Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers performing manual heating, thermal cutting and gouging including the assembly and disassembly and operation of the equipment on a range of materials (ferrous, non-ferrous and non-metallic) using a variety of methods.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to manual, straight line cutting standards. Manual or automatic processes are used to cut and heat to specifications. Cutting may include flame gouging by hand. All work is carried out to legislative and regulatory requirements. Predetermined standards of quality and safety are observed and work is carried out following standard operating procedures.

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. Assemble/disassemble plant and equipment

1.1. Accessories and equipment are correctly selected and assembled for manual heating and thermal cutting.

2. Operate heating and thermal cutting equipment

2.1. Cutting process and/or procedure appropriate for material is selected.

2.2. All safety procedures are observed.

2.3. Equipment start-up procedures are followed correctly to standard operating procedures.

2.4. Equipment adjustments are made correctly using standard operating procedures.

2.5. Appropriate cutting allowances are made.

2.6. Material is used in the most economical way.

2.7. Defects are identified and corrective action is taken to standard operating procedures.

2.8. Material is heated and cut to specification.

2.9. Shape/size/length is to accepted workplace standards.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

• performing pre-start checks
• safely starting equipment
• following standard operating procedures
• adjusting equipment to operating specifications
• making cutting allowances
• economising material and minimising wastage
• identifying cutting defects and taking corrective action
• heating and cutting materials to specifications
• reading and interpreting routine information on written job instructions, specifications and standard operating procedures. May include drawings
• following oral instructions
• performing measurements needed to meet the requirements of this unit
• entering routine and familiar information onto proformas and standard workplace forms

Required knowledge 

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

• cutting processes appropriate to various materials
• heating and cutting specifications
• procedures for heating and cutting
• the tools, equipment and techniques for heating and cutting
• assembling procedures for equipment and accessories
• hazards and control measures associated with manual heating and thermal cutting
• use and application of personal protective clothing and equipment
• equipment pre-checks and operation
• procedures for adjusting heating and cutting equipment
• cutting allowances and reasons for applying them
• procedures for minimising waste material
• reasons for minimising waste material
• cutting defects and their causes
• procedures for correcting cutting defects
• tools, equipment and techniques required to correct cutting defects
• use and application of personal protective equipment
• safe work practices and procedures

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 perform manual heating and thermal cutting.

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 manual heating/thermal cutting 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. Questions 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.

Cutting 

Use of hand held and self-propelled straight line cutters

Process 

Fuel gas, oxy fuel gas and air fuel gas

Material 

Various thicknesses and types including ferrous, non-ferrous and non-metallic materials

Unit sector 

Co-requisite units 

Competency field 

Fabrication