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 identify fluid flow and distribution characteristics of hydronic systems and measure system component performance, including chillers, boilers and flow control devices.

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

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently:

implement WHS workplace procedures and practices, including risk control measures

determine operational parameters for building HVAC hydronic systems

measure individual component performance of:

chillers

boilers

pumps

piping

flow control devices

communicate technical requirements to others, including preparation of required drawings, CAD files and reports.

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, 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.

Method of assessment

Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the MEM05 Metal and Engineering Training Package.

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

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

Assessment may be applied under project-related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process.

Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is not only able to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances.

Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency where required.

Guidance information for assessment

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

Required skills

Required skills include:

interpreting drawings and specifications

recognising system features and operational modes from drawings, manuals and specifications

selecting and testing of pumps

measuring of flow rates

selecting valve/flow control devices and piping for given applications

determining system performance parameters and analysing against specifications

using appropriate modelling software

communicating effectively with others

working in teams with others

communicating technical and procedural requirements to others

dealing effectively with unexpected situations

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes:

system operation features:

closed/open systems

pump head/lift and static head (high rise building)

system friction losses

net positive suction head

system curves

pumps:

types

selection criteria

performance characteristics

bladder tanks

coil characteristics

heat exchangers (plate, shell and tube, tube in tube)

flow measurements

flow switchers

boilers (types and performance characteristics)

cooling towers types and elementary cooling thermodynamics

valves:

types and applications

throttle characteristics

flow measurements

selection and applications

pipe sizing and relationship to system performance

standard pipe sizes and specifications

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.

WHS requirements

WHS requirements include:

legislation

protective equipment

material safety management systems

hazardous substances and dangerous goods code

local safe operation procedures

awards provisions

Environmental requirements

Environmental requirements include:

relevant legislation, regulations and codes

correct handling and disposal of liquid and solid waste

elimination or minimisation of gas, fume, vapour and smoke emissions, including fugitive emissions

dust elimination, minimisation and control

minimisation of energy and water use

elimination or control of excessive noise

use and recycling of refrigerants

Appropriate personnel

Appropriate personnel may include:

supervisor

leading hand

foreman

manager

engineer

technician

trainer

mentor

team member

customer

client

Componentry

Componentry includes:

valves

pumps

heat exchangers

bladder tanks

flow switchers

boilers

cooling towers

hydronic piping systems

Resources

Resources may include:

reference manuals

scientific calculator

3-D computer-aided design (CAD) software

computer workstation and software, either stand alone or networked

test apparatus

appropriate tools of trade, equipment and materials

standard duct sizes and gauges

Contingencies and unexpected situations

Contingencies and unexpected situations that arise during the course of the assessment process may include:

cost or time overruns

unavailability of required resources

regulatory change

system, site or building features not on plans or drawings

other situations not included in original brief or normal enterprise procedures