Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1

Demonstrate knowledge of global warming and ozone layer depletion

1.1

Identify the role of the ozone layer in the earth’s climate and human health

1.2

Explain effects of global warming and consequences of ozone layer depletion

1.3

Explain role of ozone depleting substances (ODS) and synthetic greenhouse gas (SGG) emissions in global warming

2

Demonstrate knowledge of regulatory requirements in regards to fluorocarbon refrigerants

2.1

Explain ARC licence classes and relationship to HVAC/R equipment

2.2

Identify requirements to apply for a Refrigerant Handling Licence – Qualified Persons Licence

2.3

Explain licence period and procedures to obtain or renew a licence

2.4

Explain refrigerant coding and numbering system, including classification for toxicity and flammability

2.5

Identify the range of refrigerants covered by ARC licencing

2.6

Identify role of ODS and SGG handling licences and trading authorisations in refrigerant handling and disposal

2.7

Access information in the Australia and New Zealand Refrigerant Handling Code of Practice relating to specific work tasks

3

Determine job requirements

3.1

Identify job requirements from customer order, work specification or other enterprise procedure

3.2

Determine if required work includes risk of refrigerant emission

3.3

Check refrigerant handling equipment is available and serviceable

3.4

Plan work tasks to conform to regulatory requirements

4

Assess equipment and refrigerant status prior to commencement of work

4.1

Check refrigerant label on equipment and confirm refrigerant is appropriate for equipment

4.2

Adjust work plan to avoid any venting if refrigerant is unable to be positively identified

4.3

Identify if refrigerant is flammable and if so check for potential ignition sources and provide appropriate ignition source protection or elimination

4.4

Conduct visual check and other tests for gross leaks

4.5

Conduct other appropriate leak tests

4.6

Adjust work plan to include rectification of leaks

5

Apply regulations, codes and standards to refrigeration and air conditioning work

5.1

Apply regulations, codes and standards to installation, servicing, repair or decommissioning of equipment and systems

5.2

Establish or maintain appropriate ventilation and temporary flammable zone for equipment with flammable refrigerant

5.3

Set and locate gas detectors appropriately for type of equipment

5.4

Conduct leak testing according to regulations, codes and standards

5.5

Evacuate equipment according to regulations, codes and standards

5.6

Charge and recover refrigerants using prescribed methods and equipment

5.7

Ensure work on piping, valves and gauges is consistent with regulations, codes and standards

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Handle refrigerant includes the following:

any actions with an ARC prescribed refrigerant, or a component of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, that carries the risk of its emission

Prescribed methods and equipment include the following:

methods and equipment as described in ARC codes and regulations or referenced by the ARC

manufacturer’s instructions where available except where the instructions would lead to emission of refrigerant

Refrigerant handling equipment includes the following:

cylinders

Contamination includes one or more of the following:

moisture

non-condensables

solids and acids

refrigerants or mixed refrigerants that are not specified for the refrigeration equipment

Prescribed refrigerant includes the following:

chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)

hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)

any other refrigerant prescribed by the ARC

Refrigeration equipment includes one or more of the following:

compressors

air/water cooled condensers,

liquid receivers

chilled water heat exchangers

evaporators

air/water cooled condensing units

associated piping and valves

Reclaim includes the following:

to reprocess used refrigerant to a new product specification by means which may include distillation. This term usually implies the use of processes or procedures available only at a specialised reclaim or manufacturing facility

Recovery includes the following:

removing refrigerant in any condition from a system and storing it in an external cylinder, without necessarily testing or processing it in any way

Self-contained low charge systems include the following:

appliances which contain a fluorocarbon refrigerant charge of two kilograms or less, and do not require any work to be done on the refrigeration system at the time of installation