Unit of competency details

Release 

TP Version 

Comments 

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DEF12 V2

Layout adjusted. No changes to content.

1

DEF12 V1

Primary release.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a Unit of Competency.

Performance Criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised  text is used, further information is detailed in the Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare for cutting and welding underwater 

1.1 Work task , worksite data  and work object  (including composition  and condition) are determined and analysed to determine the specific requirements for thermal cutting and welding tools. 

1.2 Work plan is developed consistent with the dive plan.

1.3 Thermal cutting and welding tools , and protective equipment  appropriate to the task are selected , inspected and prepared. 

1.4 Electrical generator  and associated leads are selected , inspected and prepared. 

1.5 Oxy -acetylene gas cylinders  and associated hoses are selected , inspected and prepared. 

1.6 Thermal cutting and welding tools, the generator, oxy-acetylene gas cylinders, and associated leads and hoses are secured safely to/from the dive site.

1.7 Access obstructions and other hazards  are assessed and action is taken to remove /reduce risk. 

2. Operate thermal cutting and welding tools underwater 

2.1 Thermal cutting and welding tools are secured on self during the dive for ease of accessibility and lack of interference with mobility and dive equipment.

2.2 Safe routes for leads and hoses to the worksite are established.

2.3 Work-safe area is established and location and safety of divers is confirmed prior to commencing work tasks.

2.4 Surface of the work object is prepared for the cut or weld.

2.5 Voltage and amperage of arc-welding equipment is controlled.

2.6 Gas supplies are turned on and ratios of oxygen and acetylene are set and adjusted.

2.7 Pressure of oxy-acetylene torch is controlled.

2.8 Cuts and welds are made ensuring minimal distortion to the object.

2.9 Employment hazards of cutting and welding tools are managed.

2.10Thermal cutting and welding tools are temporarily disconnected and rendered safe to evaluate the work task.

2.11Cuts and welds are inspected and cleaned.

3. Operate the generator 

3.1 Pre-start checks are performed and leads are connected.

3.2 Power is developed gradually without surging and generator is stabilised and trimmed to required work output.

3.3 Routine operational checks  are conducted and warning signs  are diagnosed and addressed.

3.4 Generator is shut down.

3.5 Emergency shut-down drills are conducted..

4. Conclude underwater cutting and welding operations 

4.1 Environmental impact  arising from use of thermal cutting and welding tools is minimised and waste products are recovered.

4.2 Thermal cutting and welding tools, the generator, gas cylinders and associated leads and hoses, and protective equipment are de -serviced  after use.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills 

• ability to dive
• cut steel plates
• diagnose equipment faults
• operate a generator
• take remedial actions
• undertake general operator maintenance
• weld

Required Knowledge 

• control of output
• dangers of trapped gas and its avoidance
• dive equipment
• dive physics
• equipment (generator, thermal cutting and welding, tools, hoses and leads)
• general occupational/diving safety awareness
• methods of resolving problems
• oceanography
• physics of operation
• principles of operation
• relevant references and Australian Standards
• thermal cutting and welding on land
• work hazards

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

• cut a12 mm steel plate using a thermal arc or oxy arc cutting torch
• weld together two pieces of approximately 12 mm steel plate underwater using electric welding equipment to produce a fillet weld
• attend to personal and collective safety
• consider the environmental impact as part of the dive plan.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated during a number of work tasks where:

• the depth is between 5 metres and 20 metres
• at least one night work task is undertaken.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in the ocean.

When practicable, assessment should relate to the diver’s vocational focus.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access to a dive location, and thermal cutting and welding equipment.

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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Work tasks  may include:

• cutting
• gouging
• heating
• welding

Worksite data  may include:

• current
• depth
• gradient
• hazards
• obstacles

Work object  may include:

• anchorage
• pipe
• sheet (hull)
• support/strut

Composition  may include:

• aluminium
• high and low alloy steels
• high and low carbon steels
• mild steel
• stainless steel

Thermal cutting and welding tools  may include:

• oxy-torch
• arc-welder

Protective equipment  may include:

• boots
• eye protection
• gloves
• hood/helmet

Selecting, inspecting and preparing thermal cutting and welding tools  may include:

• inspection of stick
• neck/mouth of oxy-torch
• regulation of amperage and voltage
• security of earth (bull-dog) lead

Selecting, inspecting and preparing the generator  may include:

• checking fluids
• fuelling
• pre-start checks

Selecting, inspecting and preparing the oxy-acetylene gas cylinders  may include:

• checking gas lines
• checking gas pressures and mixing ratios
• physical security of bottles

Hazards  may include:

• danger zone of objects being worked on
• impact on dive equipment (e.g. hoses, gauges, communications)
• release of fuels and associated chemical contaminants resident at the worksite
• retinal damage
• shock and burn
• trapped air explosions

Action to remove/reduce the risk  may include:

• erecting signage
• using patrol/sentry craft

Routine operational checks  may include:

• fuel
• fluids
• pressure
• temperature

Warning signs  may include:

• feed variations
• rise/fall in temperature
• smoke
• surging (rise/fall in power)
• unusual noise
• unusual smell (e.g. oil)

Environmental impact  includes:

• contamination of surrounding water (e.g. leaking oil)
• physical damage to reef and associated floor eco-systems (e.g. coral)
• visual pollution of waste material (e.g. concrete and metal parts)

De-servicing  may include:

• drying
• logging work details into equipment logs
• oiling/greasing
• refilling
• re-fuelling
• washing in fresh water