Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers preparing the materials and carrying out routine manual metal arc welding (MMAW).

Application of the unit 

This unit applies in a maintenance or manufacturing environment where the welding is not required to meet an Australian standard or equivalent. Fillet and butt welds would typically be performed on low carbon/mild steels.

Where welding is required to AS 1554 General Purpose or equivalent codes, occupational health and safety regulations and/or licensing requirements, Unit MEM05015D (Weld using manual metal arc welding process) should be selected.

Band : A 

Unit Weight : 2 

Prerequisite units 

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. Identify weld requirements

1.1. Weld requirements are identified from job instructions.

1.2. Location of welds is identified in accordance with standard operating procedures and job specifications.

2. Prepare materials for welding

2.1. Materials are cleaned and prepared ready for welding.

3. Prepare equipment for welding

3.1. Welding equipment is set up correctly.

3.2. Correct electrodes are selected to suit application and settings.

4. Perform routine welding using MMAW

4.1. Safe welding practices are applied.

4.2. Materials are welded to job requirements.

4.3. Welds are cleaned in accordance with standard operating procedures.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

• preparing materials and electrodes
• setting up welding equipment
• welding with MMAW
• reading and interpreting routine information on written job instructions, specifications and standard operating procedures
• performing measurements for joint preparation and routine MMAW

Required knowledge 

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

• material and equipment preparation
• properties and characteristics of materials and consumables
• weld characteristics
• equipment set-up and settings
• MMAW processes and properties
• post-welding treatments
• safe welding practices
• use and application of personal protective equipment

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 

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to prepare materials and carry out routine manual metal arc welding (MMAW).

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

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both. Where assessment occurs off the job, i.e. the candidate is not in productive work, then appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.

This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with performing routine manual metal arc welding or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

Method of assessment 

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Guidance information for assessment 

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.

Materials 

Low and mild carbon steel or similar

Prepared 

Cleaning, setting up jigs, fixtures, clamps, joint preparation

Welding equipment 

Welding leads, welding machines, electrode holder etc.

Cleaned 

Slag and spatter, cleaning, using files and grinders

Unit sector 

Co-requisite units 

Competency field 

Fabrication