Scope of Profession - Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic

In this section,

  • “refrigeration and air conditioning system” means any type of primary or secondary refrigeration and air conditioning system, other than the duct work and sheet metal items associated with the system, and includes the following:
    • piping;
    • compressor assemblies;
    • condenser and cooling tower assemblies;
    • evaporator assemblies and defrost systems;
    • system controls and control valves;
    • air handling, distribution equipment and make up air and exhaust systems;
    • heat recovery and indoor air quality systems;
    • circulating pump assemblies;
    • geo‑thermal and heat pump systems;
    • packaged and central air conditioning systems;
    • pre‑fabricated walk in coolers, freezers and environmental panels;
    • system accessories and ancillary components;
    • monitoring and control and detection systems that are part of or used in respect of refrigeration and air conditioning systems;
    • commercial and industrial refrigeration process equipment and control systems;
    • specialized food service equipment;
  • “undertakings of the designated trade” means the installation, maintenance, service, alteration, repair and decommission of refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

Undertakings and Activities

When practicing or otherwise carrying out work in the undertakings of the designated trade, the following are activities within the designated trade of refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic: 

  • installing, maintaining and servicing refrigeration and air conditioning systems; 
  • altering, repairing and decommissioning refrigeration and air conditioning systems; 
  • removing refrigerants from refrigeration and air conditioning systems; 
  • installing, removing, recycling, storing and disposing of primary and secondary refrigerants; 
  • transporting, handling and using refrigerants and other dangerous goods; 
  • using electrical and other measuring and testing devices in relation to refrigeration and air conditioning systems; 
  • carrying out soldering, brazing, welding and various other pipe joining techniques on or in relation to refrigeration and air conditioning systems; 
  • maintaining and making electrical repairs to existing equipment from the breaker or disconnect switch as follows: 
    • changing controls, contactors, motors and compressors; 
    • repairing burnt or broken wires; 
    • making minor upgrades of controls to existing refrigeration and air conditioning systems; 
  • maintaining and repairing refrigeration and air conditioning units, appliances and accessories designed for the utilization of natural or propane gas as a fuel for heating or cooling that do not exceed 400 000 BTU (117 kW) input; 
  • using tools specific to the designated trade, hand tools and power tools while working on refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

Restricted Activities

The following activities, when performed within undertakings of the designated trade and by the specified classes of individuals, are restricted activities within the designated trade of refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic:

  • installing, maintaining and servicing refrigeration and air conditioning systems;
  • altering, repairing and decommissioning refrigeration and air conditioning systems;
  • removing refrigerants from refrigeration and air conditioning systems;
  • installing, removing, recycling, storing and disposing of primary and secondary refrigerants;
  • transporting, handling and using refrigerants and other dangerous goods;
  • using electrical and other measuring and testing devices in relation to refrigeration and air conditioning systems;
  • carrying out soldering, brazing, welding and various other pipe joining techniques on or in relation to refrigeration and air conditioning systems;
  • maintaining and making electrical repairs to existing equipment from the breaker or disconnect switch as follows:
    • changing controls, contactors, motors and compressors;
    • repairing burnt or broken wires;
    • making minor upgrades of controls to existing refrigeration and air conditioning systems;
  • maintaining and repairing refrigeration and air conditioning units, appliances and accessories designed for the utilization of natural or propane gas as a fuel for heating or cooling that do not exceed 400 000 BTU (117 kW) input;
  • using tools specific to the designated trade, hand tools and power tools while working on refrigeration and air conditioning systems.