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.

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

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

interpret plans, specifications and other documentation to determine features and performance characteristics and requirements of HVAC/R systems

advise other technicians, tradespersons and production personnel on HVAC/R systems installation, modification, commissioning, operation and maintenance

determine adequacy of standard operating procedures for HVAC/R systems and adjust, if required

check HVAC/R systems for safe operation

determine situations that require other technical and professional assistance

research sustainability implications and current HVAC/R systems design techniques

determine OHS, regulatory and risk management requirements.

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 a simulated working environment 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.

Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

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 its 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 able not only 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:

performing responsibilities in priority order in accordance with implementation schedules

investigating and validating performance analysis, modelling and simulation software

interpreting HVAC/R system specifications, including design and detailed drawings

identifying sustainability and environmental issues and implications for the HVAC/R system

selecting and using software and validation techniques, including 2-D and 3-D modelling

identifying situations and issues that require additional technical or professional assistance

evaluating solutions for feasibility against the installation, commissioning, modification or maintenance criteria, including relevant engineering and financial calculations and analysis

establishing budget and control measures for team and incorpration within installation, commissioning or modification project control plan

delegating roles, responsibilities and levels of authority, as appropriate, to team members

communicating, negotiating and reviewing with stakeholders and team members throughout duration of installation, commissioning or modification project

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes:

current options and trends in HVAC/R system modelling and simulation software, including underpinning program techniques and software validation techniques

research and investigations methods

principles of HVAC/R systems

types of control equipment

common HVAC/R system hardware, including industrial and commercial refrigeration systems, hydronic systems and automated controls

HVAC/R load cycles

BMS principles

interface principles for HVAC/R system components

building management control system software

dimensions, capacity and position of system components

electrical, electronic and mechanical features of HVAC/R systems, including interface principles and techniques for electrical, electronic, pneumatic and hydraulic sensors and actuators

OHS and regulatory requirements, codes of practice, standards, risk minimisation and registration requirements

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.

HVAC/R system work requirements

HVAC/R system work requirements include:

specific installation, commissioning, modification and maintenance projects as well as regular scheduled operation and maintenance tasks identified in the HVAC/R system management schedule

Sustainability

Sustainability may include:

resources and energy

social and economic

life cycle design of product raw material, solids and hazardous waste, and production by-products

contamination of land, air and stormwater pollutants, and discharge to sewerage

climate change

Appropriate software

Appropriate software may include software for:

computer-aided design (CAD)

HVAC/R design and analysis including:

animation

simulation

modelling

performance analysis

Validation techniques

Validation techniques include:

comparison of traditional solutions for simple design problems with software solutions to the same design problems

review of previously implemented designs which were completed using the software

use of failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA)

HVAC/R system maintenance

HVAC/R system maintenance refers to maintenance for fitness for purpose and includes:

safety and integrity of the system

adequacy and correct operations of controls

user performance requirements

adequacy of standard operating procedures for users

safe integration with other systems, including mechanical, electrical and fuel-fired equipment

Given environments

Given environments may include:

workplaces

food halls

restaurants

hotels

hospitals

domestic dwellings

industrial sites, factories, warehouses and cold storage areas

transport and refrigerated vehicles and trains

System specifications

System specifications may include, but are not limited to:

ducts and duct systems:

materials

supports

factory and field fabricated

sealants

layout and placements

capacity

zoning

heating and cooling loads

air flow and pressures

refrigerants

energy efficiency

air intake points

control equipment

monitoring equipment

BMS

BMS include:

HVAC/R control systems and may also include fire, security, and lighting controls

OHS requirements

OHS requirements may include:

OHS Acts and regulations

relevant standards

industry codes of practice

risk assessments

registration requirements

safe work practices

state and territory regulatory requirements

Standards

Standards may include:

AS 4024.1-2006 Series Safety of machinery

AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk management – Principles and guidelines

NOHSC:1010 National standard for plant

NOHSC:1014 National standard for the control of major hazard facilities

AS 61508.1-2011 Functional safety of electrical/electronic/programmable electronic safety-related systems – General requirements