Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:22 PM 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.

Test, recover, evacuate and charge refrigeration systems

Test, recover, evacuate and charge refrigeration systems

Unit of competency
National Code
MEM18086B
State Code
W5622
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
01/12/2005
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
20/06/2014
Field of Education
031315 - Refrigeration And Air Conditioning Mechanics
Original Release Date
20/06/2014
Nominal Hours
36
Description
This unit covers testing, recovering, evacuating and charging refrigeration systems to achieve performance specification.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Assess refrigeration system operation
  • 1.1. Refrigeration system operating principles and terminology are applied to assessment activities.
  • 1.2. All relevant information is obtained and correctly interpreted prior to the commencement of work on the refrigeration system.
  • 1.3. Refrigeration system checks are undertaken safely in accordance with standard operating procedures, relevant codes and regulations.
  • 1.4. Appropriate operating procedures are developed as required.
  • 1.5. Pressures and temperatures are correctly determined and recorded.
  • 1.6. Faults are correctly isolated to component level and appropriate corrective action is determined.
  • 1.7. The refrigeration system is checked for leaks.
  • 1.8. The refrigeration system is checked for contamination.
2. Recover refrigerant and evacuate system
  • 2.1. The refrigerant in the system is recovered in accordance with standard operating procedures, codes and regulations.
  • 2.2. The refrigerant recovered from the refrigeration system is contained in accordance with the relevant codes and regulations.
  • 2.3. The refrigeration system is evacuated in accordance with standard operating procedures, codes and regulations.
3. Charge the refrigeration system
  • 3.1. The refrigeration system is charged with the correct refrigerant in accordance with standard operating procedures.
  • 3.2. The appropriate lubricating oil is added to the refrigeration system in accordance with standard operating procedures.
  • 3.3. The refrigeration system is checked for leaks.
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.
Relevant information
Manufacturers' technical data, pressure temperature charts, operating manuals
Appropriate operating procedures
In the case where specific equipment does not have standard operating procedures
Appropriate corrective action
Isolation and tagging of faulty components, repair and/or replacement
Contamination
Moisture, non-condensables, solids, acids etc.
Refrigerant
All refrigerants including CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, natural refrigerants, ammonia, etc.
Relevant codes and regulations
Australian Standards Refrigeration and Air Conditioning codes of practice, relevant ozone and greenhouse substance legislation
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 test, recover, evacuate and charge refrigeration systems. 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 assessment, evacuation and charging of refrigeration systems, 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
OAU43 MEM18086 Test, recover, evacuate and charge refrigeration systems Unit of competency