Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers preparing and producing welds to code standards using gas metal arc welding (GMAW).

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to performing GMAW to code standard carried out using a range of materials. Welds in this unit are associated with high quality fabrications.

Butt and fillet welds in the flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead positions would be applied to meet Australian Standards 1210, AS 4140, ASME IX or equivalent.

This unit, in conjunction with Unit MEM05026C (Apply welding principles), may satisfy the requirements of AS 1796 Certificate 8G.

Band :

This unit has dual status and is to be regarded as both a Specialisation Band A unit and Specialisation Band B unit for progression to C7 (AQF level IV).

Unit Weight : 6 

Prerequisite units 

Path 1 

MEM05007C

Perform manual heating and thermal cutting

MEM05017D

Weld using gas metal arc welding process

MEM05018C

Perform advanced welding using gas metal arc welding process

MEM05026C

Apply welding principles

MEM05050B

Perform routine gas metal arc welding

MEM05051A

Select welding processes

MEM05052A

Apply safe welding practices

MEM09002B

Interpret technical drawing

MEM12023A

Perform engineering measurements

MEM18001C

Use hand tools

MEM18002B

Use power tools/hand held operations

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. Maintain welding equipment

1.1. Routine maintenance is performed on welding equipment.

2. Prepare welding materials and equipment for GMAW welding to code standard

2.1. Weld requirements for GMAW welding to code standards are determined.

2.2. Materials are prepared to produce weld to code standard.

2.3. Welding equipment is set up correctly.

3. Weld joints using GMAW to procedure specifications

3.1. Materials are welded as per weld procedure specification.

4. Ensure weld quality

4.1. Discontinuities are rectified to ensure conformance to code requirements.

4.2. Weld records are maintained 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:

• depositing welds to procedure requirements
• determining weld outcomes, consumables and settings from welding procedure specification
• interpreting technical drawings and weld specifications for welding to code standards using GMAW
• using hand and power tools to prepare and weld materials to code standard
• using measurement and numeracy skills for welding to code standards
• using language and literacy skills to enable completion of weld records

Required knowledge 

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

• requirements to produce welds to quality of AS 1210, AS 4140, ASME IX or equivalent
• safe welding practices
• use and application of personal protective equipment for GMAW
• relevant standards or codes
• methods for preparing plate and pipe for code standard welding
• pre-welding and post-welding heating methods and requirements for plate and pipe welding to code standard
• requirements for maintaining weld records to code standard
• hazard and control measures associated with welding, including housekeeping

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 and produce welds to code standards using GMAW process. Competency in this unit cannot be claimed until all prerequisites have been satisfied.

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 on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit 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 welds to code standards using gas metal arc welding process 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 techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. 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.

Routine maintenance 

Ensuring gun, liner, contact tip etc. are in serviceable condition

Prepared 

Flame cut and ground or machined; preheating, setting up of jigs, fixtures, clamps, etc.

Materials 

Carbon/manganese steel, low alloy steel and aluminium materials, etc. on plate, pipe and rolled steel sections

Unit sector 

Co-requisite units 

Competency field 

Fabrication