ARE YOU AN AUTHORISED REFRIGERATION GAS PRACTITIONER?

ARE YOU AN AUTHORISED REFRIGERATION GAS PRACTITIONER?

HISTORY Through a voluntary registration process the safe handling of refrigerants started in 2000 this was replaced by a mandatory registration based on the Pressure Equipment Regulations through SAQCC Gas on behalf of the Department of Labour on 15 th July 2009

HISTORY This mandatory registration called for gas practitioners to be registered and authorised to sign Certificates of Conformity What was termed Authorised Person in the definitions means a person who is registered as competent within the scope of work for which an organisation approved by the chief inspector (DoL) has registered that person an SAQCC (Gas) registered gas practitioner in the applicable field

HISTORY The Pressure Equipment Regulations Published in July 2009 and guide lines were published in the Government Gazette over the years since

HISTORY What is termed the Authorised Person in the definitions and in Regulation 17.2 & 3 is called an Authorised Refrigeration Gas Practitioner

Objectives of Registration To ensure that only competent personnel work on the installation, maintenance and repair of refrigeration and air conditioning systems This must be in compliance of the law, regulations, standards and international protocols to the benefit of the plant owner, user and community

Objectives of Registration a commitment from the industry including CONTRACTORS, PRACTITIONERS and TRAINING INSTITUTIONS

Objectives of Registration and a commitment from Including Suppliers of refrigeration equipment and Suppliers of air conditioning equipment

The objective of competence? Meet the requirements of the Pressure Equipment Regulations Comply with the Montreal Protocol and Amendments and South African National Standard 10147

The objective of competence? Emphasis on installation maintenance repair of refrigeration systems

The objective of competence? Prevention of refrigerant leaks

The objective of competence? Recovery and reclamation of refrigerants without Contamination of the atmosphere

The objective of competence? The registration and safety process is governed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act No. 83 of 1993

The objective of competence? The registration and safety process is governed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act No. 83 of 1993 and The action plan of the Department of Environmental Affairs for the phase out of HCFC s and HFC s

PER The Pressure Equipment Regulations are incorporated into the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 published in July 2009 Revision 1 in February 2012 and Revision 2 in November 2017

TRAINING IS ALL IMPORTANT

Pressure Equipment Regulations SCOPE OF THE REGULATIONS REGULATION 2 These regulations shall apply to the design, manufacture, operation, repair, modification, maintenance, inspection and testing of pressure equipment with a design pressure equal to or greater than 50 kpa, in terms of the relevant health and safety..

The Regulations refer to a South African National Standard for Refrigeration systems SANS 10147-2014 This standard specifies the way refrigeration plants are built, managed and maintained

THE USERS or PLANT OWNERS HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY IN TERMS OF THE OHS ACT, REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS Regulation 5 and 6 cover the Suppliers and Importers and the Users of pressure equipment

THE USERS or PLANT OWNERS HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY IN TERMS OF THE OHS ACT, REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS Regulation 5 and 6 covers the Suppliers and Importers and the Users of pressure equipment Refrigeration or air conditioning plant users, where the cooling capacity exceeds 20kW shall ensure that a log book is kept This log book must be open for inspection by a Department of Labour Inspector

USERS or PLANT OWNERS Shall ensure that all records of the operating life of the plant and equipment shall be kept. Such records shall typically cover maintenance, repairs, modifications and In-service inspection and test records as well as all related documents such as test certification and Certificates of Conformity issued by a registered Authorised Refrigeration Gas Practitioner This is all recorded in the plant log book kept on site

REGULATION 17 Gas Systems and Equipment This regulation is to ensure safety and the skills competence needed for the correct material and equipment selection, installation and commissioning of a refrigeration plant and refrigeration associated with an air conditioning system as is currently defined by the SAQCC-Gas Registration Scheme

PER - REGULATION 17 This is where SARACCA has the responsibility for the receiving of applications from practitioners working on refrigeration plants and refrigeration associated with an air conditioning systems This is in conjunction with SAQCC Gas who issue the card and maintain the data base

WHAT ARE THE CATEGORIES OF REGISTRATION?

Category A Semi-skilled Practitioners The card holder is authorised to handle refrigerant containers (category O) The card holder is aware of safety requirements and is authorised to operate a refrigeration plant The card holder is authorised to install of refrigeration piping, components and equipment The card holder is authorised to install and maintain refrigeration units using Hydro Carbon Refrigerants (R600a & R290) The card holder is authorised to a install and maintain room air conditioning units up to 18kW cooling capacity The card holder is authorised as an air conditioning & refrigeration Apprentice/Learner

The card holder authorised to handle refrigerant containers This category is for those who are handling refrigerant containers and cylinders and the transfer refrigerants from storage vessels into service cylinders at the wholesalers and in a company stores.

The card holder is aware of safety requirements and is authorised to operate a refrigeration plant The persons registering here are those who work as operators in plant rooms and in factories using refrigeration but are not qualified by training in refrigeration. Persons applying for registration in this category require training in the OHS Act and incident safety response and PPE The basics of the refrigeration process and use of refrigerants. A plant operator may not sign a Certificate of Conformity.

The card holder is authorised to install of refrigeration piping, components and equipment Installers who are defined as assistants or semi-skilled to NQF level 2 and 3 or who have not trade tested and are carrying out refrigeration installations under supervision fall into this category. A Practitioner registered as a category A here is not permitted to sign a Certificate of Conformity. Installation Assistants who work alongside refrigeration mechanics also fall into this category

The card holder is authorised to install and maintain refrigeration units using Hydro Carbon Refrigerants R600a & R290) Installers who are defined as assistants or semi-skilled to NQF level 2 and 3 or who have not trade tested and are carrying out refrigeration work under supervision A Practitioner registered as a category A here is not permitted to sign a Certificate of Conformity. Installation Assistants who work alongside refrigeration mechanics also fall into this category.

The card holder is authorised to a install and maintain room air conditioning units up to 18kW cooling capacity Installers who are installing Room Air Conditioning units and small refrigeration units up to 18kW cooling capacity under supervision. Specific air conditioning unit product training is recommended This category is restricted to the Group A1 refrigerants defined in SANS 10147:2014. The installer is registered here as a category A is permitted to sign a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for equipment up to 18kW cooling capacity.

The card holder is authorised as an air conditioning & refrigeration Apprentice/Learner This category is specifically for those mechanics who are in training towards a trade test. After passing a trade test the mechanic may apply to be upgraded to category B. An apprentice registered as a category A here is not permitted to sign a Certificate of Conformity for installations.

Category B Skilled Practitioners The card holder is an authorised as a refrigeration mechanic using Synthetic Freon gases and Hydro Carbon refrigerant gas. The card holder is authorised as a specialist Carbon Dioxide (R744) refrigeration practitioner The card holder is authorised as a specialist Ammonia (R717) refrigeration practitioner The card holder is authorised as a specialist motor vehicle air conditioning practitioner The card holder is authorised as a specialist refrigerated transport practitioner The card holder is authorised as a specialist marine refrigeration practitioner on all types of refrigerant gases

The card holder is an authorised as a refrigeration Artisan They are refrigeration mechanics who have completed an apprenticeship and trade test in refrigeration and/or electrical trades. They are qualified to work on a wide variety of refrigeration and air conditioning installations and systems using Group A1, A2 & A3 refrigerants. Have a knowledge of refrigeration safety, the handling of refrigerants, testing, commissioning and inspection skills. The Practitioner is permitted to sign a Certificate of Conformity for installations, maintenance and repairs.

The card holder is authorised as a specialist Carbon Dioxide (R744) refrigeration practitioner Refrigeration Mechanics working in commercial refrigeration using Carbon Dioxide and are registered artisans The following trades may be recognised; Refrigeration mechanics, Electricians, and who have been assessed as competent after specific Carbon Dioxide refrigeration training. Proven experience in Carbon Dioxide refrigeration is a requirement.

The card holder is authorised as a specialist Ammonia (R717) refrigeration practitioner Refrigeration Mechanics working in cold storage and process cooling refrigeration using Ammonia and are registered artisans. The following trades may be recognised; Refrigeration mechanics, Pipe fitters, Electricians, Millwrights. and who have experience wit Ammonia and have been assessed as competent after specific Ammonia refrigeration training. Training in Ammonia Safety Response Training

The card holder is authorised as a specialist motor vehicle air conditioning practitioner All motor vehicle air conditioning for cars, buses, and vehicle cabs are covered by this category. Those who register here may be motor mechanics, auto electricians and diesel mechanics that have completed the vehicle air conditioning training and safe handling of refrigerants training. Additional unit standards in vehicle air conditioning are recommended

The card holder is authorised as a specialist refrigerated transport practitioner Refrigerated transport vehicles and containers are covered by this category. Those who register here may be refrigeration mechanics, motor mechanics, auto electricians and diesel mechanics that have completed the vehicle refrigeration training and safe handling of refrigerants training. Additional minimum unit standards; US 9546, US 9266 and US 262158 are recommended as skills in refrigerated trucks, trailers and containers

The card holder is authorised as a specialist marine refrigeration practitioner on all types of refrigerant gases The refrigeration on fishing boats and ships and refrigerated container carriers is covered in this category. Those who register here must be refrigeration mechanics electricians and millwrights who have trained in the marine environment. Knowledge and experience in all types systems and refrigerants used on fishing boats and ships.

Category C Engineering Practitioners The card holder is an authorised Inspector of refrigeration installations The card holder is an authorised Inspector of refrigeration associated with air conditioning installations The card holder is an authorised Designer of refrigeration and air conditioning installations

The card holder is an authorised Inspector of refrigeration installations This registration is for those who by experience and training are well versed in all applications industrial and commercial refrigeration who can act within training, experience and competence. Previous registration in Category B is a requirement plus a competent assessment in the inspection of refrigeration plant as per Unit Standard 262159 and knowledge of SANS10147, SANS347 and the OHS Act and Regulations Engineering training is recommended

The card holder is an authorised Inspector of refrigeration associated with air conditioning installations This registration is for those who by experience and training are well versed in all applications refrigeration associated with air conditioning. Previous registration in Category B is a requirement plus a competence assessment in the inspection of refrigeration plant as per Unit Standard 262159 Knowledge of SANS10147, SANS347 and the OHS Act and Regulations Engineering training is recommended

The card holder is an authorised Designer of refrigeration and air conditioning installations This category is aimed at those who design refrigeration systems and refrigeration related to air conditioning at different levels. It is necessary to define where design expertise gained. Design qualifications in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning theory plus knowledge of SANS10147, SANS347 and the Pressure Equipment Regulations incorporated into the OH&S Act. A technical / engineering diploma or degree is necessary. Recognition of prior learning and experience in the field of design.

Competency Prior to the Montreal Protocol the choice of refrigerants was very limited and has since expanded to incorporate the usage of HCFCs, HFCs, HFOs, HCs The use of natural refrigerants such as ammonia and carbon dioxide in wider applications.. There have since been amendments to the Protocol requiring further phase-out strategies and planning

Competency Each refrigerant requires specific handling techniques because of its characteristic pressures, toxicity, and flammability. These handling skills can only be gained by proper hands on skills training coupled theoretical knowledge. The level of competency is ultimately assessed by a practical test often referred to as a trade test.

Competency The registration by SAQCC Gas validates those that have the acquired the relevant skills as set out in the industry standard SANS 10147. Those who how a valid registration card can be proud of the status it offers and to assure clients of their competence They are able to show their card with pride to clients

The minimum competency requirements for registration as an Authorised Refrigeration Gas Practitioner are a theoretical knowledge and practical skills experience in refrigeration are defined in SANS 10147. These are The theory of the refrigeration process and types of systems The identification of refrigerants in common use Pipe fitting and brazing and the prevention of refrigerant leakage System evacuation, pressure testing, charging and commissioning The recovery and safe handling of refrigerants, Refrigeration components and equipment, Electrical and control functions, Able to read piping and instrumentation diagrams, Mainten ance and service procedures Practical experience, in plant installation, operation, maintenance and repair for a period of at least three years. Personal protective equipment and how to use it,

For Registration a competency assessment must be achieved in the following Unit Standards Unit Standard 116223 Demonstrate knowledge of the definitions and sections 8, 13, and 14 of the OHS ACT:

For Registration a competency assessment must be achieved in the following Unit Standards Unit Standard 116355 and Unit Standard 116334 Naming and identifying the type of refrigerant in containers and systems Understanding the hazards when handling refrigerants and refrigerant containers. List and discuss the hazards when handling refrigerants and containers. Identify and inspect refrigerant containers. Prepare containers for refrigerant transfer and recovery into empty, evacuated containers. Demonstrate the handling and storing of refrigerant containers without endangering self, others or the environment

For Registration a competency assessment must be achieved in the following Unit Standards Unit Standard 116700 For Class A1 and A3 refrigerants Transfer refrigerants from a container to a service cylinder Recover refrigerant from a charged system and transfer it into a service cylinder. Pressure and Leak test a system. Evacuate and Charge a system with refrigerant. Handle, check and store recovered compressor oil and refrigerant

For a competency assessment using Ammonia the following Unit Standard Unit Standard 116704 Discuss the properties of ammonia refrigerant and the hazards when used as a refrigerant in refrigeration systems. List, explain and demonstrate the safety procedures when handling ammonia refrigerant. Demonstrate the safe handling of ammonia. List and demonstrate the methods of detecting ammonia in the atmosphere. Demonstrate use of personal protective equipment and safety procedures,

Who may sign a Certificate of Conformity? In terms of the refrigeration gas practitioner registration categories a Category A semi-skilled installer may only sign a CoC for installations with a capacity up to 18kW cooling. Any plant installation above 20kW cooling may only be signed by a Category B practitioner or a Category C who has witnessed the new installation and/or maintenance and repair work. The log book details must also be completed

What is a Certificate of Conformity referred to? A Certificate of Conformity refers to a document that is issued by an Authorised Person (the registered refrigeration gas practitioner) that certifies that the installation is technically correct and safe.

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