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: 

Maintain safety in the handling group 1 and 2 refrigerants 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
116700  Maintain safety in the handling group 1 and 2 refrigerants 
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 3  NQF Level 03  9 
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
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
9541  Maintain safety in the handling of hydrocarbon refrigerants  Level 3  NQF Level 03  12   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
To enable persons involved in the installation, commissioning, maintenance and repair of equipment using group 1 or group 2 refrigerants as per SANS 10147 (SABS 0147) to carry out the following tasks without endangering themselves or others and causing minimal adverse impact on the environment:
  • To transfer refrigerant from a container to a service cylinder,
  • To recover refrigerant from a charged system,
  • To leak test, evacuate and charge a refrigeration system prior to commissioning,
  • To check, handle and store recovered refrigerant and compressor oil. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that the person being assessed is already capable to carry out the following tasks:
  • To identify the type of refrigerant in containers and systems,
  • To demonstrate and explain the safe handling of refrigerant containers,
  • To name and explain the precautions to be taken to prevent harm to self, others, plant, and the environment when handling refrigerant containers.
  • To discuss the use of refrigerants in cooling plants. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Groups of refrigerants: CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, HCs

    Commonly used refrigerants, for example:

    CFCs: R11, R12, R502
    HCFCs: R22, R123, R406A, R408A, R409A.
    HFCs: R23, R134a, R404A, R407C, R410A, R507.
    HCs: R290, R600a.

    Applications of refrigerants include comfort and industrial air-conditioning, cold rooms, freezer rooms, domestic refrigerators and freezers, automotive air conditioning and transport refrigeration units. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Transfer refrigerant from a container to a service cylinder or a dial-a-charge. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The correct equipment and instrumentation is selected. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    All equipment is checked for suitability and safety. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The methods to transfer refrigerant from a container to a service cylinder or charging cylinder are named and the methods demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The maximum mass a refrigerant cylinder can hold is determined. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The mass of refrigerant in a cylinder or charging cylinder is determined correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The minimum amount of refrigerant is released into the atmosphere. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The correct amount of refrigerant is transferred. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The cylinders are not overfilled. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The possible hazards associated with transferring refrigerant are named and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Safe working procedures according to workshop procedures are adhered to. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Recover refrigerant from a charged system and transfer it into a service cylinder. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The methods of recovering refrigerant from a system are named and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The correct equipment and instrumentation required for recovering refrigerant is selected and checked for suitability and safety. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The positions where to connect the recovery hoses to the system are named and reasons explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The evacuation levels required for refrigerant recovery are stated and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The correct procedure to recover refrigerant from a system is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The minimum amount of refrigerant is released into the atmosphere. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    At least 80% of the refrigerant in the system is recovered. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The methods to minimise the amount of refrigerant dissolved in the compressor oil are named and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The consequences of recovering insufficient refrigerant from the system are named and explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Leak test a system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The different leak test methods are named and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The purposes of leak testing are named and explained and the consequences of leaks in a system are discussed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The equipment and instrumentation required for leak testing is selected and checked for suitability and safety. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The precautions to be taken when using nitrogen for pressurisation are named and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The correct leak testing procedure is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The methods to minimise the loss of refrigerant from a system through leaks are named. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Evacuate a system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The reasons for evacuating a system before charging are named and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The level to which the system is to be evacuated is stated and the reasons are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The deep vacuum method and the triple evacuation method to remove moisture and non-condensables from a system are named and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The equipment and instrumentation required for evacuation is selected correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    All equipment and instrumentation is checked for suitability and safety. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The correct procedure to evacuate a system is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The method to evaluate the system vacuum is demonstrated and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The vacuum pump and instrumentation is removed from the system without the loss of vacuum and the system is isolated correctly. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Charge an evacuated system with refrigerant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The checks to be made before a system is charged are named and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The potential hazards when charging a system with liquid refrigerant are named and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The consequences of charging with the wrong refrigerant are named and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The method of charging zeotropic blends are stated and discussed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The methods to charge refrigeration systems are named and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The correct procedures to charge a system using a capillary tube-type metering device is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The correct method to charge a system fitted with a thermostatic expansion valve is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The type and mass of refrigerant and oil the system is charged with is indicated on the system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The consequences of over or undercharging a system are named and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    The action to be taken if leaks are found after charging are named and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    The unit is started according to operating instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
    With the unit charged and operating correctly, the state of the refrigerant (i.e. temperature, pressure and (sub-cooled) liquid or (superheated) vapour), at locations indicated by the assessor, are stated correctly. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Handle, check and store recovered compressor oil and refrigerant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Adding or removing oil from a system is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Methods to store recovered refrigerant and oil are named and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Methods to determine whether recovered refrigerant is fit for re-use are stated and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Methods to determine whether recovered oil is fit for re-use are stated and explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The safety requirements when handling, transporting and storing recovered refrigerant or oil are named 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 and air-conditioning. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • The types of refrigerants and their uses
  • The pressure testing and evacuation procedures for refrigeration systems
  • The charging procedures for refrigerants
  • Safe working procedures required when working with refrigerants
  • Avoiding undue release of refrigerant into the atmosphere 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems:
  • Refrigerants are correctly identified. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Prepare, plan and select resources for charging systems:
  • Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information
  • Reading and interpreting Montreal Protocol 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically:
  • Use tools and instrumentation and interpretation of results. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems:
  • Understanding the effects refrigerant, 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 
    This unit standard is replacing unit standard 9541 - 'Maintain safety in the handling of hydrocarbon refrigerants' - Level 3.

    Supplementary information:
  • The learner is given the option of charging a system or recovering the refrigerant from a system with a capillary tube or an expansion valve depending on the sector of industry in which he operates.
  • The assessor will need to explain the functioning of the recovery unit if the learner is not familiar with the particular recovery unit. The learner also has the option of using his own recovery unit.
  • The following equipment shall be available for the assessment:
    a) An operational small plant e.g. small cold room, automotive air conditioner or one-piece transport refrigeration unit.
    b) An absolute pressure gauge.
    c) Cylinders of refrigerant.
    d) A suitable scale.

    The candidate will be required to bring the following tools and equipment:
    1. A manifold and gauges
    2. Valve ratchets
    3. Own personal protective equipment.

    The candidate can bring the following items himself as he will be more familiar with the work if he uses his own equipment:
    4. A vacuum pump,
    5. A recovery unit,
    6. A dial-a-charge.

    The following reference materials may be used in the completion of this unit standard:
  • The OHS act, SANS 10147 (SABS0147) and the ACRICSA notes for assessment "B".
  • The Montreal Protocol. 
    		•

    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 
    Core  48963   National Certificate: Air-Conditioning, Refrigeration and Ventilation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2009-03-12  Was MERSETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  49056   National Certificate: Domestic Appliance Repair  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  EWSETA 


    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.