components and system contamination

applying safety procedures, standard operating procedures and legislative requirements to all work undertaken

selecting appropriate materials, equipment and solutions for specific refrigeration systems

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

operating principles of refrigeration systems

characteristics, properties and operating specifications of each type of refrigerant

safety precautions and work practices to be undertaken when handling or working with refrigerants

methods of identifying stored refrigerants

methods of identifying the type of refrigerant used in refrigeration systems

relevant codes and regulations applying to refrigeration systems

procedures and safety precautions for testing/checking refrigeration systems

corrective actions for system and component faults including appropriate basic electrical safety checks

types of leak detection equipment/techniques and their applications

causes of contamination in refrigeration systems and their effect on refrigeration system performance

procedures, tools and equipment to be used to clean up contaminated systems

care and use of vacuum pumps

tools, techniques and equipment required to carry out recovery procedures

procedures for storing/disposing of recovered refrigerant

consequences of releasing quantities of refrigerant into the atmosphere

procedures for charging refrigeration systems

correct refrigerant for a range of given applications

tools, techniques and equipment required to charge a refrigeration system with refrigerant

precautions to be taken when charging by various methods, refrigeration systems with refrigerant

procedures for checking level and adding lubricating oil

properties and uses of refrigeration oil

hazards and control measures associated with handling refrigerants, including housekeeping

safe work practices and procedures

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to test, recover, evacuate and charge refrigeration systems. Competency in this unit cannot be claimed until all prerequisites have been satisfied.

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

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.

This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with the assessment, evacuation and charging of refrigeration systems, or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

Method of assessment

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Guidance information for assessment

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, if used 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.

Relevant information

Manufacturers' technical data, pressure temperature charts, operating manuals

Appropriate operating procedures

In the case where specific equipment does not have standard operating procedures

Appropriate corrective action

Isolation and tagging of faulty components, repair and/or replacement

Contamination

Moisture, non-condensables, solids, acids etc.

Refrigerant

All refrigerants including CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, natural refrigerants, ammonia, etc.

Relevant codes and regulations

Australian Standards Refrigeration and Air Conditioning codes of practice, relevant ozone and greenhouse substance legislation

Unit sector

Maintenance and diagnostics

This unit contains employability skills.