Individuals must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
work health and safety (WHS) and occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements relating to diagnosing and repairing air conditioning and HVAC systems, including procedures for:
working with refrigerants at boiling point given risk of frostbite
working with system lubricants, including carcinogenic oils
handling flammable refrigerants
using personal protective equipment (PPE)
identifying and using fire safety equipment
environmental requirements, including procedures for preventing loss of refrigerant to the atmosphere
key requirements relevant to diagnosing and repairing air conditioning and HVAC systems detailed in the Australian automotive code of practice: Control of refrigerant gases during manufacture, installation, servicing or de-commissioning of motor vehicle air conditioners
air conditioning and HVAC system principles, including:
heat transfer principles, including convection, conduction and radiation
functions of the following air conditioning components:
compressor
condenser
receiver-drier
evaporator
blower fan
refrigerant
functions of the following heating components:
radiator
thermostat
radiator and heater hoses
heater tap
heater box
single zone and multi-zone vehicle layouts
application, purpose and operation of air conditioning and HVAC systems and components, including:
high pressure and low pressure sides of air conditioning systems
compressors, including:
axial type, including variable capacity compressors
scroll type
vane type
electromagnetic clutches
condensers
receiver-dryer, including filters and desiccants
expansion valves, including capillary tube
evaporator
thermostat
refrigerants, including R12, R134, R1234yf and hydrocarbon refrigerants
compressor oils
air conditioner and heating controls, including levers and ducting
air conditioner and heating electrical circuits and sensors, including:
high and low pressure switches
pressure relief valves
temperature sensors
climate control systems
diagnostic testing procedures for air conditioning and HVAC systems, including:
using diagnostic flow charts
using manifold gauges on systems with different refrigerants, including analysis of high and low pressure readings in conjunction with temperature probes
testing electrical systems, including procedures for:
accessing electrical terminals and using test probes without damaging connectors, fuse holders or wiring
resistance and voltage drop tests
open and short circuit tests
checking shorts to signal, power circuits and grounds
repair procedures for air conditioning and HVAC systems, including procedures for:
using manifold gauges to discharge, evacuate and charge system refrigerants
removing and replacing system components
post-repair testing procedures for air conditioning and HVAC systems, including procedures for checking for:
refrigerant leaks
heater core and system water coolant leaks
static and dynamic performance tests of air conditioning and HVAC systems, including checking:
ambient temperature
vent temperature
condenser and suction line temperature.
Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements and hold an Australian Refrigerant Council (ARC) Refrigerant Handling licence.
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.
Assessment must include direct observation of tasks.
Where assessment of competency includes third-party evidence, individuals must provide evidence that links them to the air conditioning and HVAC systems that they have worked on, e.g. repair orders.
Assessors must verify performance evidence through questioning on skills and knowledge to ensure correct interpretation and application.
The following resources must be made available:
automotive repair workplace or simulated workplace
workplace instructions
manufacturer specifications for air conditioning and HVAC systems
Australian automotive code of practice: Control of refrigerant gases during manufacture, installation, servicing or de-commissioning of motor vehicle air conditioners
ARCtick service decal stickers
procedures for servicing and adjusting vehicle air conditioning and HVAC systems
two different vehicles or machinery with air conditioning and HVAC system faults
diagnosis and repair equipment for air conditioning and HVAC systems, including:
manifold and gauge set
recovery unit
vacuum pump
electronic leak detector
nitrogen cylinder and regulator
multimeter
electronic scales
oil injector
infra-red thermometer
temperature probe
scan tool.