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: 

Inspect and evaluate the conformance of air-conditioning and refrigeration pressure equipment 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
262159  Inspect and evaluate the conformance of air-conditioning and refrigeration pressure equipment 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Air-conditioning Refrigeration and Ventilation 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  15 
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 
The skills, values and knowledge reflected in this unit standard, enable qualifying persons to evaluate conformance with safety standards, in terms of, the pressure regulations and the applicable legislation. Competent learners are able to apply for and be issued with a certificate of compliance.

Learners deemed competent are able to:
  • Explain and discuss the legislative framework for pressure equipment regulations.
  • Plan and prepare to evaluate and inspect the construction of pressure equipment.
  • Evaluate and inspect the construction of pressure equipment.
  • Present a report/issue a certificate on pressure equipment conformance/non-conformance. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are artisans in the installation and maintenance of air-conditioning and refrigeration, or that they have obtained the National Certificate: Air-conditioning, Refrigeration and Ventilation at NQF Level 4. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    For the purpose of assessment, reference to the term "construction" as defined by Regulation 1 of the Pressure Equipment Regulations, includes design, fabrication, modification, repair, installation, examination, inspection, testing and certification.

    For the purpose of assessment, applicable legislation is referred to as:
  • Pressure Equipment Regulations.
  • The applicable safety standards, include applicable national standards to electrical installation; mechanical installation (SANS 10147) and hazardous categories.
  • Section 44 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, with respect to safety standards.
  • International codes of practice, where applicable.
  • Any other prevailing and applicable standards as required and as amended from time to ttime.

    Pressure equipment is defined in terms of the regulations, as:
  • Pressure vessels.
  • Piping.
  • Pressure accessories.
  • Safety accessories.
  • Transportable gas containers.

    All work is to be performed under supervision so that the learner's formative development should be monitored and recorded prior to a summative assessment and judgement. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain and discuss the legislative framework. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Regulations refer to the Pressure Equipment Regulations.
  • The Act refers to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993.
  • Safety standards refer to section 44 of the Act.
  • Applicable safety standards include but are not limited to electrical and mechanical conformance and hazard categories.
  • Local and international standards where applicable. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose and functions of an approved inspection authority, is discussed in terms of current legislation, regulations and applicable safety standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The pressure regulations are listed and the contents thereof are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The Pressure Regulations include:
  • Definitions of terms.
  • Scope of application.
  • General requirements.
  • Duties of suppliers, importers and manufacturers and users.
  • Duties of the approved inspection authority.
  • Inspection and testing.
  • Repairs and modifications.
  • Record-keeping.
  • Access.
  • Door interlocks.
  • Pressure equipment.
  • Transportable gas containers.
  • Offences and penalties.
  • Repeal of regulations and annexures.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The safety standards applicable to pressure regulations are recalled in terms of the Pressure Regulations and the Act. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Plan and prepare to evaluate and inspect the construction of pressure equipment. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    For the purpose of assessment, reference to the term "construction" as defined by Regulation 1 of the Pressure Equipment Regulations, includes design, fabrication, modification, repair, installation, examination, inspection, testing and certification. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The application for the issuing of a certificate of conformance is evaluated and processed, according to the criteria established by the approved inspection authority. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The inspection and evaluation process is explained, in accordance with the approved inspection authority's requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Relevant parties are notified and the date and time is scheduled prior to inspection, in accordance with the approved inspection authority's requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Documentation is correct for the task, available on site by the agreed time, and checked for validity in accordance with the approved inspection authority, work-site and regulatory requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Documentation includes:
  • Pressure Equipment Regulations.
  • Inspection checklist.
  • Hazardous equipment list.
  • Applicable safety standards (SANS 10142, 10147).
  • Annexure/s: Applicable Certificate of Conformance (includes but not limited to gas reticulations systems, manufactured/imported pressure equipment/modifications, repairs, installation of pressure equipment).
  • Work-site documents include security access, permit to work (eg. hot-work permits).
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Inspect and evaluate the construction of pressure equipment for conformance. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    For the purpose of assessment, reference to the term "construction" as defined by Regulation 1 of the Pressure Equipment Regulations, includes design, fabrication, modification, repair, installation, examination, inspection, testing and certification. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The construction of the pressure equipment is inspected and evaluated in terms of the regulation applicable to inspection and testing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The construction of the pressure equipment is inspected and evaluated in terms of the regulation applicable to the keeping of records. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The construction of the pressure equipment is inspected and evaluated in terms of the regulation applicable to repairs and modifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The construction of the pressure equipment is inspected and evaluated in terms of the regulation applicable to access. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Access, includes but is not limited to:
  • Access to, and exit from chambers, flues, manholes, inspection openings, control and safety equipment.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The construction of the pressure equipment is inspected and evaluated in terms of the regulation applicable to gas reticulation equipment and systems. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    For the purpose of assessment, evaluation and inspection of gas reticulation equipment and systems includes:
  • Safe handling, storing, distributing and filling of gas containers.
  • Recharging, reconditioning, modifying, repair, inspection and testing of gas reticulation systems.
  • Manufactured and/or imported gas reticulation equipment and systems includes availability of technical documents, drawings, diagrams, hazard warnings (as a result of natural hazards and hazards due to misuse), trouble-shooting guidelines for common faults etc.
  • Leak-testing (after installation, after re-installation and/or before commissioning).
  • Criteria set by the approved inspection authority.
  • Safety criteria in terms of the applicable safety standard.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The construction of the pressure equipment is inspected and evaluated in terms of the regulation applicable to transportable gas containers. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • The Act refers to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993.
  • Safety standards refer to section 44 of the Act.
  • Applicable safety standards include but are not limited to electrical installation regulations (SANS
    10142), mechanical installation regulations (SANS 10147) and regulations and standards in terms of the hazard categories.
  • Local and international standards where applicable.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The construction of the pressure equipment is inspected and evaluated in terms of the safety standards. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Present a report/issue a certificate on pressure equipment conformance/non-conformance. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    It must be noted that all inspection and evaluation processes do not necessarily lead to the issuing of a certificate of conformance. It is therefore necessary to make provision within this outcome, for the presentation of a non-conformance report. This should comply with criteria set by the approved inspection authority. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The reasons for non-conformance are explained to the applicant and corrective action is specified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A non-conformance report is presented to the applicant, in terms of the criteria established by the approved inspection authority, within an allowable time-frame. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The work area/site is restored to original condition. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Applicable documentation is completed and the applicant is informed of the need for recordkeeping, according to the pressure equipment regulations and the approved inspection authority. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    A certificate of conformity may only be is issued on successful completion of the inspection. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The issue of a certificate of conformance relates to design, fabrication, installation, modification, repair, alteration, or change of user/ownership.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Any person wishing to be assessed against this unit standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA, who may appoint a moderator to be present at the assessment.
  • The assessor must have knowledge and experience of air-conditioning or refrigeration.
  • Any person wishing to be assessed against this unit standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA, who may appoint a moderator to be present at the assessment. The assessor must have knowledge and experience of air-conditioning or refrigeration. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Names and functions of:
  • The approved inspection authority.
  • The type of refrigerant and their uses.
  • Pressure equipment regulations.
  • Safe working procedures required when working with refrigerants.

    Purpose of:
  • The approved inspection authority.
  • Fault diagnosing.
  • Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards.
  • Operating and manufacturer's instructions re components and controls.

    Processes, events, causes and effects, implications:
  • The implications of non-conforming air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment.
  • Implications of malfunctioning equipment.
  • Identification and/or detection of unacceptable noise, odour or temperature of equipment.

    Procedures and techniques:
  • Diagnosing non-performance of equipment and controls, causes and remedial actions.
  • The charging procedures for refrigerants.
  • Inspection procedures as set by the approved inspection authority (AIA).
  • Administrative processes determined by the Inspection Authority.
  • Report writing.

    Theory: rules, principles, laws:
  • The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS) of 1993.
  • The Pressure Equipment Regulations.
  • The Safety Standards in terms of Section 44 of the OHS Act. 1993.
  • Electrical Installation Regulations.

    Relationships, systems:
  • Interaction between various components of plant on effective operation of system.
  • Relationship between the functionality of the plant, the machinery and pressure equipment to safety and the pressure equipment regulations. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems:
  • Related to the interpretation of legislation, regulations and safety standards. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage myself and my activities:
  • According to consistent and methodical approach to inspection procedures.
  • Preparation of documentation and report writing. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information:
  • Interpret information contained within the legislation, regulations and the safety standards.
  • Make decisions based on information.
  • Analyse information received. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively:
  • With relevant parties, during, before and after the inspection process.
  • Issue a written report. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically:
  • Make use of the appropriate technology. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world of as a set of related systems:
  • Before, during and after an inspection, as required by the approved inspection authority. 
    		•

    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 only covers the competencies required to inspect and evaluate air-conditioning and refrigeration pressure equipment.
  • In order to perform authorised inspections and issue certificates of conformance, candidates are required to register with an approved inspection authority (AIA), in terms of the regulations, after obtaining the credits for this unit standard.
  • The AIA may set additional criteria for the registration of authorised persons.
  • Every effort has been made to use terminology which aligns with the terminology in The Pressure Equipment Regulations. A typical example of which is: the use of the term "conformance" as opposed to "compliance", etc.
  • Electrical and mechanical conformance are important components of the inspection and evaluation function, and are included in the assessment criteria for this unit standard, in terms of adherence to current Safety Standards or as amended.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    The competencies covered by this unit standard can be demonstrated by recognition of prior learning.

    Please note:
  • Candidates requesting to have prior learning recognised should present a portfolio of evidence to an assessor registered by the appropriate SETA ETQA and/or approved inspection authority.
  • Upon approval, the learner may elect to be assessed directly.
  • Learners are advised to prepare themselves sufficiently, prior to assessment. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  65509   Further Education and Training Certificate: Air-conditioning, Refrigeration and Ventilation  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 


    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.