SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Handle refrigerant containers and transfer refrigerants into service cylinders 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
116355  Handle refrigerant containers and transfer refrigerants into service cylinders 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Air-conditioning Refrigeration and Ventilation 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
To enable persons to handle refrigerant containers safely and to transfer refrigerants from storage cylinders into service cylinders.
This unit standard is typically for semi-skilled personnel working at wholesalers or contractors who are required to handle refrigerant containers and/or transfer refrigerants into smaller cylinders. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • It is assumed that people starting to learn towards this unit standard are able to communicate with others.
  • ABET 4 literacy. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Refrigerant containers:
    Refrigerant storage cylinders, Refrigerant service cylinders, disposable refrigerant containers.
    Properties of refrigerants:
    temperature-pressure relationship, toxicity, flammability, possible acidity.
    Commonly used refrigerants:
    R22, R134a, R404A, R407C, R408A, R507,
    Reasons for rejecting refrigerant containers.
    Disposable containers, non approved containers, containers damaged, dented or showing burn marks,
    containers with leaking valves.
    Physical properties:
    smell, colour, toxicity and flammability. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    List and discuss the hazards when handling refrigerants and containers. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Fundamental properties of refrigerants are listed and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Hazards when handling refrigerants are listed and discussed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The personal protective equipment to be used when handling refrigerants is named and their use is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Personal protection equipment to be worn is listed and use is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The effect of refrigerants on humans if inhaled or spilt on the body is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Action required in case of exposure to refrigerant liquid and/or vapour is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Procedures to be followed in the event of an accident or fire when working with refrigerants are named and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The effects of releasing refrigerant into the atmosphere are named and explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Identify and inspect refrigerant containers. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Different commonly used refrigerant are listed by refrigerant number. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Refrigerant containers for the commonly used refrigerants are correctly identified and inspected. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Reasons for rejecting refrigerant containers are listed and discussed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Unacceptable refrigerant containers are rejected. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Acceptable containers are checked for markings, damage and/or leaking valves. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Consequences of using damaged or leaking containers are listed and discussed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Consequences of using unacceptable containers are listed and discussed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Consequences of air or moisture in refrigerant containers are listed and explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Prepare containers for refrigerant transfer. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Maximum gross mass of refrigerant container is determined. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Maximum quantity of refrigerant that can be charged into container is determined. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Refrigerant container is evacuated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A small amount of refrigerant is introduced into container. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Container is tested for leaks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Markings on cylinder are checked and found correct. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Transfer refrigerant into empty, evacuated container. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The correct refrigerant to be transferred is selected. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Correct hoses and tools are used. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Hoses are purged and connected with minimum loss of refrigerant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Refrigerant is transferred using the evacuated container method. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Refrigerant is transferred by releasing vapour from service cylinder. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Container is filled with required or maximum quantity of refrigerant. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Demonstrate the handling and storing of refrigerant containers without endangering self, others, or the environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The safe handling of refrigerant containers is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The safety procedures needed when handling, transporting and storing refrigerant containers are named and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The additional hazards that can be encountered when working with flammable and high-pressure refrigerants are named and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The method of storing refrigerant containers is demonstrated and discussed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The consequences of not handling refrigerant containers correctly are listed and discussed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The action to take when getting unusual or illegal requests is stated and explained. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Accreditation should be carried out by accredited assessors who are specialists in and have practical experience in the field of refrigeration. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The relationship between the absolute Pressure and the Temperature of a refrigerant.
    The effect of releasing refrigerants into the atmosphere and the effect this can have on the health and welfare of the world's population.
    The importance of safe handling of refrigerant containers.
    The importance of using only legal and correct refrigerant containers. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems
  • Identifying and inspecting the correct refrigerant container 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively
  • Discuss requirements with clients
  • Discuss problems with supervisor. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically
  • Handling containers, tools and equipment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems
  • Understanding the hazards associated with the use of refrigerants
  • Understanding the effects refrigerants, when released into the atmosphere, can have on the environment 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Supplementary information:

    Worksite procedures refer to the documented procedures for the worksite.
    Assessment should take place in real situations, where practical.
    The following reference material may be useful in the completion of this unit standard:
  • ACRICSA notes for this unit standard.
  • The OHS act and the ACRICSA notes for assessment "A". 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  65449   National Certificate: Air-conditioning, Refrigeration and Ventilation  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  48959   National Certificate: Air-conditioning, Refrigeration and Ventilation  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2009-03-12  Was MERSETA until Last Date for Achievement 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.