If you are thinking about becoming a refrigeration plant operator in British Columbia, these FAQs cover the certification process, exam requirements, and how TFM Consultants can help you get ready.
What does a refrigeration plant operator do?
A refrigeration plant operator looks after and runs stationary refrigeration equipment. Their job can include checking how things are running, recording readings in logbooks, starting or stopping equipment, spotting problems, and handling emergencies properly.
Do I need a previous certification to take refrigeration plant operator training?
You do not need a power engineering certificate to start TFM’s Refrigeration Plant Operator Program. The course is made for people with little or no experience and teaches the basics you need to understand how refrigeration plants work.
To write the Technical Safety BC certification exam, you must meet their general requirements. You can qualify by finishing an approved refrigeration operator course, or if you have a refrigeration mechanic credential or another technical background approved by a provincial safety manager.
Is a refrigeration operator the same as a power engineer?
These two jobs are related but different. A refrigeration operator certificate only covers refrigeration plants. Power engineering certificates cover additional areas, such as boilers, pressure vessels, auxiliary equipment, and refrigeration systems, depending on the certificate and the type of plant.
Training as a refrigeration plant operator is a great first step if you want to work with stationary plant operations. But earning this certificate does not make you a 4th- or 5th-Class Power Engineer.
What will I learn during refrigeration plant operator training?
TFM’s 120-hour program takes place over three weeks and includes lectures, demonstrations, visual presentations, exercises, and group discussions in the classroom.
You will learn the basics of refrigeration, thermodynamics, compressors, condensers, cooling towers, pumps, evaporators, controls, instrumentation, and electrical principles. The course also covers CSA B52 requirements, plant administration, maintenance, fire protection, workplace safety, and proper logbook use.
The goal is to help you understand how refrigeration systems work and prepare you for the Technical Safety BC exam.
Do I need practical experience to become certified?
Yes. Passing the exam is only one part of getting certified. Technical Safety BC also asks that you have at least six months of work experience helping to run a qualifying refrigeration plant.
The plant must use an approved refrigerant group and meet the capacity limits set by provincial rules. Be sure your workplace qualifies and keep clear records of your experience using Technical Safety BC’s plant operating experience form.
What is included in the certification exam?
The Technical Safety BC Refrigeration Operator exam has 100 multiple-choice questions. You have three hours to complete it and need at least 65% to pass.
If you do not pass, you must wait 30 days before trying again. You can attempt the exam three times before you need to ask for permission to retake it.
What’s the difference between a Refrigeration Operator (RO) and an Ice Facility Operator (IFO)
An Ice Facility Operator (IFO) can only operate ice facilities, like arenas. A Refrigeration Operator (RO) is qualified to operate any type or size of refrigeration plant, which means more job options in areas such as food processing and cold storage.
Unlike the IFO, an RO can serve as the Chief Engineer for a facility, a higher-paid position.
Certification Requirements: To get RO certification, you need 6 months of firing time, which means on-the-job experience in a qualifying plant. An IFO usually needs only 30 days.
Important Note: A 5th Class Power Engineer is not qualified to operate refrigeration systems in British Columbia, although a 4th Class Power Engineer is.
Start Your Refrigeration Plant Operator Training
TFM offers refrigeration plant operator training in a practical, friendly environment, taught by experienced industry professionals. See the current course schedule or contact TFM to discuss your next step.