Safe Handling of Ammonia Refrigerant - CITB Syllabus
Introduction
This course is a requirement for engineers who work on refrigeration equipment using ammonia as a refrigerant. Candidates passing the practical and written tests will be issued with a CITB registration card and placed on their register of qualified personnel.
Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations (1992)
Competent Person
Permit to Work Systems
Environmental Issues
Environmental Protection Act 1990
Hazards to the Environment
Pressure Testing Procedure
General
Strength Test Procedure
Leak Test Procedure
Decanting into Transportable Gas Containers
Cylinder Safety and Inspection
Supply of Empty Cylinders for Decanting Purposes
Refrigeration Storage
Decanting Ammonia from a Refrigeration Plant
Charging Procedures
Draining Oil from an Ammonia System
Course Duration
Two days plus onsite risk assessment prior to course.
More information
The CITB scheme for the Safe Handling of Fluorocarbon Refrigerants was initiated in 1989. It was substantially revised in 1992 updated in 1995 and has been updated since then. In 1995 the safe handling of anhydrous ammonia refrigerant was added to the scheme. An important factor of the CITB course is that Training and practical Assessment is included.
The need and importance for having both training and assessment cannot be over emphasized. This gives Managers and Supervisors the confidence that their staff can undertake their duties in a responsible way. The Engineers and Operatives have the benefit of knowing what their duties are and why their practices must change.
The hazardous nature of anhydrous ammonia and the increasing use of ammonia refrigeration by industry must surely reinforce how vital it is to be sure staff are competent and fully aware.
Executive Briefings
Concise briefings, tailored to clients needs are available. Background information and the implications of the issue are absolutely essential to enable staff to make necessary strategic and financial planning. The legal and practical changes arising from the use of ammonia can be an opportunity for profit or a company-destroying burden. Awareness is the key to enjoying the former and avoiding the latter.
Engineers and Operatives
This course was designed for candidates who are already knowledgeable and experienced in working on refrigeration or air conditioning equipment using ammonia. Candidates with little experience or knowledge of ammonia refrigeration technology will require additional training prior to this course. A checklist of questions to determine pre-qualification to join the course can be supplied on request.
There is now an even greater emphasis for engineers and operatives to perform certain practical tasks whilst being professionally assessed on an individual basis. Underpinning knowledge is shown by verbal questioning during the practical assessment and by completion of a written paper. The written paper is part of a resource based self-learning session. This is an "open book" session where candidates refer to comprehensive study notes and other reference material whilst completing the paper. Candidates retain the CITB study notes for future reference. The course structure is now based much in line with NVQ formats.
The course duration is two days for new entrants to the scheme and one-day for experienced engineers who are renewing their card. CITB registration and record cards are valid for three years. Successful completion leads to entry on the CITB Register of Qualified Personnel and issue of a Training Record Card. This qualification is also acceptable for direct entry to the ACRIB (Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Board) register of competent personnel.