Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:10 AM AWST
22/07/2026 7:10 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Maintain and repair cooling towers/evaporative condensers and associated equipment
Maintain and repair cooling towers/evaporative condensers and associated equipment
Unit of competency
National Code
MEM18095A
MEM18095A
State Code
W5632
W5632
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
11/09/2006
Field of Education
031315 - Refrigeration And Air Conditioning Mechanics
Original Release Date
11/09/2006
Nominal Hours
36
Description
The unit covers performing maintenance procedures and/or repairs on cooling towers or evaporative condensers, centrifugal water pumps, valves - including bypass valves, fans, belts and controls to ensure performance to relevant codes and standards.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Undertake preventive maintenance checks
- 1.1. Legislative requirements are understood.
- 1.2. System components are identified.
- 1.3. The operational function of each component is inspected and tested.
- 1.4. Correct operation of each component is assessed against specification.
- 1.5. Visual inspection and testing with appropriate test equipment is carried out according to refrigeration principles, procedures and safety requirements.
- 1.6. Preventative maintenance tasks are performed to manufacturers' specifications using refrigeration techniques and practices.
2. Undertake fault finding on cooling tower/evaporative condenser water systems components
- 2.1. System components are identified correctly.
- 2.2. The characteristics and operation of each component is understood.
- 2.3. The operational function of each component is inspected and tested.
- 2.4. Correct operation of each component is assessed against specification.
3. Repair/replace cooling tower/evaporative condenser components
- 3.1. Faulty components are localised and malfunction is confirmed by inspection and testing using refrigeration principles, procedures and safety requirements.
- 3.2. Faulty components are dismantled and repaired to manufactures' specifications as required.
- 3.3. Replacement parts are selected from manufacturers' or other catalogues according to required specifications.
- 3.4. Where required, refrigerant is removed/contained following refrigeration principles and procedures to all relevant standards, codes and safety standards.
4. Return to service cooling tower/evaporative condenser components.
- 4.1. Components are reassembled and tested for correct operation and assessed against specification.
- 4.2. Where required, refrigerant is added to system, following refrigeration principles and procedures to all relevant standards, codes and safety standards.
- 4.3. Using refrigeration principles and system application, correct operation of the equipment is verified.
- 4.4. Maintenance records/service reports are completed by appropriate designated means.
RANGE STATEMENT
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.
Components
Fan motor, fan blade, pump, pump motor, sprays, condenser, valves (bypass, shut-off, temperature control valves), thermostat, drift eliminators, v belt, water strainer
Operational
How it works
Test equipment
Sling psychrometer, thermometer, refrigeration gauges, vacuum pump, leak detector, multimeter, insulation resistance tester, assorted hand tools
Manufacturers' specifications
Details supplied by manufactures
Characteristics
The design and installation of the particular component
Malfunction
Could be a fault in any of the components
Application
Type of installation or equipment
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.
Components
Fan motor, fan blade, pump, pump motor, sprays, condenser, valves (bypass, shut-off, temperature control valves), thermostat, drift eliminators, v belt, water strainer
Operational
How it works
Test equipment
Sling psychrometer, thermometer, refrigeration gauges, vacuum pump, leak detector, multimeter, insulation resistance tester, assorted hand tools
Manufacturers' specifications
Details supplied by manufactures
Characteristics
The design and installation of the particular component
Malfunction
Could be a fault in any of the components
Application
Type of installation or equipment
EVIDENCE GUIDE
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 maintain and repair cooling towers and/or evaporative condensers, fans, centrifugal water pumps, valves and control equipment. 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 the maintenance and repair of cooling towers/evaporative condensers /pumps/ fans or valves, 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's 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
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 maintain and repair cooling towers and/or evaporative condensers, fans, centrifugal water pumps, valves and control equipment. 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 the maintenance and repair of cooling towers/evaporative condensers /pumps/ fans or valves, 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's 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
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAU34 | MEM18095 | Maintain and repair cooling towers/evaporative condensers and associated equipment | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| W245 | MEM40105 | Certificate IV in Engineering | Qualification |
| W247 | MEM50105 | Diploma of Engineering - Advanced Trade | Qualification |
| W726 | LMT31909 | Certificate III in Engineering - TCF Mechanic | Qualification |