Approved Filler for refrigerants what are the legal requirements?

RLNZ’s new Approved Filler courses are an assessment of your abilities similar to a car drivers licence test and not a training course.

Prior to starting the course, you should have a working knowledge of the collection of refrigerants and have practical experience in performing an actual recovery and have your own gear and equipment.

ONLINE THEORY COURSE

Each topic in the online theory course has a course presentation under the learning material heading. You simply select the presentation and then work through it. Your progress is saved as you work through the presentations. When you leave a presentation, and then come back later you’ll start at the point you left off. The course is also self-guided, and you are free to move forward.

Once you’re happy that you understand the content of each topic you can try the assessment. Learners need to get 80% of the questions correct to complete the assessment and are provided with 3 attempts. If you don’t achieve, you can pay again to re-sit the online theory – but be aware that some of the questions might change!

We recommend reading the following documents and familiarising yourself prior to starting the online A1 or A2/A2L theory courses:

• AS/NZS 5149.4: 2016

• Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017

PREPARING FOR THE PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT

You are required to demonstrate knowledge, skills and experience of the refrigerant recovery procedures presented to you on the day of the practical assessment. This will include the following:

1. Completing pre-recovery risk assessment.

2. Completing a successful A1 recovery, ready for safe line and equipment opening within the time allowed.

3. Completing post-filling tasks to industry best practice.

4. Applying safe work practices throughout assessment.

Special note:

1. No formula are provided – you are expected to completely understand the calculation methods.

2. Learners are responsible to provide all equipment (see below table). All equipment must meet NZ legal obligations i.e. must be tested and tagged.

Read the full article in the Industry Journal, September 2022 issue