Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:25 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.

Manage heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems or projects

Manage heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems or projects

Unit of competency
National Code
MEM234034A
State Code
S8129
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
21/12/2011
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
29/08/2014
Field of Education
080315 - Project Management
Original Release Date
29/08/2014
Nominal Hours
36
Description
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to provide a technical leadership role in the installation, modification, commissioning or ongoing management of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC/R) systems. It includes awareness of current options and trends in (HVAC/R) design, analysis of existing sites and systems, interpreting manufacturer specifications, implications of relevant regulations, internal or external client brief, liaison with designers, and ensuring that team members are aware of technical and performance requirements.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Identify scope of HVAC/R system installation
  • 1.1 Review HVAC/R system drawings, manufacturer manuals and other technical data for system specifications
  • 1.2 Determine HVAC/R system performance requirements
  • 1.3 Determine if any commissioning or modification actions are required to ensure performance requirements are met
  • 1.4 Determine relevant regulatory requirements
  • 1.5 Inspect site and any existing HVAC/R equipment to confirm or determine suitability, availability of other services and control requirements
  • 1.6 Produce or review HVAC/R system management schedule, including any required installation, commissioning, modification or maintenance requirements
  • 1.7 Integrate building management systems (BMS) considerations into the schedule, where required
2 Brief team on HVAC/R system work requirements
  • 2.1 Distribute and discuss drawings, schedules, and major materials and equipment with team
  • 2.2 Arrange for request for further information (RFIs) with designers, where required
  • 2.3 Brief team on key compliance and risk factors, including regulatory, occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental requirements
  • 2.4 Agree with team on critical control points and reporting requirements
3 Commence installation, commissioning, modification or maintenance tasks
  • 3.1 Supervise any equipment shutdowns required for task
  • 3.2 Confirm availability of equipment components and materials for scheduled tasks
  • 3.3 Check and determine that supply of services to work are adequate for task commencement
  • 3.4 Ensure all tradespersons have correct drawings
4 Monitor progress and deal with contingencies
  • 4.1 Establish procedures to ensure installation, commissioning or modification are against design specifications
  • 4.2 Ensure electrical and HVAC/R control systems and circuits are consistent with specifications and regulations
  • 4.3 Identify problems and contingencies and establish and rectify root cause
5 Finalise HVAC/R system work requirements
  • 5.1 Conduct final check to ensure completed work is consistent with drawings, manufacturer manuals and any regulatory requirements
  • 5.2 Conduct test run of equipment and system
  • 5.3 Identify and correct any malfunctions or errors in required output
6 Conduct handover and finalise documentation
  • 6.1 Brief client and operators on machine or equipment operation after installation
  • 6.2 Prepare and submit any required reports on installation, commissioning or modification
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.
HVAC/R system work requirements
HVAC/R system work requirements include:
specific installation, commissioning, modification and maintenance projects as well as regular scheduled operation and maintenance tasks identified in the HVAC/R system management schedule
Sustainability
Sustainability may include:
resources and energy
social and economic
life cycle design of product raw material, solids and hazardous waste, and production by-products
contamination of land, air and stormwater pollutants, and discharge to sewerage
climate change
Appropriate software
Appropriate software may include software for:
computer-aided design (CAD)
HVAC/R design and analysis including:
animation
simulation
modelling
performance analysis
Validation techniques
Validation techniques include:
comparison of traditional solutions for simple design problems with software solutions to the same design problems
review of previously implemented designs which were completed using the software
use of failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA)
HVAC/R system maintenance
HVAC/R system maintenance refers to maintenance for fitness for purpose and includes:
safety and integrity of the system
adequacy and correct operations of controls
user performance requirements
adequacy of standard operating procedures for users
safe integration with other systems, including mechanical, electrical and fuel-fired equipment
Given environments
Given environments may include:
workplaces
food halls
restaurants
hotels
hospitals
domestic dwellings
industrial sites, factories, warehouses and cold storage areas
transport and refrigerated vehicles and trains
System specifications
System specifications may include, but are not limited to:
ducts and duct systems:
materials
supports
factory and field fabricated
sealants
layout and placements
capacity
zoning
heating and cooling loads
air flow and pressures
refrigerants
energy efficiency
air intake points
control equipment
monitoring equipment
BMS
BMS include:
HVAC/R control systems and may also include fire, security, and lighting controls
OHS requirements
OHS requirements may include:
OHS Acts and regulations
relevant standards
industry codes of practice
risk assessments
registration requirements
safe work practices
state and territory regulatory requirements
Standards
Standards may include:
AS 4024.1-2006 Series Safety of machinery
AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk management - Principles and guidelines
NOHSC:1010 National standard for plant
NOHSC:1014 National standard for the control of major hazard facilities
AS 61508.1-2011 Functional safety of electrical/electronic/programmable electronic safety-related systems - General requirements
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.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently:
interpret plans, specifications and other documentation to determine features and performance characteristics and requirements of HVAC/R systems
advise other technicians, tradespersons and production personnel on HVAC/R systems installation, modification, commissioning, operation and maintenance
determine adequacy of standard operating procedures for HVAC/R systems and adjust, if required
check HVAC/R systems for safe operation
determine situations that require other technical and professional assistance
research sustainability implications and current HVAC/R systems design techniques
determine OHS, regulatory and risk management requirements.
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 a simulated working environment 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.
Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.
Method of assessment
Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the MEM05 Metal and Engineering Training Package.
Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with application of underpinning knowledge.
Assessment methods must be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on underpinning knowledge to ensure its correct interpretation and application.
Assessment may be applied under project-related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process.
Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is able not only to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances.
Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency where required.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OEW48 MEM234034 Manage heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems or projects Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
J482 MEM80112 Graduate Diploma of Engineering Qualification