Refrigeration / Air Conditioning Mechanic

Job Summary :

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position. The Refrigeration / Air Conditioning Mechanic performs, at the journeyman level, skilled maintenance and repairs to all heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) and refrigeration systems associated with the building ventilation and related building systems to meet indoor air quality standards in conformance with accepted local and national regulatory codes and established Hospital Policies and Procedures.

Duties / Accountabilities :

1.Investigates HVAC trouble calls / alarms using methods such as accessing the building automation system (BAS) computer to look at system operational status and / or site conditions. Consults with end users to determine the nature of the problem, interprets HVAC systems engineering drawings, and specifications to determine sequence of operations, and visually inspects and / or tests instrumentation controls to determine if functioning within design parameters. Makes recommendations to the Head Refrigeration / Air Conditioning Mechanic for adjustments and / or repairs to enhance the efficiency of the system.

2.Investigates temperature complaints / alarms by accessing the BAS computer terminal to assess any deviation between with the area’s HVAC control parameters and actual site conditions. Makes appropriate control adjustments where required. Starts / stops equipment and / or makes adjustments / overrides to the pre-set conditions via the BAS. Takes measurements such as temperature to determine if sensors are functioning.

3.Assists the end users in changing the environmental condition required in the delivery of patient care through the modification / adjustment of HVAC control systems by reviewing control drawings, specifications and control design parameters followed by effecting data changes to set-points within the control system software and the verification of changes in the state of the environment.

4.Operates and maintains Chillers, Cooling Towers and associated distribution pumps by checking and recording daily operating conditions and outputs and participating in the development strategies for staging and engaging these units to meet the daily cooling needs of the facilities in the most energy efficient and cost effective manner while maintaining peak operating conditions.

5.Responds to indoor air quality complaints by conducting various air quality tests in the field such as temperature, humidity, oxygen / carbon dioxide levels including air balancing using methods such as measuring air flow using an electronic flow hood, comparing actual air flow measurements to specified standards, adjusting balancing valves in ducts, repairing and / or making recommendations for modifications.

6.Participates in the Hospital’s energy conservation program by reviewing and modifying HVAC control programs through review of control drawings and specifications to determine the sequence of operations, inputting / changing BAS operating parameters using the software system prompts, menus, control language, and testing the system using a test circuit board.

7.Repairs, rebuilds and installs pneumatic and electronic instrumentation and control devices, for valves, actuators, thermostats, electronic pneumatic transducers, air compressors, gauges, sensor, regulators, low voltage electric motors, and mixing boxes, using methods such as disassembling, replacing parts, diaphragms and actuators, reassembling mounting equipment using hangars, brackets or shelves, bench or field testing, and calibrating using hand and power tools.

8.Tests and maintains the proper operation of the Building Automation System (BAS) by software and field verification of program function and field devices. Reviews BAS computer trend logs to look for fluctuations in environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity.

9.Performs refrigeration work on direct expansion cooling systems by cleaning, repairing, calibrating and adjusting controllers and sensors, replacing components, and checking and fixing refrigerant leaks. Replaces components such as compressors, valves and fans. Installs motors, controls and switches and thread piping for gas and other fluids.

10.Repairs and installs steam heating components and piping associated with the HVAC system such as steam coils, heat exchangers, traps, valves and strainers.

11.Assists Steam Engineers as required in the repair and maintenance of the steam distribution piping system.

12.Repairs fume hoods by testing airflow using a velocity probe and / or flow hood and repairing and / or replacing components such as the motor, blower, belts and flow sensors.

13.Performs / documents regular verification of negative isolation room air handling systems and control devices to ensure they continue to operate within design parameters.

14.Participates in the establishment and monitoring of HVAC preventative maintenance programs by establishing / updating preventative maintenance tasks and schedules using the computerized maintenance management system.

15.Maintains computer hardware and software database associated with the BAS by troubleshooting computer software and hardware problems and installing new devices. Performs backup to the BAS database.

16.Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications :

Education, Training and Experience

Certificate of Apprenticeship or Trade Qualification Certificate as a journeyman Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic or equivalent Trade, Class B level Gas Fitter’s Licence with an electrical endorsement recognized by the Province of Two (2) years recent related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal with others effectively.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings and specifications.
• Ability to organize work.
• Ability to operate related equipment.