SIST EN ISO 22712:2023

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-junij-2023
Hladilne naprave in toplotne črpalke - Strokovna usposobljenost osebja (ISO
22712:2023)
Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Competence of personnel (ISO 22712:2023)
Kälteanlagen und Wärmepumpen - Sachkunde von Personal (ISO 22712:2023)
Systèmes frigorifiques et pompes à chaleur - Compétence du personnel (ISO
22712:2023)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 22712:2023
ICS:
03.100.30 Vodenje ljudi Management of human
resources
27.080 Toplotne črpalke Heat pumps
27.200 Hladilna tehnologija Refrigerating technology
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN ISO 22712
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
April 2023
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 27.080; 27.200 Supersedes EN 13313:2010
English Version
Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Competence of
personnel (ISO 22712:2023)
Systèmes frigorifiques et pompes à chaleur - Kälteanlagen und Wärmepumpen - Sachkunde von
Compétence du personnel (ISO 22712:2023) Personal (ISO 22712:2023)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 27 November 2022.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2023 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 22712:2023 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 3

European foreword
This document (EN ISO 22712:2023) has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 86
"Refrigeration and air-conditioning" in collaboration with Technical Committee CEN/TC 182
“Refrigerating systems, safety and environmental requirements” the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by October 2023, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by October 2023.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN 13313:2010.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards
body/national committee. A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the
United Kingdom.
Endorsement notice
The text of ISO 22712:2023 has been approved by CEN as EN ISO 22712:2023 without any modification.

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 22712
First edition
2023-03
Refrigerating systems and heat
pumps — Competence of personnel
Systèmes frigorifiques et pompes à chaleur — Compétence du
personnel
Reference number
ISO 22712:2023(E)
ISO 22712:2023(E)
© ISO 2023
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
ISO 22712:2023(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Requirements . 3
4.1 General . 3
4.2 Competence levels . 3
4.2.1 General . 3
4.2.2 Evaluation procedures . 4
4.2.3 Criteria for the evaluation of competence . 4
Annex A (normative) Criteria for the evaluation of competence . 5
Annex B (informative) Guidelines for the application of this document.12
Annex C (informative) Example of applying assessment schemes for HFC refrigerants
[10]
under Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 .16
Annex D (informative) R 717 (NH ) .18
Annex E (informative) R 744 (CO ) .24
Annex F (informative) Flammable refrigerants .30
Bibliography .36
iii
ISO 22712:2023(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to
the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 86, Refrigeration and air-conditioning,
Subcommittee SC 1, Safety and environmental requirements for refrigerating systems, in collaboration
with the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) Technical Committee CEN/TC 182,
Refrigerating systems, safety and environmental requirements, in accordance with the Agreement on
technical cooperation between ISO and CEN (Vienna Agreement).
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
iv
ISO 22712:2023(E)
Introduction
Refrigerating systems, if not properly constructed, installed, operated and maintained, can be of danger
to the health and safety of persons and the safety of property, can be detrimental to the environment
and can increase energy consumption.
It is therefore essential that personnel dealing with such systems have the competence to carry out the
activity, or activities, listed in this document. These activities cover the particular sectors in which they
can potentially operate, from original design to final dismantling and disposal. As job descriptions can
vary from country to country and from company to company, this document specifies the activities
which can be carried out. Job descriptions can specify these activities or a selection of these activities.
This document defines the activities related to the refrigerating circuit.
v
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 22712:2023(E)
Refrigerating systems and heat pumps — Competence of
personnel
1 Scope
This document defines the activities related to refrigerating systems according to ISO 5149-1,
[4]
ISO 5149-2, ISO 5149-3 and ISO 5149-4 and other equivalent standards, such as EN 378-1, EN 378-2,
[5] [6]
EN 378-3, EN 378-4 and the associated competence profiles. It also establishes the competence
criteria for persons who carry out these activities. Activities concerning electricity are excluded.
NOTE 1 As a refrigerating circuit is considered not to incorporate electrical and electronic systems, activities
in this area are not part of this document. National regulations or appropriate International or national standards
can be referred to for competence on electrical and electronic systems.
NOTE 2 This document does not apply to persons carrying out work on self-contained refrigerating systems
as defined in ISO 5149-1 or EN 378-1, from the initial design of the product to the complete manufacture of the
product, provided the process is controlled and the methods used are checked by an organization or individual
responsible for the conformance with statutory requirements on health, safety and environment (e.g. energy
efficiency).
NOTE 3 This document does not constitute a training programme.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 378-1, Refrigerating systems and heat pumps — Safety and environmental requirements — Part 1:
Basic requirements, definitions, classification and selection criteria
ISO 5149-1, Refrigerating systems and heat pumps — Safety and environmental requirements — Part 1:
Definitions, classification and selection criteria
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 5149-1 and EN 378-1 and the
following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
assessment
process that evaluates a person's fulfilment of the competence requirements
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 17024:2012, 3.8, modified — reference to "certification scheme" replaced by
"competence requirements".]
ISO 22712:2023(E)
3.2
competence
ability to apply knowledge and skills to achieve intended results
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 17024:2012, 3.6]
3.3
qualification
evidence of a certain level of professional competence
Note 1 to entry: See 4.2.
3.4
designing
collecting all data required for making an effective operating refrigerating circuit, or making the
conceptual and detailed plan of the refrigerating circuit (e.g. dimensioning, calculation, component
selection, refrigerant piping layout and sizing)
3.5
pre‑assembling
fabricating parts and sub-assemblies of a refrigerating circuit in a workshop or on site
Note 1 to entry: This excludes charging with refrigerant.
3.6
installation
assembly of components of a refrigerating system and all the apparatus necessary for its operation
3.7
putting into operation
integrity inspection and setting to work of the refrigerating system for the first time or after significant
changes
Note 1 to entry: This can potentially include charging with refrigerant.
3.8
commissioning
ensuring that the system is performing according to the predefined conditions after putting the system
into operation
Note 1 to entry: "Putting into operation" can potentially include charging with refrigerant.
3.9
operating
running the refrigerating system in a routine manner ensuring that the system works within the
conditions required in the user manual
3.10
in‑service inspection
all activities needed to check if the refrigerating system conforms to predefined requirements (e.g.
functionality, correlation of temperature and pressure, capacity checks, quality checks of joints for
existence of corrosion)
3.11
leak checking
identifying if there is a leak of refrigerant from the refrigerating system and if so, identifying the exact
location of the leak and reporting the results without opening the refrigerating circuit
3.12
general maintenance
keeping or restoring a refrigerating system to a state from which the desired operation can be provided,
without opening the refrigerating circuit
ISO 22712:2023(E)
3.13
circuit maintenance
keeping or restoring a refrigerating system to a state from which the desired operation can be provided,
by opening the refrigerating circuit
3.14
decommissioning
ensuring that the refrigerating system is in a safe and environmentally proper condition during the
period that it is out of operation
3.15
removal of refrigerant
recovering the refrigerant out of a refrigerating circuit
3.16
dismantling
breaking the refrigerating circuit down into pieces
Note 1 to entry: This excludes removal of refrigerant.
3.17
basic appreciation level
BA
level of expertise required to discuss the main elements of the skill with others
3.18
working knowledge level
WK
level of expertise required for direct involvement in decisions and actions
3.19
fully operational level
FO
level of expertise required to personally perform the majority of the activities concerned
3.20
leading edge level
LE
level of expertise required for significant development of the skill area
4 Requirements
4.1 General
Persons shall be deemed to be qualified if it can be demonstrated that they are capable of carrying out
the activities listed in this document.
4.2 Competence levels
4.2.1 General
Persons shall demonstrate a level of predefined competence as defined in Annex A. A guideline for the
application of this document is set out in Annex B. Examples of applying assessment schemes for HFC
[10]
refrigerants under Regulation (EU) No. 517/2014 are set out in Annex C. Annex D provides guidance
on how to convert the assessment schemes from Annex A to fit into scemes for R 717. Annex E provides
guidance on how to convert the assessment schemes from Annex A to fit into schemes for R 744. An
example of personnel with tasks on a refrigerant circuit containing a flammable refrigerant is given in
Annex F.
ISO 22712:2023(E)
4.2.2 Evaluation procedures
National regulations define the evaluation procedures dealing with the competence of persons related
to the refrigerating circuit.
NOTE If no national regulation is available, ISO/IEC 17024 can be used to identify appropriate procedures.
4.2.3 Criteria for the evaluation of competence
If criteria for the evaluation of competence are not defined by national regulations, they shall be used
according to Annex A.
ISO 22712:2023(E)
Annex A
(normative)
Criteria for the evaluation of competence
A.1 General
Annex A provides a general overview of how this document is structured.
This annex consists of six tables, each with an area where knowledge and skills necessary for "the
circuit" are shown. These areas are:
— basic thermodynamics;
— components;
— piping, joints and valves;
— safety equipment;
— fluids;
— communication.
A.2 Areas of assessment
In Tables A.1 to A.6, the horizontal headings provide a description of the various tasks which may be
performed on "the refrigerating system" during the life cycle of "the circuit". The numbers listed
refer to the job defined in Clause 3.
The vertical cells provide a description of the skills to assess in order to determine whether the person
has the competence to perform various tasks well during an assessment.
The cells of each table describe the level of the assessment according to the definitions as given in 3.17,
3.18, 3.19 and 3.20.
The assessment can be carried out by theoretical assessment, which is indicated by the unshaded cells,
or by a practical assessment, which is indicated by the shaded cells. The black cells mean no assessment
is necessary.
ISO 22712:2023(E)
Table A.1 — Basic thermodynamics
Basic thermodynamics Tasks
Description of tasks
(see Clause 3)
3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16
Knowledge and skills to assess
Know the basic SI or metric
units, for example: temperature, a FO BA BA WK WK WK WK FO BA WK BA WK
pressure, mass, density, energy
Understand basic refrigeration
terms, for example: enthalpy and
entropy, pressure, temperature,
refrigerating capacity, power b FO BA FO FO WK WK WK BA FO BA WK
consumption, energy reduction,
superheating, sub-cooling, liquid
and vapour properties
Know the layout as well as use of
the log p/h diagrams of refriger-
ants and understand triple and c FO BA WK WK WK WK BA BA WK BA BA
critical points and supercritical
area
Know and be able to use the
saturated and superheated
vapour tables of all refrigerants d FO BA WK WK WK WK BA BA BA BA BA
in correlation with the log p/h
diagrams
Draw a scheme of a compression
e FO BA WK WK WK WK BA BA BA BA BA
refrigeration circuit
Understand the meaning of
different kinds of pressures (e.g.
design pressure, absolute and
f FO BA BA WK WK WK WK FO BA FO BA BA
gauge pressure, strength test
pressure, test pressure for leak
detection)
Designing
Pre‑assem‑
bling
Installation
Putting into
operation
Commission‑
ing
Operating
In‑service
inspection
Leak checking
General
maintenance
Circuit
maintenance
Decommis‑
sioning
Removing
refrigerant
Dismantling
ISO 22712:2023(E)
Table A.2 — Components and tests of refrigerating systems
Components and tests of
Tasks
refrigeration systems
Description of tasks
(see Clause 3)
3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16
Knowledge and skills to assess
The person shall be able to under-
stand the functioning of the compo-
nents listed below and, if necessary,
be able to demonstrate the use and
handling of these components
The refrigerating circuit (RAC
a FO BA WK FO FO WK WK BA WK FO WK FO BA
and Heat pump installation)
Compressor (e.g. comparable) b FO BA WK FO FO WK WK BA WK FO WK FO BA
Lubrication system c FO BA WK FO FO WK WK BA WK FO BA BA BA
Capacity control d FO BA WK FO FO WK WK BA WK FO BA BA BA
Pressure vessel e FO BA WK FO FO WK WK BA WK FO WK FO BA
Condenser f FO BA WK FO FO WK WK BA WK FO WK FO BA
Gas cooler g FO BA WK FO FO WK WK BA WK FO WK FO BA
Liquid receiver h FO BA WK FO FO WK WK BA WK FO WK FO BA
Liquid separator i FO BA WK FO FO WK WK BA WK FO WK FO BA
Evaporator j FO BA WK FO FO WK WK BA WK FO WK FO BA
Defrosting systems on evapo-
k FO BA WK FO FO WK WK FO WK FO WK BA BA
rators
Expansion devices l FO WK FO FO FO WK WK FO WK FO FO FO BA
Preassembled units m WK WK FO FO WK WK FO WK FO WK FO
Strength pressure test n FO BA WK FO FO BA BA BA WK WK BA
Tightness pressure test for leak
o FO BA WK FO FO BA BA BA FO WK BA
detection
Removing moisture and p FO WK FO FO FO WK WK WK FO WK FO
non-condensable gases from the
refrigerating circuit by evacua-
tion with vacuum pumps
Vacuum test q FO WK FO FO WK WK WK WK FO WK WK
Determination of required
r LE WK FO FO WK WK WK WK FO WK FO
refrigerant charge
Fill the circuit with refrigerant s FO FO FO WK WK WK WK FO WK WK BA
Check the charge of refrigerant
t BA FO FO WK WK WK WK FO WK WK BA
including leak checking
Understanding of the legislation
and standards applicable in the u FO BA BA BA BA BA BA WK BA BA BA
region of operation
Designing
Pre‑assem‑
bling
Installation
Putting into
operation
Commission‑
ing
Operating
In‑service
inspection
Leak checking
General
maintenance
Circuit
maintenance
Decommis‑
sioning
Removing
refrigerant
Dismantling
ISO 22712:2023(E)
Table A.3 — Piping, joints and valves
Piping, joints and valves Tasks
Description of tasks
(see Clause 3)
3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16
Knowledge and skills to assess
The person shall be able to under-
stand the functioning of the compo-
nents listed below and, if necessary,
be able to demonstrate the use and
handling of these components
Piping a FO FO FO WK WK WK WK WK WK FO WK BA FO
Joints b FO FO FO WK WK WK WK WK WK FO WK FO FO
Valves c FO FO FO FO WK WK WK WK WK FO WK FO FO
Thermal insulation d FO FO FO WK WK WK WK WK WK WK WK
Pipe supports e FO FO FO WK WK WK WK WK WK WK WK
Understanding of the legislation
and standards applicable in the f FO BA BA BA BA BA BA BA BA WK BA
region of operation
Designing
Pre‑assem‑
bling
Installation
Putting into
operation
Commission‑
ing
Operating
In‑service
inspection
Leak
checking
General
maintenance
Circuit
maintenance
Decommis‑
sioning
Removing
refrigerant
Dismantling
ISO 22712:2023(E)
Table A.4 — Safety equipment
Safety equipment Tasks
Description of tasks
(see Clause 3)
3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16
Knowledge and skills to assess
The person shall be able to under-
stand the functioning of the safety
equipment listed below and, if
necessary, demonstrate actions to
control, adjust and check the func-
tion of the safety equipment
Pressure relief device a FO WK WK FO WK WK WK WK WK FO WK WK
Pressure relief valve b FO WK WK FO WK WK WK WK WK FO WK WK
Bursting disc c FO WK WK FO WK WK WK WK WK FO WK WK
Fusible plug d FO WK WK FO WK WK WK WK WK FO WK WK
Temperature-limiting device e FO WK WK FO WK WK WK WK WK FO WK WK
Type-approved temperature
f FO WK WK FO WK WK WK WK WK FO WK WK
limiter
Safety switching device for
g FO WK WK FO WK WK WK WK WK FO WK WK
limiting the pressure
Type-approved pressure limiter h FO WK WK FO WK WK WK WK WK FO WK WK
Type-approved pressure cut out i FO WK WK FO WK WK WK WK WK FO WK WK
Type-approved safety pressure
j FO WK WK FO WK WK WK WK WK FO WK WK
cut out
Changeover device k FO WK WK FO WK WK WK WK WK FO WK WK
Refrigerant detector l FO WK WK FO WK WK WK FO WK FO WK WK
Overflow valve m FO WK WK FO WK WK WK WK WK FO WK WK
Surge protection device n FO WK WK FO WK WK WK WK WK FO WK WK
Liquid level cut out o FO WK WK FO WK WK WK BA WK FO WK WK
Self-closing valve p FO WK WK FO WK WK WK WK WK FO WK WK
Understanding of the legislation
and standards applicable in the q FO BA BA BA BA BA BA BA BA WK BA BA
region of operation
Designing
Pre‑assem‑
bling
Installation
Putting into
operation
Commission‑
ing
Operating
In‑service
inspection
Leak
checking
General
maintenance
Circuit
maintenance
Decommis‑
sioning
Removing
refrigerant
Dismantling
ISO 22712:2023(E)
Table A.5 — Fluids
a
Fluids Tasks
Description of tasks
(see Clause 3)
3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16
Knowledge and skills to assess
The person shall be able to under-
stand the aspects listed below and, if
necessary, demonstrate the use and
handling of these aspects
Refrigerant environmental
influences such as ODP, GWP and a FO WK WK FO WK WK WK FO WK FO WK FO WK
a
CO equivalent
Safe storage, transport and han-
b  WK WK BA BA BA BA WK BA WK
b
dling of refrigerant cylinders
Safe handling in case of leakages
from the refrigerant circuit, c WK WK WK WK WK WK WK WK WK WK WK
including first aid
Coolant, secondary loop fluid d FO BA WK BA BA BA BA BA WK BA WK
Oil e FO BA WK WK WK WK FO BA FO FO FO BA
Toxicity f FO WK WK BA BA BA BA BA WK BA WK
Flammability g FO BA WK BA BA BA BA BA WK BA WK
Fractionation h FO BA BA BA BA BA BA BA BA BA BA
Quality of refrigerant i FO WK FO BA BA BA BA BA FO BA FO
Recover j FO BA BA BA BA BA BA BA FO BA FO
Recycle k FO BA BA BA BA BA BA BA FO BA FO
Reclaim l BA BA BA BA BA BA BA BA BA BA BA
Disposal m FO BA BA BA BA BA BA BA FO BA FO
a
ODP – Ozone depletion potential; GWP – Global warming potential.
b [9] [13] [8] [12] [14]
This includes understanding of the legislation and standards applicable in the region of operation, such as ATEX, GHS, CLP, ADR, IATA,
etc.
Designing
Pre‑assem‑
bling
Installation
Putting into
operation
Commission‑
ing
Operating
In‑service
inspection
Leak
checking
General
maintenance
Circuit
maintenance
Decommis‑
sioning
Removing
refrigerant
Dismantling
ISO 22712:2023(E)
Table A.6 — Communication
Communication Tasks
Description of tasks
(see Clause 3)
3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16
Knowledge and skills to assess
Arrange an appointment with
a LE BA WK FO FO BA FO BA FO WK WK BA
the client
Properly inform the client about
the method of operation of the b LE BA WK FO FO BA BA BA FO WK WK BA
refrigeration system
Consider the client's wishes c LE BA FO FO BA BA BA BA WK WK WK BA
Write a report about the condi-
d WK BA FO FO BA BA BA BA WK WK WK BA
tion of one or more components
Advise the client about the need
to repair one or more compo- e LE BA BA BA BA BA BA FO FO FO WK WK
nents
Advise the client about the need
to replace one or more compo- f LE BA BA BA BA BA BA FO FO FO WK WK
nents
Advise the client about mainte-
g LE BA BA BA WK WK WK WK FO WK WK
nance planning
Advise the client on saving ener-
h LE BA BA BA WK WK WK WK WK WK WK
gy and efficiency
Make the client aware of envi-
ronmental issues and the global i LE BA FO FO WK WK WK WK WK WK WK
impacts
Advise the client on safety issues j LE BA FO FO WK WK WK WK WK WK WK
Process client complaints k LE BA BA BA WK WK WK WK WK WK WK
Advise the client with regard to
shutting down the refrigeration l LE BA BA BA WK WK WK WK FO WK WK
system
Explain to the client the work
m WK BA FO FO BA BA FO BA WK WK WK
procedures
Explain to the client the content
n WK BA FO FO BA BA FO BA WK WK WK
of a report
Fill in all the legally-required
o BA BA FO FO FO FO FO FO FO FO FO FO
documents and certificates
Designing
Pre‑assem‑
bling
Installation
Putting into
operation
Commission‑
ing
Operating
In‑service
inspection
Leak
checking
General
maintenance
Circuit
maintenance
Decommis‑
sioning
Removing
refrigerant
Dismantling
ISO 22712:2023(E)
Annex B
(informative)
Guidelines for the application of this document
B.1 Objective of the guidelines
These guidelines describe the background of this document and can be used as a tool for authorities
responsible for the content of an assessment as described in Clause 4.
B.2 Background and explanation
B.2.1 Scope
The objective of the document is to describe the necessary skills and assessment methods for persons
working on a refrigerant circuit. This relates to the scope of products as described in the ISO 5149 series
and European standards, such as the EN 378 series (vapour compression cycle products). These
standards describe the activities that are related to the whole lifecycle of a refrigerant circuit from their
original design to the final dismantling. The listed tasks are not necessarily carried out by the same
person, thus one person can potentially be in charge of one task or a combination of tasks depending on
the job description.
This document is not a training or education programme, but an assessment of the tools on which
training, qualification or certification programmes can be based, so that trained persons can
successfully achieve a qualification or certification assessment based on this document. This document
also helps policy makers, training institutes and assessment bodies to compare qualification or
certification programmes on an equal basis.
B.2.2 Reference to ISO/IEC 17024
ISO/IEC 17024 contains requirements a certification body needs to comply with to demonstrate it is
competence to certify persons from a specific scope.
B.2.3 Explanation of Annex A
B.2.3.1 Annex A — A.1 General
Annex A consists of six tables, where five tables describe technical competence and one table describes
the communication competence.
B.2.3.2 Annex A — A.2 Areas of assessment
B.2.3.2.1 General
The definitions in Clause 3, specifically mentioned under 3.4 to 3.16, are concise; the relevant board of
experts can provide additional content on the skills to assess depending on the daily practice.
The level of assessment is given in the matrix of cells. It is up to the board of experts to give details
depending on the daily practice and the importance of the task in relation to the type of refrigerant.
The above shows the importance of the board of experts in ensuring good artisanship.
ISO 22712:2023(E)
B.2.3.2.2 Guidelines on how to use the standard tasks in assessment practice
A person who performs a refrigeration circuit activity during the life cycle has a task package that is
described in a job description. It is generally preferable in a job description to use the same reference
numbers or to refer to the definitions of this document, where applicable, for the work on a refrigerant
circuit. Choosing this approach facilitates the following:
a) comparing and evaluating job packages;
b) training people for assessment so that they are competent for the task;
c) evaluating for external examiners.
In daily practice, in addition to the tasks they have to carry out on a refrigerant circuit, individuals will
also have other tasks, such as the electro-technical control of the refrigeration system, which is not
covered by this document.
The different levels of assessment of the specified skills are indicated by task as defined in 3.17 to 3.20
(BA, WK, FO and LE). The assessment can be completed by theoretical (unshaded cells in the table) and
practical (shaded cells) assessment. Black cells mean no assessment is necessary.
In practice, many assessments will be a combination of tasks described in the 6 tables.
B.2.3.3 Annex A — Table A.1, Basic thermodynamics
An overview of theoretical knowledge is given in the vertical headings.
Some examples for an assessment are given below.
EXAMPLE Under "Knowledge and skills to assess", row "c" can involve the following tasks:
a) "Designing" level FO: in the assessment the person can be asked to perform a log p/h diagram
for a refrigerant of compression refrigeration circuit;
b) “Commissioning" level WK: in the assessment the person can be asked to describe the
decisions and actions based on a figure in a log p/h diagram;
c) "Leak checking" level BA: in the assessment the person can be asked to identify the mean
elements of a log p/h diagram by a multiple-choice questionnaire.
B.2.3.4 Annex A — Table A.2, Components and test of refrigeration system
An overview of the most common components in a refrigeration circuit, including the necessary
activities to bring and hold the system in operation, is given in the vertical headings.
Skills to assess: the person is able to understand the functioning of the components listed in Table A.2
and, if necessary, is able to demonstrate the use and handling of these components.
Some examples for an assessment are given below.
EXAMPLE For the component “Compressor” three examples are given below:
a) “Designing” level FO: in the theoretical assessment the person can for instance perform a
decision as to which kind of compressor will be chosen, and provide justification for the choice;
b) “Installation” level WK: in the theoretical assessment the person can explain which actions
are needed to make sure that the compressor is installed vibration-free and what this means for the pipeline;
c) “Leak checking” level BA: in the practical assessment the person can find a leak on a
compressor.
ISO 22712:2023(E)
B.2.3.5 Annex A — Table A.3, Piping, joints and valves
Table A.3 is a brief overview of the most common piping issues of a refrigerant circuit. The overview is
so brief, because the materials and joints are already covered in several standards. The materials and
compounds used are usually dependent on the type of refrigerant.
Skills to assess: the person is able to demonstrate the execution of a complete piping circuit with
components.
It is up to the board of experts to determine which assessment best covers the competence of the person.
Piping systems are composed of multiple segments that are connected to each other by joints, brazing
or welding, and/or may be connected to the shut-off valves and other components. It is common for
descriptions to be made for the types of connections, with reference standards and test methods. For
the designers and installers of the connections, a method description is needed, and the installers shall
demonstrate that they are competent to execute the connection method.
In the refrigeration industry, the piping systems have to deal with temperature differences. In order
to prevent loss of efficiency, pipes are insulated. Particularly in the case of temperatures lower than
ambient temperature, it is specific in the refrigeration industry that the pipe insulation is provided
with a vapor barrier which is of great importance for the quality of the insulation and the piping system.
For designers, the right choice of material and thickness of insulation is important. Not all installers
themselves will insulate pipes, but they are able to evaluate performance quality, especially with regard
to the quality of the vapour barrier.
Depending on the length of the pipes, the pipes are supported by and attached with brackets, taking
into account thermal differences of pipe sections and vibration caused by compressors and fans.
Some examples for an assessment are given below.
EXAMPLE Under "Knowledge and skills to assess" by the rows "a", "b" and "c", the person is able to
demonstrate actions with a piping circuit with components. The kind of assessment depends on the task.
a) “Designing” level FO: in the theoretical assessment the person can, for instance, perform a
decision as to which kind of piping will be chosen, and provide justification for the choice;
b) “Installation” level FO: in the practical assessment the person can, for instance, perform
by the right method description the connection by welding or brazing of a pipeline section, and select the
recommended standard for different diameters of pipelines. For example, to carry out the assessment of a
shut-off valve in combination with the strength and tightness test (see Table A.2, rows "n" "o").
c) “General maintenance” level WK: in the theoretical assessment the person can be assessed
on the basis of a site plan where the weak spots are for insulation.
B.2.3.6 Annex A — Table A.4, Safety equipment
The components listed in Table A.4 are defined in the EN 378 series and the ISO 5149 series. The
designer's task is to determine the safety components, depending on the laws and regulations. The
other tasks include the proper use, setting and assessing function of the safety components.
It is recommended that the board of experts decide that at least 50 % of the safety accessories are
covered in the entire personal assessment because they are in the interest of the environment and
health and safety aspects.
Some examples for an assessment are given below.
EXAMPLE 1 Under "Knowledge and skills to assess" by the row “j”, the person is able to demonstrate actions
with a safety pressure cut out. The kind of assessment depends on the task.
a) “Designing” level FO: in the theoretical assessment the person can, for instance, perform the
decision as to which which kind of safety equipment will be chosen, and provide justification for the choice;
ISO 22712:2023(E)
b) “Putting into operation”: level FO, in the practical assessment the person can, for instance,
perform the right adjustment of the safety pressure switch.
EXAMPLE 2 Under "Knowledge and skills to assess" by the row “l”, the person is able to demonstrate actions
with a refrigerant leak detector. The kind of assessment depends on the task.
a) “Operating” level WK: in the theoretical assessment the person can be assessed to check
control of data in a logbook for all the kinds of installations and the different refrigerants.
B.2.3.7 Annex A — Table A.5, Fluids
Table A.5 gives a summary of the properties of the fluids with which the circuits are filled. More details
of the fluid properties are defined in ISO 817.
[7]
NOTE Additional properties are also covered in ASHRAE 34.
The fluid of a circuit determines the proper operation of the system and the power consumption. The
emission of the refrigerant amount (leakage) affects health and safety and the environment. At the end
of the life cycle, the refrigerant has to be reclaimed.
Skills to assess: the person is able to understand the aspects mentioned in Table A.5 and, if necessary,
demonstrate the use and handling of these aspects.
Some examples for an assessment are given below.
EXAMPLE 1 Under "Knowledge and skills to assess" by the row “a”, the person is able to explain the meaning of
the terms in this row. The kind of assessment depends on the task.
a) “Designing” level FO: in the theoretical assessment the person can, for instance, decide
which refrigerant is most suitable for use in the refrigerant circuit with due regard to health and safety and
environmental aspects and provide justification for the choice.
EXAMPLE 2 Under "Knowledge and skills to assess" by the row “e”, the person is able to demonstrate the
behaviour of oil by using different kind of refrigerants. The kind of assessment depends on the task.
b) “Removing refrigerants” level FO: in the practical assessment means the person is able to
recover the refrigerant from the circuit and separate the oil with a recycling machine.
B.2.3.8 Annex A — Table A.6, Communication
Table A.6 contains an overview of the communication skills defined to be important for good artisanship.
All assessments are made by a practical assessment. Most communicative assessment can be taken in
combination with the assessments of the preceding t
...