The South African Bureau of Standards codes of practice and National Standards that covers the legal requirement to be registered as an ‘ authorised refrigeration gas practitioner ’ is SANS 10147 – Refrigerating systems , including plants associated with air conditioning systems .
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Refrigeration Practitioner registration – 85 By Barney Richardson
The South African Bureau of Standards codes of practice and National Standards that covers the legal requirement to be registered as an ‘ authorised refrigeration gas practitioner ’ is SANS 10147 – Refrigerating systems , including plants associated with air conditioning systems .
This standard carries with it the responsibility to work in a safe and responsible manner , as well as doing an installation within the design requirements , and in accordance with the above standard . This covers all of the essentials of how a refrigeration system should be designed , installed and commissioned .
Importance also lies with the competence of the person doing the work . This is why SAQCC Gas and SARACCA have consequently set minimum training standards for assessing the skilled competence of the installer . The handling of the actual refrigerant is of utmost importance , alongside a knowledge of the regulations and different refrigerants .
Therefore , the competence assessment for registration covers the theory and practical requirement of Unit Standard 116700 for the F gases and Unit Standard 116704 for ammonia . Any candidate is required to demonstrate evacuation to a set vacuum level , pressure testing of the system , charging with the correct mass of refrigerant and then to test the operation of the plant . The basic principle applies to large built-up refrigeration systems as much as it does to small room air-conditioning units .
Many will be confused by the two of levels of registration specified on the application form : Categories A and B .
Category A in three parts is aimed at the semi-skilled person :
• Refrigeration plant operator : applies to those who monitor and care for refrigeration plants , usually the large cold store type refrigeration plants . This is a semi-skilled person who reports to a supervisor or foreman .
• Semi-skilled air conditioning and refrigeration installers : these are those who are carrying out the installation of small split room air-conditioning units and small refrigeration installations under supervision . The installer is also one who has had training from an air conditioning supplier in the specific requirements of a make of units , in addition to the Unit Standard assessment .
• Air conditioning and refrigeration apprentice or learner : those mechanics who are in training towards a trade test . After passing a trade test the mechanic may be upgraded to category B .
Category B consists of a skilled person who has passed a trade test . Registered practitioners are those mechanics who have a trade qualification and several years of experience in the industry on the F gas refrigerants . The vast majority of refrigeration mechanics working on air conditioning and commercial refrigeration systems fall into this category .
Also in category B are Ammonia Refrigeration Practitioners working in cold storage process cooling refrigeration using ammonia . They are registered artisans , or by experience have been assessed as competent , after ammonia refrigeration training in all aspects of plant safety and incident response .
All motor vehicle air conditioning ( cars , buses , vehicle cabs , etc .) is also covered by category B . Those who register here are qualified motor mechanics , auto electricians or diesel mechanics who have completed the vehicle air-conditioning training .
Mechanics working in the cold chain refrigerated transport sector also fall into this category with their specialised knowledge of transport refrigeration equipment .
The Category B Marine Refrigeration Practitioner works on fishing boats and ships such as reefers and refrigerated container carriers , is covered in this category . This
Barney Richardson is the director of South African Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors Association ( SARACCA ) and sits on various other boards within the HVAC industry , including the South African Qualifications and Certifications Committee for Gas ( SAQCC ) Gas .
part of the industry and registration covers qualification in both F gases and ammonia .
Category C is reserved for those who can by experience and qualification be inspectors and designers , which will be discussed at another time . CLA
Any candidate is required to demonstrate evacuation to a set vacuum level , pressure testing of the system .
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