Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

1 )

1 .1 ) Descriptor 

This unit covers the selection of refrigerant piping, accessories and controls for refrigeration and air conditioning installations to comply with regulations, standards and specifications. It encompasses developing refrigerant pipe work arrangements, selecting pipe work and fittings, refrigerant flow controls and accessories, and mechanical and electrical control devices based on specifications, standards and manufacturer catalogues to determine calculated and deemed to comply solutions and documenting all selection information.

Application of the Unit 

4 )

This unit is intended for competency development entry-level employment-based programs incorporated in approved contracts of training. It is suitable for augmenting previously acquired competencies.

1 .2 ) License to practice 

The skills and knowledge described in this unit do not require a license to practice in the workplace. However, practice in this unit is subject to regulations directly related to occupational health and safety and where applicable contracts of training such as apprenticeships.

Note:
1. Compliance with permits may be required in various jurisdictions and typically relates to the operation of plant, machinery and equipment such as elevating work platforms, powder operated fixing tools, power operated tools, vehicles, road signage and traffic control, lifting equipment. Permits may also be required for some work environments such as confined spaces, working aloft, near live electrical apparatus and site rehabilitation.
2. Compliance may be required in various jurisdictions relating to currency in First Aid, confined space, lifting and risk safety measures.

Prerequisite Unit (s )

2 )

2 .1 ) Competencies 

Granting competency in this unit shall be made only after competency in the following unit(s) has/have been confirmed.

UEENEEJ103A

Establish the basic operating conditions of vapour compression systems

UEENEEE101A

Apply Occupational Health and Safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace

Employability Skills 

3 )

This unit contains Employability Skills

The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain applicable facets of Employability Skills. The Employability Skills Summary of the qualification in which this unit of competency is packaged will assist in identifying Employability Skill requirements.

6 ) Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit

Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1

Prepare to select piping, accessories and associated controls

1.1

The extent and nature of the refrigeration installation is determined from job specifications.

1.2

Safety and other regulatory requirements to which the refrigeration system shall comply, are identified, obtained and understood

2

Develop pipe work arrangements

2.1

The intended location of refrigeration equipment is determined from job specifications and site drawings or deemed to comply arrangements.

2.2

Pipe work arranged to ensure safe and functional operation of the system.

2.3

Pipe work is arranged to comply with technical standards and job specifications and requirements.

3

Select piping, accessories and associated controls

3.1

Pipe and tubing is selected for suitability for the environments in which it is to be installed

3.2

Pipe and tubing is sized to meet refrigeration parameters and capacity requirements for the refrigerant to be used.

3.3

Pipe and tubing quantities are determined from equipment location diagrams and job specifications.

3.4

Refrigeration controls and accessories are selected to meet load requirements based on calculated or deemed-to-comply solutions.

3.5

Control devices are selected to meet functional, specified and regulatory requirements.

3.6

Electrical control devices are selected to meet current, voltage and IP ratings.

3.7

Evidence is obtained that the selected refrigeration equipment and control devices comply with all requirements.

4

Document piping, accessories and associated controls selections

4.1

Reasons for selections made, including calculations, are documented in accordance with established procedures.

4.2

Refrigeration installation arrangement and specifications for all selected items are documented in accordance with established procedures and forwarded to appropriate person(s).

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

7)  This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Evidence shall show that knowledge has been acquired of safe working practices and selecting refrigerant pipe/tube, accessories and associated controls.

All knowledge and skills detailed in this unit should be contextualised to current industry practices and technologies.

KS01-EJ110A Refrigerant pipe/tube, accessories and associated controls selection 

Evidence shall show an understanding of refrigerant pipe/tube, accessories and controls selection for refrigeration and air conditioning installations, applying safe working practices and relevant Standards, Codes and Regulations to an extent indicated by the following aspects:

T1. Drawings, Specifications, Regulations & Codes.

• Equipment layouts & drawings
• Site drawings
• Piping diagrams
• Wiring diagrams
• Control diagrams
• Job specifications
• Equipment manufacture’s specifications & symbols
• SAA/NZ standards
• SAA/NZ standard symbols
• Regulations & Codes

T2. Equipment Installation Requirements

• Installation Equipment requirements:
• Standards, Codes, and Regulations
• Installation techniques
• Specifications
• Manufacturer’s Specifications

T3. Refrigerant Piping and Accessories

• Equipment location
• Piping arrangements
• Pipework accessories and location
• Mounting methods
• Noise and vibration prevention
• Pipework mounting and fastening
• Insulation
• Pipework installation techniques

T4. Pipe Selection and Sizing

• Sizing charts
• Correction factors
• Equivalent lengths
• Pressure drop
• Oversized & undersized pipe
• Refrigerant velocity
• Oil return
• Effect of system capacity

T5. Refrigerant Liquid Flow Controls

• Types
• Construction
• Operation
• Applications
• Selection

T6. Refrigerant Vapour Flow Controls

• Types
• Construction
• Operation
• Applications
• Selection

T7. Refrigeration System Controls

• Types
• Construction
• Operation
• Applications
• Selection

T8. System Capacity Controls

• Methods
• Components
• Operation
• Applications

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

9 ) The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package. .

The Evidence Guide forms an integral part of this Unit. It must be used in conjunction with all parts of this unit and performed in accordance with the Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.

Overview of Assessment 

9 .1 )

Longitudinal competency development approaches to assessment, such as Profiling, require data to be reliably gathered in a form that can be consistently interpreted over time. This approach is best utilised in Apprenticeship programs and reduces assessment intervention. It is the industry-preferred model for apprenticeships. However, where summative (or final) assessment is used it is to include the application of the competency in the normal work environment or, at a minimum, the application of the competency in a realistically simulated work environment. In some circumstances, assessment in part or full can occur outside the workplace. However, it must be in accordance with industry and regulatory policy.

Methods chosen for a particular assessment will be influenced by various factors. These include the extent of the assessment, the most effective locations for the assessment activities to take place, access to physical resources, additional safety measures that may be required and the critical nature of the competencies being assessed.

The critical safety nature of working with electricity, electrical equipment, gas or any other hazardous substance/material carries risk in deeming a person competent. Sources of evidence need to be 'rich' in nature to minimise error in judgment.

Activities associated with normal everyday work influence decisions about how/how much the data gathered will contribute to its 'richness'. Some skills are more critical to safety and operational requirements while the same skills may be more or less frequently practised. These points are raised for the assessors to consider when choosing an assessment method and developing assessment instruments. Sample assessment instruments are included for Assessors in the Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.

Critical aspects of evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

9 .2 )

Before the critical aspects of evidence are considered all prerequisites must be met.

Evidence for competence in this unit shall be considered holistically. Each Element and associated performance criteria shall be demonstrated on at least two occasions in accordance with the 'Assessment Guidelines - UEE07'. Evidence shall also comprise:

• A representative body of work performance demonstrated within the timeframes typically expected of the discipline, work function and industrial environment. In particular this shall incorporate evidence that shows a candidate is able to:

• Implement Occupational Health and Safety workplace procedures and practices including the use of risk control measures as specified in the performance criteria and range statement
• Apply sustainable energy principles and practices as specified in the performance criteria and range statement
• Demonstrate an understanding of the essential knowledge and associated skills as described in this unit. It may be required by some jurisdictions that RTOs provide a percentile graded result for the purpose of regulatory or licensing requirements.
• Demonstrate an appropriate level of skills enabling employment
• Conduct work observing the relevant Anti Discrimination legislation, regulations, polices and workplace procedures

• Demonstrated consistent performance across a representative range of contexts from the prescribed items below:

• Select refrigerant pipe/tube, accessories and associated controls as described in 8) and including:

A

Arranging pipe work to comply with regulatory and functional requirements.

B

Selecting appropriate type, size and quantity of piping and tubing

C

Selecting refrigeration accessories that meets load requirements

D

Selecting control devices that meet functional and regulatory requirements.

E

Documenting pipe work arrangement, specification for items selected and reasons for the selections made

F

Dealing with unplanned events by drawing on essential knowledge and skills to provide appropriate solutions incorporated in the holistic assessment with the above listed items

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

9 .3 )

This unit should be assessed as it relates to normal work practice using procedures, information and resources typical of a workplace. This should include:

• OHS policy and work procedures and instructions.
• Suitable work environment, facilities, equipment and materials to undertake actual work as prescribed by this unit.

These should be part of the formal learning/assessment environment.

Note:

Where simulation is considered a suitable strategy for assessment, conditions must be authentic and as far as possible reproduce and replicate the workplace and be consistent with the approved industry simulation policy.

Evidence should show demonstrated competency in selecting refrigerant pipe/tube, accessories and associated controls.

Method of assessment 

9 .4 )

This unit shall be assessed by methods given in Volume 1, Part 3 'Assessment Guidelines'.

Note:
Competent performance with inherent safe working practices is expected in the Industry to which this unit applies. This requires assessment in a structured environment which is intended primarily for learning/assessment and incorporates all necessary equipment and facilities for learners to develop and demonstrate the essential knowledge and skills described in this unit.

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units 

9 .5 )

For optimisation of training and assessment effort, competency development in this unit may be arranged concurrently with unit:

UEENEED001B

Use basic computer applications relevant to a workplace'

UEENEEJ106A

Install refrigerant pipe work, flow controls and accessories

RANGE STATEMENT 

8 ) This relates to the unit as a whole providing the range of contexts and conditions to which the performance criteria apply. It allows for different work environments and situations that will affect performance.

This unit must be demonstrated in relation to the selection of refrigerant pipe/tube, accessories and associated controls for two different refrigeration systems.

These include the following; refrigerant pipe (quick selection method) and fittings, refrigeration flow controls, isolation/access valves, filter-dryers, sight glasses, accessories, thermostats, pressure controls and humidity controls.

Generic terms used throughout this Vocational Standard shall be regarded as part of the Range Statement in which competency is demonstrated. The definition of these and other terms that apply are given in Volume 2, Part 2.1.

2 .2 ) Literacy and numeracy skills 

Participants are best equipped to achieve competency in this unit if they have reading, writing and numeracy skills indicated by the following scales. Description of each scale is given in Volume 2, Part 3 'Literacy and Numeracy'

Reading

3

Writing

3

Numeracy

3

Competency Field 

5 )

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning