This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to evaluate and report on the indoor air quality in buildings.

It includes working safely, setting up and conducting evaluation measurements, evaluating air quality from measured parameters, and reporting results, including recommending any resulting corrective actions.

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

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1

Prepare to evaluate and report on air quality in buildings

1.1

Work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) procedures are obtained and implemented in accordance with workplace procedures

1.2

WHS/OHS risk control measures and workplace procedures for work are followed in preparation for the work

1.3

The extent of evaluation is determined from building ventilation/air conditioning specifications, internal/external environmental factors and discussions with relevant person/s

1.4

Advice is sought from work supervisor to ensure work is coordinated effectively with others

1.5

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

2

Evaluate air quality in buildings

2.1

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

2.2

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

2.3

Air quality requirements and regulations in buildings are applied to the evaluation process

2.4

Air quality evaluation tests for each parameter under scrutiny are conducted in accordance with workplace procedures and test methods

2.5

Air quality evaluation tests are conducted methodically and results/comments systematically noted

2.6

Unplanned situations are dealt with safely with the approval of authorised person/s

2.7

Evaluation is conducted without damage to systems, circuits, the surrounding environment and/or services using sustainable energy practices

3

Report on air quality buildings

3.1

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

3.2

Worksite is cleaned and made safe in accordance with workplace procedures

3.3

Results of air quality evaluation, including unacceptable conditions and recommendations for improvement, are documented

3.4

Energy evaluation report is forwarded to appropriate person/s 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:

determining the extent of the evaluation

setting up and conducting appropriate examinations and tests

reporting evaluation, including recommendation for improving energy efficiency

dealing with unplanned events

applying environmental and sustainable energy principles and practices

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

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

applying safe working practices

hazard identification and reporting

implementing risk control measures

determining need to test or measure live work

documenting results of air quality evaluation

evaluating and reporting on air quality in buildings

performing air quality evaluation tests

preparing to evaluate and report on air quality in buildings

resolving indoor air quality problems.

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:

indoor air quality, evaluation and reporting of a building’s indoor air quality, safe working practices and relevant standards, codes and regulations including:

indoor air quality factors:

interactive nature of pollutants

comfort criteria

source of odours

pathway form source to occupants

occupant activities

impact on productivity

causes of indoor air quality problems:

moisture

mould and mildew

bacterial growths

asbestos and other particulates

volatile chemicals produced in the building

chemical products

heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems:

types of HVAC systems

system components

duct cleaning

system commissioning

operation of system

damper adjustment

measurements:

common parameters to measure

measurement devices available

instrument calibration

analysing and interpreting results

laboratory tests

standards

evaluation and reporting of indoor air quality

resolving indoor air quality problems:

conducting indoor air quality investigations

the walk-through

building history

HVAC system information

occupant interviews

troubleshooting

indoor air quality management:

building indoor air quality profile

location of potential indoor air quality problems

procedures to control indoor air quality

communication

response to complaints

equipment preventive maintenance

chemical inventory

relevant manufacturer specifications

relevant tools, equipment and testing devices

relevant WHS/OHS legislated requirements, including:

environmental and sustainable energy principles and practices

risk control measures

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.

Evaluating and reporting on indoor air quality must include at least the following:

two different types of buildings with or without air conditioning

Electrotechnology

Refrigeration and air-conditioning