As with many other technical repair skills, the process of air conditioning and refrigeration work is far more complex than it initially appears. Because of this, it is mandatory that those practicing air-conditioning and refrigeration repairs have a thorough understanding and competency in the repair of these systems.
In NSW, it is compulsory that a licence is obtained from Fair Trading NSW before any work is undertaken. This is regardless of the scope of the job itself (the costs involved, and whether the work performed is residential, commercial or industrial).
Understanding What is Required
For clarity, Fair Trading provide a series of definitions to ensure that what constitutes air-conditioning and refrigeration work is clear. These are as follows:- Any work required to install, maintain and service an air-conditioning system (other than a self-contained single-phase plug-in domestic air-conditioning system) in a structure, building, vessel, container or railway vehicle.
- Work required to comply with the requirements of Australian Standard AS 1668.2 – 2002, the use of ventilation and air-conditioning in buildings, Part 2: Ventilation design for indoor air contaminant control.
- Work required to comply with the requirements of Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 3666:2002, Air-handling and water systems of buildings – Microbial control, relating to the maintenance of cooling towers.