This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to set up, adjust and commission complex refrigeration systems for optimum performance.

It includes working safely, testing and analysing system parameters, adjusting equipment and controls, following workplace procedures and documenting final operating parameters and settings.

To undertake this unit, the learner must have a Trainee Refrigerant Handling Licence as it includes work on refrigeration and air conditioning equipment that carries the risk of a fluorocarbon refrigerant being emitted.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit require a national Refrigerant Handling Licence as it includes work on refrigeration and air conditioning equipment that carries the risk of a fluorocarbon refrigerant being emitted while decanting the refrigerant or manufacturing, installing, commissioning, servicing, maintaining or decommissioning refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit require a licence or permit to practice in the workplace where work is carried out on electrical installations which are designed to operate at voltages greater than 50 volt (V) alternating current (a.c.) or 120 V direct current (d.c.).

Competency development activities in this unit are subject to regulations directly related to licensing. Where a licence or permit to practice is not held, skills and knowledge described in this unit require a relevant contract of training, such as an Australian Apprenticeship.

Additional and/or other conditions may apply in some jurisdictions subject to regulations related to refrigeration, air conditioning or electrical work. Practice in the workplace and during training is also subject to work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations.

Permits may also be required for some work environments, such as confined spaces, working aloft, near live electrical apparatus and site rehabilitation.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare to commission complex refrigeration systems

1.1

WHS/OHS procedures are obtained and implemented in accordance with workplace procedures

1.2

WHS/OHS risk control measures and procedures for work are followed

1.3

Safety hazards not previously risk assessed are documented and risk control measures implemented

1.4

Appropriate person/s is consulted to ensure the work is coordinated effectively with others involved on the worksite

1.5

System operating parameters are identified by reviewing system specifications and component technical data

1.6

Tools, equipment and testing devices required for the work are obtained and checked for correct operation and safety in accordance with workplace procedures

1.7

Preparatory work is checked to ensure damage has not occurred and is compliant with requirements

1.8

Need to test or measure live work is determined in accordance with workplace procedures and WHS/OHS requirements

1.9

Circuits are checked as being isolated in accordance with WHS/OHS requirements and workplace procedures

2

Commission complex refrigeration systems

2.1

WHS/OHS risk control measures and workplace procedures for carrying out the work are followed

2.2

Testing/measuring devices are connected and set up in accordance with requirements for a particular system

2.3

Measurements and adjustments are made to equipment components and controls to provide optimum system performance in accordance with system specifications and regulatory requirements

2.4

Decisions for dealing with unexpected situations are made from discussions with appropriate person/s, job specifications and requirements

2.5

Unplanned situations are responded to in accordance with workplace procedures in a manner that minimises risk to personnel and equipment

2.6

Commissioning is carried out efficiently without waste of materials or damage to apparatus, the surrounding environment or services applying sustainable energy principles

3

Complete and report commissioning activities

3.1

WHS/OHS risk control work completion measures and procedures are followed

3.2

Worksite is cleaned and made safe in accordance with workplace procedures

3.3

Adjustment settings and results of commissioning work are documented and appropriate person/s notified in accordance with workplace procedures

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions on at least one occasion and include:

identifying system operating parameters

measuring and adjusting system components and controls to provide optimum system performance

ensuring system operates within regulatory requirements

documenting adjustment settings with established procedures

dealing with unplanned events

applying relevant legislation, industry standards, codes of practice and regulations

applying relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (WHS/OHS) requirements, including:

applying safe working practices

applying sustainable energy principles and practices

hazard identification and reporting

implementing risk control measures

commissioning complex refrigeration systems

completing and reporting on commissioning activities

determining need to test or measure live work

isolating circuits

preparing to commission complex refrigeration systems

using relevant tools, equipment testing and measuring devices.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions and include knowledge of:

complex refrigeration systems commissioning, safe working practices and relevant standards, codes and regulations, including:

commissioning fundamentals:

building specifications/requirements/responsibilities

design and ‘as-installed’ drawings

building codes

local government regulations

design conditions

pre-commissioning checks

calibration of instruments

commissioning procedures

data collection and recording, and documentation

reporting procedures

air systems (excluding air balancing):

instruments

airflow

pressure

temperature

fan testing

leakage testing

system capacity calculations

hydronic systems:

hydronic instruments

fluid flow

pumps: pump curves and system curves

pump testing

capacity calculations

refrigeration systems:

AS/NZS 1677 Refrigerating systems SAA refrigeration code

codes of practice

pressure testing

evacuation

charging

control setting

commissioning reports

system performance and capacity

plant and equipment:

controls

heat exchangers

chillers

boilers

cooling towers

safe working practices and relevant standards, codes and regulations

relevant manufacturer specifications

relevant safe work method statements (SWMS)/job safety assessments or risk mitigation processes

relevant tools, equipment and testing devices

relevant WHS/OHS legislated requirements, including:

environmental and sustainable energy principles and practices

relevant workplace documentation

relevant workplace policies and procedures.

Assessors must hold credentials specified within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence and all regulatory requirements included within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations where it is appropriate to do so; where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that replicate workplace conditions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulations

relevant and appropriate materials, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) currently used in industry

applicable documentation, including workplace procedures, equipment specifications, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the UEE Electrotechnology Training Package Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

Commissioning complex refrigeration systems and equipment must include at least the following:

two different types of complex refrigeration systems incorporating multiple major components, including:

compressors

condensers

evaporators

circuits

systems and associated components and controls

Electrotechnology

Refrigeration and air-conditioning