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: 

Identify refrigerant containers, explain hazards and handling procedures and use of refrigerants in domestic appliances 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
123453  Identify refrigerant containers, explain hazards and handling procedures and use of refrigerants in domestic appliances 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Electrical Engineering & Construction 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction Electrical Infrastructure Construction 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  6 
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 does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is for persons in the electrical engineering field who will be required to maintain and repair refrigerated domestic appliances.

A person credited with this unit standard will be capable of:
  • Identifying the type of refrigerant in containers and systems.
  • Applying safe handling procedures for refrigerant containers and refrigerant transfers.
  • Describing the use of refrigerants in cooling plants.

    This unit standard will contribute to the full development of the learner within the electrical engineering field by providing recognition, further mobility and portability in the field of appliance repair. The skills knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and contribute to the upliftment and economic growth within the appliance repair environment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in the following:
  • Communication at NQF Level 3.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3.
  • An understanding of the basic principles of refrigeration. 
    		•

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

    Commonly used refrigerants, for example:
  • CFCs : R11, R12, R502.
  • HCFCs: R22, R123, R406A, R408A, R409A.
  • HFCs : R23, R134a, R404A, R407C, R410A, R507. R12, R600A.
  • HCs : R290, R600a.
  • Natural refrigerants : R717 (Ammonia).

    Typical applications of refrigerants, for example, domestic air-conditioning, domestic refrigerators and freezers.

    Physical properties: smell, colour, toxicity and flammability.

    For appliances using not more than 300 grams of refrigerant. 
    		•

    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 as in relevant documentation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Hazards when handling refrigerants are listed and discussed according to relevant codes, standards and environmental legislation. 

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The effect of refrigerants on humans if inhaled or spilt on the body or if released into the atmosphere is explained as in relevant documentation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Procedures to be followed in the event of an accident or fire when working with refrigerants are named and explained in accordance with safety requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Name and identify the type of refrigerants in containers and systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The refrigerants commonly used in South Africa are named with reference to their physical properties. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The group and type of refrigerant in various containers is correctly identified according to relevant codes and standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The methods used to identify refrigerants in containers and systems are named and explained according to relevant codes and standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The group and type of refrigerant in an unmarked container and system is correctly identified according to relevant codes and standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The consequences of mixing refrigerants or using the wrong refrigerant are explained using practical examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Containers are handled safely, according to worksite procedures, ensuring no refrigerant is released. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    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 and checked for suitability and safety according to task requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The methods to transfer refrigerant from a container to a service cylinder or charging cylinder are named and the methods demonstrated according to manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The maximum mass a refrigerant cylinder can hold is determined according to manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The mass of refrigerant in a cylinder or charging cylinder is determined correctly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The correct amount of refrigerant is transferred with the minimum amount of refrigerant released into the atmosphere in accordance with manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The possible hazards associated with transferring refrigerant are named and explained in accordance with safety requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Safe working procedures according to workshop procedures are adhered to. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Prepare containers for refrigerant transfer. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Maximum gross mass of refrigerant container is determined as per manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Maximum quantity of refrigerant that can be charged into container is determined as per manufacturer's specifications. 

    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 5 
    Demonstrate and/or explain the handling and storing of refrigerant containers without endangering self, others, the plant or the environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The effect of refrigerants on humans if inhaled or spilt on the body is explained in accordance with safety requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The effects of releasing refrigerant into the atmosphere are named and explained as per manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The restrictions imposed by the Montreal Protocol on the use of refrigerants in South Africa are named and explained as per relevant documents. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The safety procedures needed when handling, transporting and storing refrigerant containers are named and explained in compliance with safety requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The personal protective equipment to be used when handling refrigerants are named and their use explained in accordance with worksite procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The safety precautions to be established before starting work on a refrigeration plant are named and explained in accordance with work site procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Work situations in which at least two competent persons are required are identified and reasons explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Procedures to be followed in the event of an accident or fire when working with refrigerants are named and explained in compliance with safety requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The additional hazards that can be encountered when working with flammable and high-pressure refrigerants are named and explained in accordance with safety procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Explain the use of refrigerants in cooling systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The relationship between the temperature and the pressure of a refrigerant is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The ability to determine the saturation temperature or pressure from tables or gauges for various refrigerants is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Typical applications of the various refrigerants are named and discussed as per specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The type(s) of oil to be used with each of the commonly used refrigerants are stated in accordance with manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The consequences of using the wrong type of oil are stated and explained as per specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The labeling requirements in respect of the type of refrigerant and oil charged into an existing system are stated in accordance with manufacturer's specifications. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any provider offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    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 types of refrigerants and their uses.
  • The pressure testing and evacuation procedures for refrigeration systems. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems:
  • Selecting the correct refrigerant container. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively:
  • Discuss the uses of refrigerants. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically:
  • Handling containers. 
    		•

    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 
    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:
  • The OHS Act and standards.
  • The Montreal Protocol.

    The assessor will require the following equipment:
  • Cylinders of refrigerant referred to in the range statements. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  50371   Further Education and Training Certificate: Domestic Appliance Repair  Level 4  NQF Level 04  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.