Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to weld metals associated with the fabrication and installation of plumbing components, using arc welding equipment.

Application of the unit 

This unit of competency supports development of arc welding skills used in plumbing work, but not specialist welding skills used in other occupations. It has particular application to mechanical services but may be applied in all plumbing streams.

Site location for work application may be either domestic or commercial and may be a new work site or an existing structure being renovated, extended, restored or maintained.

Prerequisite units 

CPCPCM2023A

Carry out OHS requirements

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare for work.

1.1. Plans and specifications are obtained from job supervisor.

1.2. Safety  (OHS ) requirements associated with arc welding tasks, and workplace environmental requirements , are adhered to throughout the work.

1.3. Quality assurance  requirements are identified and adhered to in accordance with workplace requirements.

1.4. Tasks are planned and sequenced in conjunction with others involved in or affected by the work.

1.5. Tools and equipment , including personal protective equipment, are selected and checked for serviceability.

1.6. Work area is prepared to support efficient performance of arc welding.

2. Identify welding requirements.

2.1. Welding requirements are identified from specifications or given information .

2.2. Materials to be welded are identified and selected in accordance with workplace procedures.

2.3. Location of welds is identified in accordance with workplace procedures and job specifications.

3. Prepare materials and equipment for welding.

3.1. Materials  are cleaned and prepared ready for welding.

3.2. Tools and techniques appropriate to the preparation of materials to be welded are identified.

3.3. Welding equipment is set up and correct electrodes are selected in accordance with workplace procedures and job specifications.

4. Weld items.

4.1. Materials are welded according to specifications and job requirements using safe welding practices.

4.2. Appropriate action is taken to report faults or remedy defects in materials or welding equipment, including adjustments to settings, electrodes and welding technique.

5. Clean up.

5.1. Work area is cleared and materials disposed of or recycled in accordance with state or territory statutory and regulatory authority  legislation and workplace procedures.

5.2. Tools and equipment are cleaned, checked, maintained and stored in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and workplace procedures.

5.3. Information is accessed and documentation completed in accordance with workplace requirements.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

Required skills for this unit are:

• communication skills to:

• access information
• complete workplace documentation
• determine requirements
• enable clear and direct communication, using questioning to identify and confirm requirements, share information, listen and understand
• follow instructions
• plan and sequence tasks with others
• read and interpret:

• drawings and specifications
• documentation from a variety of sources

• use language and concepts appropriate to cultural differences
• use and interpret non-verbal communication, such as hand signals

• identifying and accurately reporting to appropriate personnel any faults in tools, equipment or materials
• numeracy skills to apply measurements and calculations
• organisational skills, including the ability to plan and set out work
• teamwork skills to work with others to action tasks and relate to people from a range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with varying physical and mental abilities
• technological skills to:

• access and understand site-specific instructions in a variety of media
• use mobile communication technology

• welding mild steel plates by arc welding.

Required knowledge 

Required knowledge for this unit is:

• dangers associated with arc welding in the fabrication and installation of plumbing components
• effect of heat on the properties and shape of welded metals
• job safety analysis (JSA) and safe work method statements (SWMS)
• operating principles of arc welding equipment
• organisational quality procedures and processes within the context of arc welding
• SI system of measurement
• workplace and equipment safety requirements, including relevant statutory regulations, codes and standards.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

This unit of competency could be assessed in the workplace or a close simulation of the workplace environment providing that simulated or project-based assessment techniques fully replicate plumbing and services workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of:

• locating, interpreting and applying relevant information, standards and specifications for arc welding
• applying safety requirements throughout the work sequence, including the use of personal protective clothing and equipment
• as a minimum the ability to, given the plans and specifications and using arc welding equipment:

• weld butt joint in mild steel plate up to 8mm, 150mm long
• fillet weld mild steel plate up to 8mm, 150mm long
• pad weld mild steel plate up to 8mm, 150mm long

• welding should ensure:

• correct selection and use of appropriate processes, tools and equipment
• completing all work to specification
• compliance with regulations, standards and organisational quality procedures and processes
• communicating and working effectively and safely with others.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

This competency is to be assessed using standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints.

Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge will usually be conducted in an off-site context.

Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards' requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include:

• an induction procedure and requirement
• realistic tasks or simulated tasks covering the minimum task requirements
• relevant specifications and work instructions
• tools and equipment appropriate to applying safe work practices
• support materials appropriate to activity
• workplace instructions relating to safe working practices and addressing hazards and emergencies
• material safety data sheets
• research resources, including industry related systems information.

Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Method of assessment 

Assessment methods must:

• satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package
• include direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions, with questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application
• reinforce the integration of employability skills with workplace tasks and job roles
• confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments.

Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:

• competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace
• where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice, with a decision on competency only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's demonstrated ability and applied knowledge
• all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence.

Assessment processes and techniques should as far as is practical take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed.

Supplementary evidence of competency may be obtained from relevant authenticated documentation from third parties, such as existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Safety  (OHS ) is to be in accordance with commonwealth, state and territory legislation and regulations and may include:

• handling of materials
• hazard control and hazardous materials and substances
• personal protective clothing and equipment prescribed under legislation, regulations and workplace policies and practices
• safe operating procedures, including recognising and preventing hazards associated with the use of welding systems, including:

• dangerous materials
• hot metals
• surrounding structure and facilities
• trip hazards
• work site visitors and the public
• working at heights
• working in confined spaces
• working in proximity to others

• use of firefighting equipment
• use of first aid equipment
• use of tools and equipment
• workplace environment and safety.

Environmental requirements  include:

• clean-up protection
• waste management.

Quality assurance  requirements may include:

• Environment Protection Authority (EPA)
• internal company quality assurance policy and risk management strategy
• International Standards Organisation
• site safety plan
• workplace operations and procedures.

Tools and equipment  include:

• arc welding equipment
• hand and power tools
• measuring equipment.

Information  may include:

• charts and hand drawings
• diagrams or sketches
• instructions issued by authorised organisational or external personnel
• manufacturer specifications and instructions
• material safety data sheets (MSDS)
• memos
• organisation work specifications and requirements
• regulatory and legislative requirements, particularly those pertaining to:

• plumbing regulations
• building codes
• OHS and environmental requirements

• relevant Australian standards
• safe work procedures relating to arc welding
• signage
• verbal, written and graphical instructions
• work bulletins
• work schedules, plans and specifications.

Materials  include:

• mild steel plates.

Statutory and regulatory authorities  include:

• gasfitting authority
• state or territory statutory authority
• statutory plumbing authority.

Unit sector 

Plumbing and services

Co-requisite units 

Nil

Functional area