Level 1

RACM-100 Safety

Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate knowledge of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety equipment, their applications, maintenance and procedures for use.
• Demonstrate knowledge of safe work practices.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the procedures used to lock-out, tag-out and isolate equipment.
• Demonstrate knowledge of regulatory requirements pertaining to safety.

Objectives and Content:

1. Define terminology associated with PPE and safety equipment.
2. Identify workplace hazards and describe safe work practices and equipment.
   1. personal
   2. workplace environment
      • electrical
      • confined spaces
      • working from heights
      • noise
      • fire
      • refrigerants
      • pressurized gases
   3. environmental
      • ozone depleting substances
      • hazardous materials
      • greenhouse gases
3. Interpret codes and regulations pertaining to workplace hazards and safe work practices.
4. Identify types of PPE and safety equipment, and describe their applications and procedures for use.
5. Describe the procedures used to care for, maintain and store PPE and safety equipment.
6. Describe the procedures used to lock-out, tag-out and isolate equipment.
7. Describe the procedures used to utilize, store, transport and dispose of hazardous materials.
8. Describe the procedures used to maintain a safe work environment and to remediate the potential dangers related to workplace hazards.

RACM-105 Hoisting, Lifting, Rigging and Access/Egress Equipment

Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate knowledge of hoisting, lifting, rigging and access/egress equipment, their applications and procedures for use.
• Demonstrate knowledge of basic hand signals.

Objectives and Content:

1. Define terminology associated with hoisting, lifting, rigging and access/egress.
2. Identify hazards and safe work practices pertaining to hoisting, lifting, rigging and using access/egress equipment.
3. Interpret codes and regulations pertaining to hoisting, lifting, rigging and using access/egress equipment.
4. Interpret information pertaining to hoisting, lifting, rigging and using access/egress equipment found on drawings and specifications.
5. Identify types of rigging equipment and accessories, and describe their applications, limitations and procedures for use.
   1. belts
   2. ropes
   3. cables
   4. slings
   5. shackles
   6. spreader bars
6. Identify types of hoisting and lifting equipment and accessories, and describe their applications, limitations and procedures for use.
   1. jacks
   2. hoists
   3. come-a-longs/tuggers
   4. chainfalls
7. Identify types of access/egress equipment, and describe their applications, limitations and procedures for use.
   1. ladders
   2. staging
   3. scaffolding
   4. lifts
8. Identify types of knots, hitches and bends, and describe their applications and associated procedures.
9. Identify the factors to consider when selecting hoisting, lifting, rigging and access/egress equipment.
   1. safety factor
   2. load characteristics
   3. environment
   4. application
10. Identify the factors to consider when rigging a load (material and/or equipment) for hoisting and lifting.
    1. load characteristics
    2. equipment and accessories
    3. environmental factors
    4. anchor points/attachment locations
    5. sling angles
    6. machine capacity/load chart
11. Identify the methods of communication used during hoisting, lifting, rigging and using access/egress equipment, and describe their associated procedures.
    1. visual
       • hand signals
       • video
    2. audible
       • radio
       • mobile phones
12. Describe the procedures used to inspect, store and maintain hoisting, lifting and rigging equipment.
13. Describe the procedures used to inspect, store and maintain access/egress equipment.
14. Describe the procedures used to rig and secure a load (material and/or equipment) for lifting and hoisting.
15. Describe the procedures used to perform a lift.
16. Perform and interpret basic hand signals.

RACM-110 Tools and Equipment

Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate knowledge of hand tools, and portable and stationary power tools, their applications, maintenance and procedures for use.
• Demonstrate knowledge of recovery and recycling equipment, their applications, maintenance and procedures for use.
• Demonstrate knowledge of evacuation and charging tools and equipment, their applications, maintenance and procedures for use.
• Demonstrate knowledge of diagnostic and measuring tools and equipment.

Objectives and Content:

1. Define terminology associated with tools and equipment.
2. Identify hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to tools and equipment.
3. Interpret codes, regulations and specifications pertaining to tools and equipment.
   1. licensing
   2. training
4. Identify types of hand tools and describe their applications and procedures for use.
5. Describe the procedures used to care for, store and maintain hand tools.
6. Identify types of portable and stationary power tools, and describe their applications and procedures for use.
   1. pneumatic
   2. electric
   3. hydraulic
   4. gas
7. Describe the procedures used to care for, store and maintain portable and stationary power tools.
8. Identify types of brazing and soldering equipment, and describe their applications and procedures for use.
9. Describe the procedures used to care for, store and maintain brazing and soldering equipment.
10. Identify types of recovery and recycling equipment, and describe their applications and procedures for use.
11. Describe the procedures used to care for, store and maintain recovery and recycling equipment.
12. Identify types of evacuation and charging tools and equipment, and describe their applications and procedures for use.
13. Describe the procedures used to care for, store and maintain evacuation and charging tools and equipment.
14. Identify types of diagnostic and measuring tools and equipment, and describe their applications and procedures for use.
15. Describe the procedures used to care for, store and maintain diagnostic and measuring tools and equipment.

RACM-115 Refrigeration Fundamentals

Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate knowledge of refrigeration fundamentals.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the refrigeration cycle.

Objectives and Content:

1. Define terminology associated with refrigeration.
2. Explain concepts associated with refrigeration.
   1. temperature
   2. heat
   3. mass and weight
   4. density
   5. specific gravity
   6. specific volume
   7. pressure
3. Identify pressure and temperature scales, and describe the procedures used to perform conversion calculations.
4. Explain heat flow and identify methods of heat transfer.
5. Identify states of matter and describe their characteristics.
6. Explain basic gas laws associated with refrigeration, and describe the associated calculations to demonstrate relationships.
7. Explain the effect of pressure on evaporation, condensing, freezing and melting temperatures.
8. Explain the operation of the vapour compression cycle.
9. Identify components of a vapour compression cycle, and describe their purpose and operation.
   1. evaporator
   2. compressor
   3. condenser
   4. accessories
10. Describe the physical changes of the refrigerant as it circulates through the system.
11. Describe the pressure/temperature chart and its use in determining refrigerant conditions.
    1. dew point
    2. bubble point
    3. triple point
12. Explain superheat and sub-cooling, and their significance in the refrigeration cycle.
13. Describe the pressure enthalpy diagram and its applications.
14. Explain how to plot the basic cycle using a pressure enthalpy diagram.
15. Identify factors that affect system capacity.
    1. condensing pressure/temperature
    2. evaporating pressure/temperature
    3. heat of compression
    4. sub-cooling
    5. superheat
16. Perform calculations to determine refrigeration values using pressure enthalpy diagrams.
    1. mass flow rate
    2. heat of compression
    3. net refrigeration effect
    4. system capacity
    5. ton of refrigeration
    6. coefficient of performance (COP)
    7. horsepower per ton

RACM-120 Refrigerants, Gases and Oils

Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate knowledge of refrigerants, gases and oils, their applications and procedures for use.
• Demonstrate knowledge of regulatory requirements pertaining to refrigerants, gases and oils.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the procedures used to recover and recycle refrigerants and oils.

Objectives and Content:

1. Define terminology associated with refrigerants, gases and oils.
2. Identify hazards and safe work practices pertaining to refrigerants, gases and oils.
3. Interpret codes and regulations pertaining to refrigerants, gases and oils.
   1. environmental certification
   2. leak/spill reporting
   3. record keeping
4. Identify types of refrigerants and describe their characteristics and applications.
   1. primary
   2. secondary
5. Identify the safety classifications of refrigerants.
   1. toxicity
   2. flammability
6. Identify types of refrigerant containers and colour coding classifications.
7. Identify types of oils and describe their characteristics and applications.
8. Identify types of gases and describe their characteristics and applications.
   1. nitrogen
   2. acetylene
   3. oxygen
   4. carbon dioxide
9. Explain the effects of refrigerants, gases and oils on the environment.
   1. ozone depletion potential (ODP)
   2. global warming potential (GWP)
   3. leaks
   4. spills
10. Describe the procedures used to perform refrigerant and oil conversions.
11. Describe the procedures used to recover and recycle refrigerants and oils.
12. Describe the procedures used to store and transport refrigerants, gases and oils.

RACM-125 Compressor Fundamentals

Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental principles of compressors.
• Demonstrate knowledge of compressors, their components and operation.

Objectives and Content:

1. Define terminology associated with compressors.
2. Identify hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to compressors.
3. Interpret codes and regulations pertaining to compressors.
4. Interpret information pertaining to compressors found on drawings and specifications.
5. Explain compressor efficiency.
6. Explain the purpose and operation of compressors and their components.
7. Identify types of compressors, and describe their characteristics and applications.
   1. reciprocating
   2. scroll
   3. rotary
   4. screw
   5. centrifugal
   6. swing
   7. linear
8. Identify compressor components, and describe their characteristics and applications.
9. Identify methods used to lubricate compressors.
10. Identify methods used to cool compressors.
11. Identify common compressor failures and describe their causes and remedies.
    1. mechanical
    2. electrical

RACM-130 Valves and Accessory Devices

Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate knowledge of refrigeration valves, their characteristics, applications and operation.
• Demonstrate knowledge of refrigeration accessory devices, their characteristics, applications and operation.

Objectives and Content:

1. Define terminology associated with valves and accessory devices.
2. Identify hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to valves and accessory devices.
3. Interpret codes and regulations pertaining to valves and accessory devices.
4. Interpret information pertaining to valves and accessory devices found on drawings and specifications.
5. Explain the purpose and operation of valves and accessory devices.
6. Identity types of valves and describe their characteristics and applications.
   1. safety
   2. metering
   3. service/access
   4. flow controls
7. Identify types of accessory devices and describe their characteristics and applications.
   1. regulators
   2. filters and driers
   3. liquid/moisture indicators
   4. suction accumulators
   5. oil separators
   6. liquid receivers
   7. pressure relief devices
   8. heat exchangers
8. Identify common valves and accessory device failures and describe their causes and remedies.

RACM-135 Piping, Tubing, Soldering and Brazing

Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate knowledge of refrigeration piping, tubing and fittings, and their applications.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the procedures used to install piping, tubing and their associated components.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the procedures used to solder and braze piping and tubing.

Objectives and Content:

1. Define terminology associated with piping, tubing, soldering and brazing.
2. Identify hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to piping, tubing, soldering and brazing.
3. Interpret codes and regulations pertaining to piping, tubing, soldering and brazing.
4. Interpret information pertaining to piping, tubing, soldering and brazing found on drawings and specifications.
5. Identify specialized tools and equipment used in piping practices, and describe their applications and procedures for use.
   1. cutting
   2. bending
   3. joining
      • flaring
      • swaging
      • brazing
      • soldering
      • threading
6. Identify types of refrigeration piping, tubing and fittings, and describe their characteristics and applications.
7. Identify types of soldering and brazing materials and fillers, and describe their characteristics and applications.
8. Identify types of pipe hangers, brackets and fasteners, and describe their characteristics and applications.
9. Identify types of pipe and tubing insulation, and describe their characteristics and applications.
10. Identify types of sealants and adhesives, and describe their characteristics and applications.
11. Identify the factors to consider when selecting piping system components for installation.
12. Describe the procedures used to install piping systems.
    1. cutting
    2. bending
    3. joining
       • flaring
       • swaging
       • brazing
       • soldering
       • threading
    4. supporting
       • hangers
       • brackets/fasteners
    5. insulating
    6. applying sealants and adhesives

RACM-140 Leak Testing, Evacuation and Charging

Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the procedures used to leak test refrigeration systems.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the procedures used to evacuate refrigeration systems.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the procedures used to charge refrigeration systems.

Objectives and Content:

1. Define terminology associated with leak testing, evacuation and charging of refrigeration systems.
2. Identify hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to leak testing, evacuation and charging of refrigeration systems.
3. Interpret codes and regulations pertaining to leak testing, evacuation and charging of refrigeration systems.
4. Identify specialized tools and equipment used to leak test, evacuate and charge a refrigeration system, and describe their applications and procedures for use.
5. Describe the procedures used to leak test a refrigeration system.
6. Describe the procedures used to evacuate and dehydrate a refrigeration system.
7. Describe the procedures used to charge a refrigeration system.
   1. refrigerant
      • liquid
      • vapour
   2. oil
      • pumps
      • vacuum
8. Describe the methods used to verify the charge of a refrigeration system.
   1. superheat
   2. sub-cooling
   3. critical charge
   4. charge charts
   5. sight glass

RACM-145 Electrical Fundamentals

Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental concepts of electricity.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the procedures used to measure voltage, resistance, current and power, and to calculate their interrelationships.
• Demonstrate knowledge of electrical circuits and loads.
• Demonstrate knowledge of conductors, relays, switches, contactors, overloads and transformers, and their operation.
• Demonstrate knowledge of electronic controls and their operation.
• Demonstrate knowledge of electrical wiring diagrams.

Objectives and Content:

1. Define terminology associated with electrical fundamentals.
2. Identify hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to electricity.
3. Explain current and electron flow in both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) circuits.
4. Explain the relationship between voltage, current, resistance and power.
5. Identify units of electrical measurement and symbols.
6. Identify types of conductors and describe their characteristics and applications.
7. Identify the factors used to determine conductor ampacity rating.
8. Identify types of wire insulating materials and describe their characteristics and applications.
9. Identify the factors to consider when selecting resistors using rating and coding information.
10. Identify types of electrical circuits and describe their characteristics and applications.
    1. series
    2. parallel
    3. series-parallel
11. Describe an overloaded, grounded, open and short circuit.
12. Identify types of distribution panels and wiring configurations used in single-phase and three-phase systems, and describe their characteristics and applications.
13. Identify types of over-current and overload protection devices, and describe their characteristics, applications and operation.
14. Identify types of relays, switches and contactors, and describe their characteristics, applications and operation.
15. Identify types of transformers and describe their characteristics, applications and operation.
16. Identify types of electronic controls, and explain their purpose and operation.
17. Identify types of electrical wiring diagrams and explain their purpose.
18. Describe the procedures used to troubleshoot basic electrical control circuit systems and components using schematic wiring diagrams.
19. Describe the procedures used to perform a basic diagnosis of electronic controls.
20. Calculate voltage, current and resistance in series, parallel and combination circuits.

RACM-150 Motor Fundamentals

Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate knowledge of basic motors, their components and operation.
• Demonstrate knowledge of basic motor controls and their operation.

Objectives and Content:

1. Define terminology associated with basic motors and motor controls.
2. Identify hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to basic motors and motor controls.
3. Interpret codes and regulations pertaining to basic motors and motor controls.
4. Interpret information pertaining to basic motors and motor controls found on drawings and specifications.
5. Explain the purpose and operation of motors and their components.
6. Identify types of basic motors and describe their characteristics and applications.
   1. single-phase
   2. three-phase
   3. electrically commutated motors (ECM)
7. Interpret information found on motor nameplates.
8. Identify types of starting devices for single-phase motors, and describe their characteristics, applications, operation and wiring configurations.
9. Identify types of capacitors and describe their characteristics and applications.
10. Explain the effects of load and voltage changes on motor operation.
11. Describe the procedures used to test capacitors.
12. Describe the procedures used to change rotation of motors.
13. Describe the procedures used to measure voltage, resistance and current in motor circuits.
14. Identify common motor failures and describe their causes and remedies.
    1. mechanical
    2. electrical

RACM-160 Communication and Trade-Related Documentation

Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate knowledge of effective communication practices.
• Demonstrate knowledge of trade-related documentation and their use.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the procedures used to complete and interpret trade-related documentation.

Objectives and Content:

1. Define terminology associated with communication and trade-related documentation.
2. Explain the importance of effective verbal and non-verbal communication.
   1. interpersonal interactions
      • other tradespersons
      • co-workers
      • supervisors
      • clients
      • apprentices
   2. conflict resolution
3. Identify types of electronic communication devices, and describe their applications and procedures for use.
   1. computers
   2. smart phones
   3. point of sale equipment
   4. global positioning system (GPS)
4. Identify types and sources of trade-related documentation, and describe their applications.
   1. codes and standards
   2. energy efficiency guides
   3. manuals
      • safety
      • service
      • operating
   4. permits
   5. drawings and specifications
   6. employer-specific forms and reports
   7. preventative/predictive maintenance sheets
   8. technical bulletins
   9. service records
   10. warranties
   11. estimates
   12. refrigerant management records
5. Explain the importance of appropriate and effective use of electronic devices and sources of information.
6. Describe the procedures used to complete trade-related documentation.
7. Describe the procedures used to access, interpret and apply information found on trade-related documentation.

RACM-165 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Installation

Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the procedures used to prepare for the installation of refrigeration and air conditioning systems and their components.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the procedures used to install refrigeration and air conditioning systems and their components.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the procedures used to start up and commission refrigeration and air conditioning systems and their components.

Objectives and Content:

1. Define terminology associated with refrigeration and air conditioning installations.
2. Identify hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to refrigeration and air conditioning installations.
3. Interpret codes and regulations pertaining to refrigeration and air conditioning installations.
4. Interpret information pertaining to refrigeration and air conditioning installations found in drawings, specifications and diagrams.
   1. electrical diagrams
   2. piping schematic diagrams
5. Identify specialized tools and equipment used for refrigeration and air conditioning system installations, and describe their applications and procedures for use.
6. Identify the factors to consider when selecting refrigeration and air conditioning system components for installation.
7. Identify components used in the installation of refrigeration and air conditioning systems, and describe their characteristics and applications.
8. Identify the factors to consider when installing refrigeration and air conditioning systems.
   1. component placement
   2. tool requirements
   3. material list
   4. scheduling
9. Describe the procedures used to prepare for refrigeration and air conditioning system installations.
10. Describe the procedures used to install refrigeration and air conditioning systems.
11. Identify the factors to consider when performing a system start-up.
    1. phasing, voltage imbalance and amperage
    2. refrigerant charge adjustments
    3. oil levels
    4. operating pressures and temperatures
    5. system control adjustments
    6. manufacturers’ recommendations
    7. liquid or air requirements
12. Identify documentation requirements for system installation, start up and commissioning.
13. Identify system problems at start-up and describe their causes and remedies.
14. Describe the procedures used to start up and commission refrigeration and air conditioning systems.