The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) Board has initiated a review of the competencies associated with the Certificate II qualification to confirm if they still meet the requirements for the entitlements of the restricted heat pump – split systems – installation and decommissioning licence.
The review of the Certificate II level training is being undertaken through the ARC’s ‘Training Quality’ industry working group, under the guidance of ARC’s technical and training manager, Noel Munkman.
ARC Board chair, Kevin O’Shea, said the review is long overdue and will identify if the training competencies still meet the requirements of the scope of works permitted by the restricted licence.
“The dynamic nature of the industry gives rise to the need for qualifications which underpin licence types to remain relevant and appropriate,” O’Shea said.
Given the requirement for the Certificate II qualification is a law, the ARC has no power to implement change. However, the results of the review will be presented to the Australian Government for consideration.
The ARC also took the opportunity to remind all restricted ‘split system installation’ licence holders in Australia of the limitations of their licence - there is work they can and cannot do.
ARC CEO, Glenn Evans, said it is critical that restricted heat pump, split systems – installation and decommissioning licence holders do not work beyond the scope of works permitted on their restricted licence.
He said the ARCTick licence scheme is a qualifications-based scheme. "That’s how licence holders prove their competency to perform services," Evans said.
"A person with a ‘split system installation’ licence has provided a Certificate II level qualification and the Ozone regulations state this is the requirement to demonstrate their abilities to perform installations of split systems up to 18 Kw.
“They have not demonstrated their ability to perform repairs, servicing or maintenance. That’s the domain of Certificate III level licence holders - and rightly so.
"They have demonstrated their abilities to perform those services – and that’s what their licence entitles them to do.”
Evans pointed out that it is an offence to handle refrigeration and air conditioning equipment without an appropriate refrigerant handling licence and a penalty of up to $1,800 may apply. Working outside the scope of a licence could also result in the cancellation or suspension of a licence.
“Summer is the business-end of the year for our sector so let’s make it a safe, legal and prosperous one for industry and consumers alike,” Evans said.
The ARC is the peak industry body for the refrigeration and air conditioning sector servicing over 85,000 businesses and technicians Australia-wide.