Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit of competency covers the assembly of general fabricated components in plate, pipe and section or sheet either on-site or in a typical fabrication workplace by an Engineering Tradesperson - Fabrication. Assembly is performed according to specifications or drawings. The unit covers trade level assembly techniques requiring the use of jigs, fixtures and tools.

Application of the unit 

This unit of competency applies to assembly of ferrous and non-ferrous fabrications to specifications including use of joining techniques. Skills covered by this unit are generally applied in occupational and work situations associated with steel fabrication, boilermaking or sheet metal work.

This unit has been developed for Engineering Tradesperson - Fabrication apprenticeship training and the recognition of trade skills in assembly of fabricated components.

Typical applications are transitions, pipeworks and structural fabrication, ductwork, general jobbing work, fired and unfired pressure vessels.

Work may be undertaken in plant or on-site, and as part of a team in many instances in cooperation with those with rigging/dogging skills where necessary.

This unit does not cover the skills for the assembly of fabricated engineering components. These skills are covered by MEM18006C Repair and fit engineering components.

Assembly using pre-constructed jigs is covered by MEM03001B Perform manual production assembly or MEM03003B Perform sheet and plate assembly.

Where welds are required to meet legislative or regulatory requirements, then appropriate welding units should also be selected.

Band : A 

Unit Weight : 8 

Prerequisite units 

Path 1 

MEM05005B

Carry out mechanical cutting

MEM05007C

Perform manual heating and thermal cutting

MEM05012C

Perform routine manual metal arc welding

MEM05015D

Weld using manual metal arc welding process

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

Path 2 

MEM05005B

Carry out mechanical cutting

MEM05007C

Perform manual heating and thermal cutting

MEM05019D

Weld using gas tungsten arc welding process

MEM05049B

Perform routine gas tungsten 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

Path 3 

MEM05004C

Perform routine oxy acetylene welding

MEM05005B

Carry out mechanical cutting

MEM05007C

Perform manual heating and thermal cutting

MEM05022C

Perform advanced welding using oxy acetylene welding process

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

Path 4 

MEM05005B

Carry out mechanical cutting

MEM05007C

Perform manual heating and thermal cutting

MEM05017D

Weld using gas metal arc welding process

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. Identify assembly method and construct jigs if required

1.1. Method is identified and jigs are constructed from engineering drawings or according to workshop practice

1.2. Distortion prevention/control techniques are correctly applied

2. Ensure all components for assembly are available

2.1. All components are checked against drawings and material list

3. Select tools and fixtures for fabrication assembly

3.1. Most appropriate equipment is selected

4. Assemble fabricated components

4.1. Material and/or fabricated components are correctly positioned

4.2. Jigs, fixtures, tools and measuring equipment are correctly adjusted and applied

4.3. Datum line is correctly determined if necessary

4.4. Assembled components are checked for position including squareness, level and alignment to specification

4.5. Fixing/joining techniques are applied as necessary according to standard operating procedures

4.6. Assembly is checked for compliance with drawing

4.7. Codes/standards are interpreted and applied

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

Required skills include:

• constructing jigs where appropriate
• applying distortion prevention/control techniques
• positioning components in accordance with drawing/specifications
• using jigs, fixtures, tools and equipment
• correctly marking the datum line
• checking the position of all assembled components visually and dimensionally
• using appropriate fixing/joining techniques

Required knowledge 

Required knowledge includes:

• methods for assembly of fabricated components
• jigs construction
• effects of distortion of fabricated components
• distortion prevention techniques
• drawing and material list
• characteristics of relevant tools and equipment squareness, level and alignment
• function of datum lines
• variety of fixing/joining techniques
• defects associated with the assembly of fabricated components
• methods of rectification of defects by rework or adjustment
• requirements of relevant codes/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 

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to safely assemble general fabricated components in plate, pipe and section or sheet to specifications and drawings using accepted engineering trade techniques, practices, processes and workplace procedures. Competency in this unit cannot be awarded 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 apply the skills covered in this unit of competency in new and different situations and contexts. Critical aspects of assessment and evidence include:

• planning assembly tasks and sequences
• determining and implementing appropriate distortion control techniques
• assembling general fabricated components in plate, pipe,section or sheet to specifications, codes, occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations and standard operating procedures
• demonstrating safe working practices at all times
• ability to assemble components in a workshop and site environment

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

This unit has been developed to support training in and recognition of trade level competency in assembly of fabricated components as applied to a sheet metal or metal fabrication environment. Assessment should emphasise a workplace context and procedures found in the candidate's workplace.

The competencies covered by this unit can be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.

Method of assessment 

Typically, persons engaged in Engineering Tradesperson - Fabrication work are required to use their fabricated assembly skills and techniques across a range of jobs and specifications.

A single assessment event is not appropriate. On the job assessment should be included as part of the assessment process wherever possible. Where assessment occurs off the job, judgement must consider evidence of the candidate's performance in a productive work environment that includes a sufficient range of appropriate tasks and materials to cover the scope of application for this unit.

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 

This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with the assembly of fabricated components or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by 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.

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.

Distortion prevention /control techniques 

Distortion prevention/control techniques may include:

• jigs
• fixtures
• heat
• clamps

Components 

Components may include general fabricated components in either plate, pipe and section or sheet

Alignment 

Alignment may include typical structural alignment and levelling using planes and line straight edges, spirit levels, line levels and squares

Fixing /joining techniques 

Fixing/joining techniques may include:

• welding
• adhesives
• fasteners
• rivets

Codes /standards 

All work carried out in accordance with legislative and regulatory requirements

Unit sector 

Co-requisite units 

Competency field 

Fabrication