Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:24 PM AWST

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Design compressed air systems

Design compressed air systems

Unit of competency
National Code
CPCPMS4003A
State Code
W9720
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
19/05/2011
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
10/03/2010
Field of Education
031315 - Refrigeration And Air Conditioning Mechanics
Original Release Date
10/03/2010
Nominal Hours
50
Description
This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to design and size compressed air distribution systems and prepare system plans and specifications.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Evaluate design parameters.
  • 1.1. Scope of work is established for the design of compressed air systems.
  • 1.2. Client requirements are determined from plans, specifications and client briefs.
  • 1.3. Cost-benefit analysis is conducted comparing a range of materials and system designs.
  • 1.4. Statutory, regulatory and Australian and New Zealand Standard requirements for the design of compressed air systems are interpreted, analysed and applied.
  • 1.5. Manufacturer requirements and trade and technical manuals are interpreted.
  • 1.6. Additional research, including a desktop study, is conducted to outline design parameters.
  • 1.7. Performance requirements are established.
2. Plan and detail system components.
  • 2.1. Layout of pipework systems and the type and location of fittings and valves are planned.
  • 2.2. System calculations are conducted for a range of applications.
  • 2.3. Compressed air system equipment and components are sized and specified.
  • 2.4. Noise reduction methods are analysed and suitable methods specified.
  • 2.5. Approved materials and jointing methods and all installation requirements are specified.
3. Design and size systems.
  • 3.1. Compressed air systems are designed for a range of applications.
  • 3.2. Compressed air systems are designed and sized using computer software packages.
4. Prepare documentation.
  • 4.1. Plans are prepared for a range of compressed air systems.
  • 4.2. Specification for a compressed air system is prepared.
  • 4.3. Testing and commissioning schedule is prepared.
  • 4.4. Operation and maintenance manual is produced.
architectural specifications
builders' specifications
owner requirements
specialist use applications.

comparison of the range of suitable treatment and disposal options, materials, system choices, disinfection options, water savings and environmental benefits compared to initial and ongoing maintenance costs.

Acts
Australian and New Zealand standard requirements
Building Code of Australia
industry standards
local and state government policies, including group and strata titling
regulations.

material specifications
sizing tables
technical and trade manuals.

architectural and building plans and other documents, including:
applications
brochures
forms
policies
reports
council plans
developer plans
manufacturers' data.

Australian and New Zealand standards
local authority plans
operational pressures and compressed air consumption
pressure and air quality.

building integrity and aesthetic appeal should not be unduly effected by pipework
principles of economy, serviceability, durability and fit for use should be applied.

bends
couplings
isolating valves
pressure relief valves
tees
unions.

air consumption
compressed air volume and storage
distribution pressures
energy
interpretation of design charts and tables
pipe sizing.

air filtering equipment, including proprietary filtering systems and air scrubbing systems
capacity and size
compressed air appliances, including air-operated tools, machinery and equipment
moisture removal methods
mounting and installation requirements
oiling equipment
reciprocating compressors
single and multi-stage compressors
valves, pressure controls and components.

approved pressure-rated materials
copper
steel.

brazing
mechanical joints
threading.

clipping
installation details
jointing requirements
level of workmanship.

include:
axonometrics
cross-sections
details
elevations
isometrics
schematics
sections
may be produced using:
computer generation
Indian ink
pencil
pigment liner.

appliances
clipping
detailing of specialised components
jointing
manufacturer requirements
materials
valves
workmanship.

flow testing
inspection checklist
leak testing
pressure testing
quality assurance (QA) audit.

check fit for purpose
check for burrs and obstructions
commission appliances
purge system
remove contaminants.

check for blockages
leak detection
regular inspections
regular maintenance requirements.

Overview of assessment
This unit of competency could be assessed in the workplace or a close simulation of the workplace environment, provided that simulated or project-based assessment techniques fully replicate construction workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures.

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

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the ability to:

evaluate and document design parameters including client, regulatory, manufacturer and Australian and New Zealand standard requirements for a range of compressed air systems
produce appropriate layouts for compressed air systems in accordance with manufacturers' and regulatory requirements
calculate pipe sizes in accordance with regulations and manufacturers' requirements
design and size a compressed air system using appropriate software
prepare plans for a range of compressed air systems to industry standards
prepare a specification for a compressed air system
prepare a testing and commissioning schedule
prepare an operation and maintenance manual.

Context of and specific resources for assessment
This competency is to be assessed using standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints.
Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge will usually be conducted in an off-site context.
Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards' requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include:

an induction procedure and requirement
realistic tasks or simulated tasks covering the mandatory task requirements
relevant specifications and work instructions
tools and equipment appropriate to applying safe work practices
support materials appropriate to activity
workplace instructions relating to safe working practices and addressing hazards and emergencies
material safety data sheets
research resources, including industry related systems information.
Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Method of assessment

Assessment methods must:

satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Construction, Plumbing and Services Integrated Framework Training Package
include direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions, with questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application
reinforce the integration of employability skills with workplace tasks and job roles
confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments.

Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:

competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace
where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice, with a decision on competency only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's demonstrated ability and applied knowledge
all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence.
Assessment processes and techniques should as far as is practical take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed.
Supplementary evidence of competency may be obtained from relevant authenticated documentation from third parties, such as existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.

Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
WF927 CPCPMS4023A Design compressed air systems Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
W727 CPC40909 Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services Qualification