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 install service and repair domestic refrigerators and air conditioners to manufacturer specifications, safely, to relevant Australian Standards, codes and regulations.

Competency in this unit cannot be claimed until all prerequisites have been satisfied.

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

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.

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, that is the candidate is not in productive work, 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.

This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with installing, servicing and repairing domestic refrigerators and air conditioners or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

Method of assessment

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways, including direct observation, supervisor reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Guidance information for assessment

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

reading, interpreting and following information on written job instructions, specifications, standard operating procedures, charts, lists, drawings and other applicable reference documents

planning and sequencing operations

checking and clarifying task related information

attaching ancillary devices

using tools, techniques and equipment necessary to check for correct operation

comparing system and component performance/ operation against specification

identifying faulty components and non compliances

using appropriate test equipment to identify non compliance

safely remove, contain or add refrigerant to relevant Australian Standards or codes and regulations

making required adjustments to achieve specifications

sourcing and using relevant catalogues/lists

applying safety procedures, standard operating procedures and legislative requirements to all work undertaken

documenting results of the adjustments

completing relevant standard, code or local required documentation

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

procedures and industry best practice for brazing refrigeration pipework

procedures for evacuating system

procedures for pressure and leak testing

procedures for handling and adding refrigerant

safety and legislative requirements for handling refrigerants

procedure for checking air flow

standard electrical measurements for earth continuety, insulation resistance, circuit resistance, supply voltage and current

measuring instruments/equipment, specifications and procedures for checking temperature and system performance

measuring instruments/equipment, specifications and procedures for checking and testing components

procedures for reporting non-conformances

specifications, operational characteristics and process for identifying system components

process for identifying refrigerant type

procedures complying to all legislative and regulatory requirements for safely removing the refrigerant and charging and evacuating the system

procedures for completing documentation

hazards and control measures associated with installing split air conditioning systems, including housekeeping

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.

Routine maintenance

Electrical testing of the appliance, polarity testing, cleaning condensers, clearing drains, checking temperatures, pressures, component operation, air flow and system capacity, cleaning filters.

Standard electrical tests

Earth continuity, Insulation resistance, and Circuit resistance to meet electrical equipment regulations and codes (AS3000). Testing of supply voltage and the appliance or individual component current draw.

Equipment and testing devices

Refrigeration gauge manifold, Schraeder access valves; quick connect couplings, thermometer/thermocouple temperature measuring devices; analogue and digital vacuum measuring gauges; digital scales; refrigerant recovery unit; vacuum pump; electronic leak detectors, refrigerant containers/cylinders.

Industry best practice

Pipe fabrication techniques and industry best practice for pipe brazing.

Standard refrigeration return to service procedures

Leak detection, evacuation, and refrigerant charging of domestic air conditioning and refrigeration plug in appliances.

Commonwealth, State and Territory legislation, regulations, standards and codes of practice, industry guidelines

The Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Legislation Amendment Bill 2003; air conditioning residential best practice guidelines (AIRAH); State and local building regulations; Codes of Practice for domestic refrigeration and air conditioning. (HB40)

System performance

Pressure; temperature; sub cooling; superheating; evaporator coil to air temperature difference

Domestic refrigeration and air conditioning appliances

Self contained plug in appliances primarily designed for domestic and residential situations:

refrigerators - single door, two door and two door side by side

freezers - chest and vertical door using, for example, refrigeration systems with cyclic defrost, frost-free with electric and hot-gas defrost, and manual defrost.

air conditioners (window and wall mounted self-contained room air conditioners)