HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) Technician (P11)

Purpose

The main purpose of this position is to render maintenance support through HVAC installations and repairs, routine and scheduled maintenance and callouts.

Minimum Requirements

• Qualified Artisan Certificate (Red Seal) specialising in the installation, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair of Heating, Ventilation, Air conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC&R).
• Minimum three (3) years' post-trade HVAC and refrigeration experience within the built environment.
• Valid Safe Handling of Refrigerants Certificate.
• Valid SAQCC Gas registration certificate.

Recommended Requirements

Experience in a higher education or facilities management environment would be an added advantage,

Duties

• Maintenance and Repairs
• Attend to HVAC and refrigeration breakdowns.
• Install, inspect, test, service and repair HVAC
• VRF systems, packaged air-conditioning units
• Cold rooms,
• Ventilation systems
• Repair compressors, motors, fans, controls, piping and drainage systems.
• Detect leaks, recover refrigerants, pressure-test, evacuate and recharge systems.
• Clean coils, filters, ducts, grilles and drainage systems.
• Test and commission equipment after repairs.
• Determine material requirements and report additional defects.
• Routine Maintenance
• Perform routine maintenance on electrical and electromechanical systems in university buildings, lecture halls, offices, residences, and associated facilities.
• Conduct planned preventative and corrective maintenance on electrical installations, motors, pumps, control panels, distribution boards, generators, mechanical drives, and related 1. Maintenance and Repairs
• Attend to HVAC and refrigeration breakdowns.
• Install, inspect, test, service and repair HVAC equipment.
• Repair compressors, motors, fans, controls, piping and drainage systems.
• Detect leaks, recover refrigerants, pressure-test, evacuate and recharge systems.
• Clean coils, filters, ducts, grilles and drainage systems.
• Test and commission equipment after repairs.
• Determine material requirements and report additional defects.
• Perform routine maintenance on HVAC systems in university facilities.
• Inspect equipment for leaks, noise, vibration, overheating and poor performance.
• Check pressures, temperatures, airflow, electrical current and system controls.
• Clean filters, coils, drains and ventilation components.
• Inspect refrigerant piping, insulation, wiring and isolators.
• Apply HI RA and LOTO procedures before starting work.
• Record readings, materials used and outstanding defects**.**
• Scheduled Maintenance
• Perform scheduled maintenance according to approved plans and manufacturer requirements.
• Clean or replace filters, coils, belts and ventilation components.
• Check refrigerant levels, pressures, temperatures and system performance.
• Inspect compressors, fans, motors, pumps, bearings and controls.
• Service chillers, chilled-water systems, air-handling units and fan-coil units.
• Inspect cold rooms, freezers, extraction fans and ventilation systems.
• Test electrical controls, sensors, safety devices and Variable Speed Drives.
• Identify recurring failures and recommend corrective action.
• Breakdown callouts
• Attend to call-outs both over weekends and after hours
• Ensure availability and response when on standby duty
• When emergency repairs are conducted, ensure that permanent repairs are done according to electrical standards.
• Record all breakdowns, actions taken, materials used, and outstanding permanent repairs against the relevant job card.
• Escalate breakdowns that cannot be resolved immediately and provide regular progress updates until the work is completed.
• Administration
• Collect Job cards from Senior Officer: Maintenance (Foremen), discuss requirements if necessary
• Keep record of material utilised on each job
• Have department sign off the job card before returning the completed job card to the Foreman for inspection of completed work
• Maintain accurate service, maintenance, and equipment-control records.
• Maintenance and safekeeping of equipment and machinery
• Ensure that all equipment and machinery are regularly inspected, maintained, and serviced according to the prescribed schedules and manufacturer requirements.
• Ensure that all equipment and machinery are stored safely and securely to prevent damage, misuse, theft, or unauthorised access.
• Maintain accurate service, maintenance, and equipment-control records.
• Safety, health and environmental management
• Identify and report unsafe circumstances
• Ensure compliance with SHE policies and procedures.
• Use prescribed personal protective equipment.
• Prevent uncontrolled refrigerant releases.
• Safely handle refrigerants, chemicals, oils and pressurised systems.
• Apply safe procedures when working at heights, in ceilings and plant rooms.
• Dispose of refrigerants, oils, chemicals and components through approved processes
• Risk Assessments (HIRA)
• Conduct and document a Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) for each job before work commences.
• Identify all potential hazards associated with the task, equipment, work area, and personnel involved.
• Determine the level of risk and implement appropriate control measures to eliminate or reduce the risk.
• Communicate the identified hazards and control measures to all employees and contractors involved.
• Review and update the HIRA whenever the scope of work, conditions, equipment, or risks change.
• Ensure that the completed HIRA is approved and available at the work site for the duration of the job**.**
• Communicate the isolation procedure to all employees and contractors involved in the work.
• Maintain a record of all locks, tags, permits, authorised people, and isolation points.
• Confirm that all personnel, tools, and equipment are clear before removing locks and restoring the system to operation.

Lockout-Tagout (LOTO) Permits

• Test the system after restoring power or pressure Identify the specific jobs that require Lockout-Tagout (LOTO) permits before work commences
• Ensure that LOTO permits are completed, authorised, and linked to the applicable job card.
• Verify that the correct isolation points are identified, locked, tagged, and tested before any maintenance or repair work begins.
• Ensure that all relevant electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, thermal, pressure or other hazardous energy sources are isolated.

Enquiries can be made via email at spurecruit@spu.ac.za

Assumption of duties: As mutually agreed to upon acceptance of the appointment. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment

Women and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Note: Sol Plaatje University (SPU) is dedicated to meeting its Employment Equity targets.