Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 12:10 PM AWST

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Handle fluorocarbon refrigerants according to regulations

Handle fluorocarbon refrigerants according to regulations

Unit of competency
National Code
MEM18083
State Code
OAU46
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
26/06/2019
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
Field of Education
061301 - Occupational Health And Safety
Original Release Date
Nominal Hours
9
Description
The unit of competency defines the knowledge and skills required to undertake work on refrigeration and air conditioning in a manner consistent with requirements of the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) for working with ozone depleting refrigerants. The unit’s focus is on compliance and awareness of global warming and the dangers of ozone depleting substances. The unit does not cover the technical skills required for typical refrigeration and air conditioning trade tasks such as installing, servicing, repair or decommissioning of equipment or the testing, recovering, evacuating or charging of refrigerants. This unit should be selected in conjunction with relevant technical units if the learner intends to apply to the ARC for a Refrigerant Handling Licence - qualified persons (ARCTICK licence). Other MEM units are specified where a person intends to apply for other ARC licences, including those covering vehicle or split system related work.A Refrigerant Handling Licence must be held by any person who carries out work in relation to refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.Band: AUnit Weight: 1
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
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
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