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: 

Commission air-conditioning and ventilation systems 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
116375  Commission air-conditioning and ventilation systems 
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 4  NQF Level 04  8 
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 replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
9522  Commission air-conditioning and ventilation systems  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
Commission and put into operation of an air-conditioning or ventilation plant. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Understanding of the operation of air-conditioning and ventilation plants, their individual components and the control thereof.
  • Interpret mechanical drawings and sketches referring to air-conditioning and ventilation plants.
  • List the commonly applied air-conditioning and ventilation systems, state their application and explain their operation.
  • Carry out elementary airflow measurements and calculations.
  • Interpret electrical power and control circuit diagrams relevant to air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment.
  • Explain function and operation of refrigeration circuits as applied to air-conditioning or ventilation systems and select and explain the function of components, accessories and controls.
  • Writing reports. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    All air and air-water systems as applied to:
    Constant volume (including full outside air systems), constant volume with terminal reheat systems and variable airflow (VAV) systems including economy cycle
    Controls (including electronic controls):
    Thermostats, temperature sensors and controllers, humidistats, pressure sensors, overheating stats, pressure switches, flow switches,
    Control systems:
    Temperature, pressure and humidity control systems for air and chilled water systems. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Plan and organise the commissioning of the air-conditioning plant 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Plans and schedules for the commissioning are drawn up in accordance with project specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Work activities are planned to produce the required results within the available time. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The ability to determine resources required in terms of component, spares, people, finances, tools and instrumentation is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Tools and instrumentation are checked and ensured to be functional and ready for use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The ability to liaise with others and co-ordinate resources is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Work area is checked for hazards, all hazards are identified and corrective action is taken in line with worksite housekeeping procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Support personnel are utilized in line with their expertise and instructions are given which promote good working relationship and ensure effective work. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Commissioning of refrigeration system or the chiller plant, if appropriate, is confirmed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Consequences of bad or inadequate planning are listed and explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Carry out pre-start up checks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Work is carried out in accordance with work place safety requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Air-conditioning or ventilation system components and accessories are checked for correct installation and suitability for operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Controls and control devices are checked to ensure that they are connected properly and operating in line with their intended use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Instrumentation and tools are used in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and correction factors are applied where necessary. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Electrical systems are checked in compliance with performance and safety requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Consequences of not carrying out pre-start checks are listed and explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Set plant in operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Plant is started according to specifications or instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The sequence of start-up is checked and found to be in accordance with system specifications 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Systems are test-run, checked and adjusted to meet performance requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Controls are verified to ensure performance in accordance with specified requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Direction of rotation of fans and pumps are checked and ratings verified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Vibration and noise levels of rotating equipment are confirmed to be within specified limits. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The consequence of poor workmanship is described in terms of system effectiveness, operating costs and safety. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Check and verify operation of plant. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Airflow and pressure measurements in ducting system are carried out in accordance with company technical guidelines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Air quantities are checked and adjusted to meet specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Water flows are checked and adjusted to meet specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Correct measuring positions are selected. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Correct measuring instruments are used. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Balancing of the air and water supply systems is carried out in accordance with company technical guidelines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Performance tests are carried out and data is checked and recorded as required by specified commissioning procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Air and water quantities, room temperatures and humidities, motor currents and voltages, outside air volume and equipment entering and leaving conditions.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The nature, extent and cause of deviations in the operation of equipment and components are assessed and corrective action taken. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Care is taken that the final operating parameters of the plant are within the specified limits. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    Non-conformance of equipment performance with specifications is reported 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    The work is carried out within agreed time frames. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
    The consequences of faulty plant operation are listed and explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Hand over plant and complete commissioning documentation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A commissioning report is prepared in accordance with applicable specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    All observations and data are accurately recorded. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The site is cleaned, tools, consumables and instrumentation is stored in accordance with good housekeeping principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Completion of commissioning is reported to designated personnel in line with company procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Manuals and operating instructions are finalized. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Operating personnel is trained in accordance with operating instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Equipment and/or plant are handed over to user. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Job cards are completed in accordance with company guidelines. 


    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. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • The application and operation of air-conditioning and ventilation plants, components and accessories
  • Performance characteristics of components of plant.
  • Detecting unacceptable noise, smell or temperature of equipment.
  • Diagnosing non-conformance or under-performance of equipment, its causes and remedial actions to be taken.
  • Operating and manufacturer's instructions regarding components and plant.
  • Interaction between various components of plant on effective operation of system.
  • Importance of maintaining temperature, humidity and noise levels 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    Knowledge of operation of air-conditioning system 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
  • Diagnosing nature and extent of deviations from specified performance
    and rectifying same 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
  • Working as a member of a commissioning team 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
  • Preparing, planning and selecting resources (people, tools, instrumentation, material, finances) to carry out commissioning 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Presenting oral or written reports. Training of operating personnel 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Using instrumentation. Interpreting results and taking appropriate action
    Calibrating of equipment 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Describing the consequences of sub-standard commissioning work on plant operation and operating cost 

    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 replaces unit standard 9522, "Commission air-conditioning and ventilation systems", Level 4, 8 credits.

    Supplementary information:

    Specific requirements are contained in one or more of the following documents
  • Manufacturer's commissioning instructions of various components.
  • Company procedures and guidelines regarding commissioning of air-conditioning plant. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  48966   Further Education and Training Certificate: Air-conditioning, Refrigeration and Ventilation  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2009-03-12  Was MERSETA until Last Date for Achievement 


    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.