Objectives

The primary objective is to execute a comprehensive major service on eleven (11) ultra-low temperature (-40°C) refrigeration units distributed across multiple clinical and administrative departments at Mosvold Hospital. The service aims to restore optimal cooling efficiency, ensure precise temperature calibration, extend equipment operational lifespan, and guarantee uninterrupted, reliable performance for storing critical medical, pharmaceutical, and laboratory specimens.

Scope of Work

• Perform a once-off major servicing contract covering minus 40°C fridges located in the Main Pharmacy, Mobile Pharmacy, Mobile Office, Theatre, Maternity Ward, and Paeds Ward.
• Commence work immediately upon issuance of an official order and signed site handover certificate from the Maintenance Department.
• Complete all servicing activities within the stipulated timeframe while operating strictly between 07:00 and 16:00, coordinating with hospital maintenance staff, and avoiding disruption to patient care and hospital operations.
• Submit comprehensive per-unit documentation including service reports, signed schedules, maintenance-approved job cards, temperature calibration certificates, service certificates, and before/after temperature readings.

Technical Requirements

• Internal Inspection & Cleaning: Record baseline temperatures, remove all shelving and trays, clean interior surfaces with approved non-corrosive hospital disinfectants, remove ice buildup (if applicable), clean door gaskets, and inspect for lining cracks, rust, or corrosion.
• Condenser & Evaporator Maintenance: Clean coils using compressed air or soft brushes, inspect fan motors and blades, and verify unrestricted internal and external airflow.
• Refrigeration System Diagnostics: Assess compressor condition and running amperage, inspect refrigerant pressure and leaks, evaluate capillary tubes and expansion systems, verify gas levels, and check for abnormal vibrations or noises.
• Electrical & Control Calibration: Inspect and tighten electrical terminals, test overload protectors and circuit breakers, and calibrate temperature controllers to maintain a stable -40°C operating point.
• Temperature Verification: Validate thermostat accuracy using calibrated data loggers, test temperature stability and recovery rates after simulated door openings, and verify digital display precision.
• Alarm & Monitor Testing: Fully test high-temperature, low-temperature, power failure, and door-open alarm systems.
• Door & Seal Integrity: Inspect hinges and handles, test rubber gaskets for air leakage, replace damaged seals, and confirm airtight closure.
• Functional Performance Test: Run full freeze cycles, monitor cooling performance, verify compressor cut-in/cut-out operations, and validate internal temperature consistency over extended periods.
• Pricing & Documentation: Submit firm, fixed pricing valid for ninety (90) days, inclusive of VAT where applicable, covering all materials, labour, travel, and incidental costs. Correctly complete all specification schedules with tallying calculations.

Skills and Qualification Requirements

• Valid CIDB registration specifically classified for refrigeration services.
• Certified qualification as a qualified refrigerator technician, issued no more than six months prior to submission.
• Official proof of authorization/approval to service minus 40°C refrigeration units.
• Current Gas Handling Certificate for safe refrigerant management.
• Public liability insurance coverage of at least R5,000,000.00.
• Letter of good standing and a valid SARS tax clearance certificate.
• Active registration on the Central Suppliers Database (CSD).
• Submission of three (3) copies of completion certificates from previous similar projects.
• Technicians must strictly adhere to occupational health and safety regulations, wear identifiable company branding, and assume full responsibility for personal tools, equipment, security, and authorized waste disposal.

Notes on Unusual or Complicated Terms

Minus 40°C Fridge: Refers to ultra-low temperature medical/freezer units essential for preserving temperature-sensitive biological samples, vaccines, and pharmaceuticals. These units require specialized refrigeration engineering due to extreme operating conditions, complex dual-stage compression systems, and stringent calibration tolerances.

80/20 Preference Point System: A South African public procurement framework where eighty (80) points are awarded based on competitive pricing, and twenty (20) points are allocated for socio-economic transformation goals, specifically granting full points to enterprises that are at least 51% black-owned.

CIDB Registration: A mandatory industry classification by the Construction Industry Development Board, required here to verify the contractor’s formal competency and legal standing in refrigeration infrastructure services.

Gas Handling Certificate: A regulatory certification ensuring technicians are trained and authorized to safely manage, recover, and recharge industrial refrigerants in compliance with environmental protection and workplace safety legislation.