4)

This competency standard is suitable for employment-based programs under an approved contract of training at the AQF level of the qualification in which the unit is first packaged or higher.

The unit may be selected as an elective from the relevant schedule (see qualification packaging rules) provided that all prerequisite units are undertaken or addressed through recognition processes.

This unit may be included in a skill set provided that it is listed in the schedule of electives (see Qualification Framework) and all prerequisite units are undertaken or addressed through recognition processes.

Delivery and assessment of this unit should be undertaken within regard to the requirements of License to Practice (1.2 above), Prerequisite Competencies and Literacy and Numeracy skills (2 above) and the recommendations for concurrent assessment and relationship with other units (9.5 below).

Practice in the workplace and during training is also subject to regulations directly related to occupational health and safety and where applicable contracts of training such as apprenticeships.

Note:

1. Compliance with permits may be required in various jurisdictions and typically relates to the operation of plant, machinery and equipment such as elevating work platforms, powder operated fixing tools, power operated tools, vehicles, road signage and traffic control and lifting equipment. Permits may also be required for some work environments such as confined spaces, working aloft, near live electrical apparatus and site rehabilitation.

2. Compliance may be required in various jurisdictions relating to currency in First Aid, confined space, lifting, risk safety measures etc.

Prerequisite Unit(s)

2)

2.1) Competencies

Granting competency in this unit shall be made only after competency in the following unit(s) has/have been confirmed.

UEENEEJ102A

Prepare and connect refrigeration tubing and fittings

UEENEEJ195A

Establish the basic operating conditions of vapour compression systems - appliances

UEENEEE101A

Apply Occupational Health and Safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1

Prepare to recover refrigerants, pressure and leak test, evacuate and charge refrigeration appliance.

1.1

OHS procedures for a given work area are identified, identified, obtained and understood

1.2

Established OHS risk control measures and procedures are followed in preparation for the work.

1.3

Safety hazards which have not previously been identified are noted and established risk control measures are implemented.

1.4

The nature and location of the work is determined from documentation or appropriate person(s) to establish the scope of work to be undertaken.

1.5

The work is appropriately sequenced in accordance with job schedule

1.6

Appropriate personnel are consulted to ensure the work is coordinated effectively with others involved on the work site

1.7

Refrigerants, lubricants and cleaning materials needed for the work are obtained in accordance with established procedures and checked against job requirements

1.8

Tools, equipment and testing devices needed to carry out the work are obtained in accordance with established procedures and checked for correct operation and safety

1.9

Preparatory work is checked to ensure no damage has occurred and complies with requirements

2

Recover refrigerants, pressure and leak test, evacuate and charge refrigeration appliance.

2.1

OHS risk control measures and procedures for carrying out the work are followed.

2.2

Checks are carried out to ensure the system or component parts are isolated, when necessary, in strict accordance with OHS requirements and procedures

2.3

Circuits/machines/plant are checked as being electrically isolated where necessary in strict accordance OHS requirements and procedures

2.4

Refrigerants are removed from a appliance safely into suitably labelled containers in accordance with regulatory requirements and industry practices.

2.5

Precautions are taken to prevent damage to components while pressure testing the appliance.

2.6

Pressure testing is conducted using dry nitrogen at a pressure relative to the refrigerant to be used.

2.7

Leaks are located and rectified using testing methods appropriate to the appliance under test and in accordance with industry practices.

2.8

Appliances are evacuated to the required level and cleaned the appliance of all moisture and other containments in accordance with industry practices.

2.9

A 'Drop test' is used to prove effectiveness of the evacuation in accordance with industry practice using an appropriate electronic vacuum gauge.

2.10

Components lubricants are checked and maintained in accordance with manufacturer's requirements.

2.11

Appliances are charged with the appropriate refrigerant in accordance with manufacturer's requirements and industry practices.

2.12

Problematic situations that arise during the work are dealt with in an appropriate manner.

2.13

Appliances are pressure and leak tested, evacuated and charged efficiently without waste of materials or damage to apparatus and the surrounding environment or services and using sustainable energy practices.

3

Complete and report refrigerants recovery, pressure and leak test and evacuate and charge work

3.1

OHS work completion risk control measures and procedures are followed.

3.2

Work site and equipment is cleaned and made safe in accordance with established procedures.

3.3

Contaminated refrigerant is dealt with in accordance with legislative/regulatory requirements.

3.4

Completion of the work is documented and an appropriate person or persons notified in accordance with established procedures

7) This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Evidence shall show that knowledge has been acquired of safe working practices and recovering, pressure and leak testing, evacuating and charging refrigerants appliances.

All knowledge and skills detailed in this unit should be contextualised to current industry practices and technologies.

KS01-EJ162A Appliance Refrigerants and lubricants

Evidence shall show an understanding of refrigerants and lubricants used in self contained appliances, applying safe working practices and relevant Standards, Codes and Regulations to an extent indicated by the following aspects:

T1 Introduction to refrigerants

Purpose of refrigerant

Ideal properties

Pure, azeotropic, zeotropic and blend refrigerants

General safety requirements and personal protection equipment

T2 Relevant Acts, Regulations, Codes and Standards

The ozone layer (function, ozone depleting substances)

The ozone protection act and regulation

State and federal agencies (Dept of the environment, water, heritage and the arts; Dept of climate change; Australian Refrigeration Council Ltd etc)

State and federal licensing requirements

Refrigerant handling code of practice

Relevant Standards

Standards philosophy and format

How to read and apply a standard

Equipment manufactures specifications

T3 Refrigerant properties

Commonly used types used in appliances, including CFC, HCFC, HFC, high pressure and natural refrigerants

Terms (blend, azeotrope, zeotrope, glide, CFC, HCFC, HFC, HC, bubble point, dew point, critical point, ODP, GWP etc)

Typical properties and applications of the current refrigerants used in appliances (boiling point, glide, composition (components), comparative latent heat performance etc)

T4 Safe handling of refrigerants

Refrigerant identification and the numbering system (AS 1677 part 1 sect 3)

System refrigerant identification (labeling requirements, Code of Practice)

Typical hazards (classification groups - AS 1677 part 1 sect 2 and handling precautions - inhalation, skin contact, cardiac sensitization, decomposition, reaction with moisture etc)

Personal safety (MSDS - all common refrigerants plus phosgene, recommended PPE)

Cylinders (cylinder terminology (WC, tare etc), transporting safely)

Safe Filling (density and water capacity methods)

Decanting methods (pumping, temperature differential etc)

Recovery cylinders and their safe filling.

Disposal of recovered refrigerants (including RRA)

T5 Refrigeration oil

Types (mineral, POE, AB etc) used in appliances and their applications

Basic properties (miscibility, dielectric strength, viscosity and hygroscopic abilities)

Typical issues regarding compatibility (neoprene and POE, POE and mineral etc

Safe handling (MSDS - POE's, Mineral, AB's - Residual acid's in used oils

Applications for the various compressor lubricants used in the trade

T6 Recovery and reclaim procedures

Refrigerant recovery systems and procedures

Vapour

Liquid

Recovery cylinders

Disposing of recovered refrigerants

Safety and general issues when recovering refrigerant

T7 Pressure testing

Pressure testing

Pressure testing procedures and test pressures per Standards,

Codes, Regulations and manufacturers requirements

Safety and general issues when pressure testing refrigeration systems

T8 Leak detection

Leak detector types and applications (electronic, halide, bubble, ultra violet, etc)

Hazards and related safe working practices (working around rotating machinery, open flames, ultra violet light etc)

Care and maintenance (delicate electronic equipment, changing sensor tip filters, changing gas cartridges etc)

Calibration (auto calibrating , send to a specialist etc)

Leak testing methods

T9 Evacuation and dehydration

Evacuation and dehydration

Deep vacuum methods

Triple evacuation

Vacuum Measurement

Instruments

Drop test

Vacuum Pumps

Types, size and applications

Use and connections

Care and maintenance

Safety and general issues when evacuating refrigeration systems

T10 Refrigerant and oil charging

Refrigerant cylinders, storage and safe handling

Refrigerant charging methods

Vapour

Liquid

Safety and general issues when charging refrigeration systems including personal protection equipment

Refrigerant oil removal and addition tools, procedures and safety

T11 System contamination

Contaminants (Non-condensables, moisture, acids, carbon, copper etc)

Effects of contamination (Acid, motor burnout, oil contamination, copper plating, seizing, RMD blockage, excessive condensing temps etc)

Practices/procedures that cause contamination

Methods and components use to remove contamination

Filter dryers – liquid, suction, burnout

Dry nitrogen

Flushing agents

Evacuation

T12 Basic refrigeration component replacement

Risks of working with refrigerants and rotating equipment

Refrigerant recovery

Prevention of system contamination

Protection of damage to surrounding equipment/ environment

Replace basic components on a refrigeration system, for example filter dryer.

Pressure testing, evacuation, checking refrigerant charge, refrigerant charging and leak detection

9) 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 this Training Package. .

The Evidence Guide forms an integral part of this Unit. It must be used in conjunction with all parts of this unit and performed in accordance with the Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.

Overview of Assessment

9.1)

Longitudinal competency development approaches to assessment, such as Profiling, require data to be reliably gathered in a form that can be consistently interpreted over time. This approach is best utilised in Apprenticeship programs and reduces assessment intervention. It is the industry-preferred model for apprenticeships. However, where summative (or final) assessment is used it is to include the application of the competency in the normal work environment or, at a minimum, the application of the competency in a realistically simulated work environment. In some circumstances, assessment in part or full can occur outside the workplace. However, it must be in accordance with industry and regulatory policy.

Methods chosen for a particular assessment will be influenced by various factors. These include the extent of the assessment, the most effective locations for the assessment activities to take place, access to physical resources, additional safety measures that may be required and the critical nature of the competencies being assessed.

The critical safety nature of working with electricity, electrical equipment, gas or any other hazardous substance/material carries risk in deeming a person competent. Sources of evidence need to be 'rich' in nature to minimise error in judgment.

Activities associated with normal everyday work influence decisions about how/how much the data gathered will contribute to its 'richness'. Some skills are more critical to safety and operational requirements while the same skills may be more or less frequently practised. These points are raised for the assessors to consider when choosing an assessment method and developing assessment instruments. Sample assessment instruments are included for Assessors in the Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.

Critical aspects of evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

9.2)

Before the critical aspects of evidence are considered all prerequisites must be met.

Evidence for competence in this unit shall be considered holistically. Each Element and associated performance criteria shall be demonstrated on at least two occasions in accordance with the 'Assessment Guidelines - UEE07 '. Evidence shall also comprise:

A representative body of work performance demonstrated within the timeframes typically expected of the discipline, work function and industrial environment. In particular this shall incorporate evidence that shows a candidate is able to:

Implement Occupational Health and Safety workplace procedures and practices including the use of risk control measures as specified in the performance criteria and range statement

Apply sustainable energy principles and practices as specified in the performance criteria and range statement

Demonstrate an understanding of the essential knowledge and associated skills as described in this unit. It may be required by some jurisdictions that RTOs provide a percentile graded result for the purpose of regulatory or licensing requirements.

Demonstrate an appropriate level of skills enabling employment

Conduct work observing the relevant Anti Discrimination legislation, regulations, polices and workplace procedures

Demonstrated consistent performance across a representative range of contexts from the prescribed items below:

Recover, pressure and leak test, evacuate and charge refrigerants appliances as described in 8) and including:

A

Selecting appropriate materials and equipment

B

Removing and storing refrigerant correctly

C

Conducting pressure testing at the appropriate pressure level and without damaging components

D

Locating and rectifying leaks

E

Evacuating the system to the required level

F

Evacuating the system to the required standard and using appropriate vacuum measuring instruments

G

Completing the necessary documentation.

H

Dealing with unplanned events by drawing on essential knowledge and skills to provide appropriate solutions incorporated in the holistic assessment with the above listed items

Context of and specific resources for assessment

9.3)

This unit should be assessed as it relates to normal work practice using procedures, information and resources typical of a workplace. This should include:

OHS policy and work procedures and instructions.

Suitable work environment, facilities, equipment and materials to undertake actual work as prescribed by this unit.

These should be part of the formal learning/assessment environment.

Note:

Where simulation is considered a suitable strategy for assessment, conditions must be authentic and as far as possible reproduce and replicate the workplace and be consistent with the approved industry simulation policy.

Evidence should show demonstrated competency in recovering, pressure and leak testing, evacuating and charging refrigerants appliances.

Method of assessment

9.4)

This unit shall be assessed by methods given in Volume 1, Part 3 'Assessment Guidelines'.

Note:

Competent performance with inherent safe working practices is expected in the Industry to which this unit applies. This requires assessment in a structured environment which is intended primarily for learning/assessment and incorporates all necessary equipment and facilities for learners to develop and demonstrate the essential knowledge and skills described in this unit.

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units

9.5)

There are no concurrent assessment recommendations for this unit.

8) This relates to the unit as a whole providing the range of contexts and conditions to which the performance criteria apply. It allows for different work environments and situations that will affect performance.

This unit must be demonstrated in relation to testing and charging refrigeration appliances used for refrigeration or air conditioning using appropriate vacuum measuring instruments encompassing the following:

Recovering refrigerant from an existing appliance that may contains contaminants

Pressure and leak testing a newly installed or repaired appliance

Evacuating a appliance in preparation for charging with refrigerant

Charging an appliance with refrigerant with minimal loss.

Generic terms used throughout this Vocational Standard shall be regarded as part of the Range Statement in which competency is demonstrated. The definition of these and other terms that apply are given in Volume 2, Part 2.1.

2.2) Literacy and numeracy skills

Participants are best equipped to achieve competency in this unit if they have reading, writing and numeracy skills indicated by the following scales. Description of each scale is given in Volume 2, Part 3 'Literacy and Numeracy'

Reading

3

Writing

3

Numeracy

3

3)

This unit contains Employability Skills

The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain applicable facets of Employability Skills. The Employability Skills Summary of the qualification in which this unit of competency is packaged will assist in identifying Employability Skill requirements.

1.2) License to practice

The skills and knowledge described in this unit may, in some States/Territories, require a license to practice in the workplace subject to regulations for undertaking refrigeration and air conditioning work. Practice in workplace and during training is also subject to regulations directly related to occupational health and safety and where applicable contracts of training such as apprenticeships.

Note:

1. Compliance with permits may be required in various jurisdictions and typically relates to the operation of plant, machinery and equipment such as elevating work platforms, powder operated fixing tools, power operated tools, vehicles, road signage and traffic control, lifting equipment. Permits may also be required for some work environments such as confined spaces, working aloft, near live electrical apparatus and site rehabilitation.

2. Compliance may be required in various jurisdictions relating to currency in First Aid, confined space, lifting and risk safety measures

3. The Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Legislation Amendment Bill 2003 may apply to this competency standard unit. Prior to planning the delivery of any training and/or assessment activities all legislative and regulatory requirements shall be identified and included.