Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers preparing and producing pipe welds to code standards using manual metal arc welding (MMAW).

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to MMAW to code standard carried out using a range of materials. Welds in this unit are associated with high quality fabrications. Butt welds in pipe with the axis horizontal, vertical and/or askew would be applied to meet Australian Standards 1210, AS 4041, ASME IX or equivalent. The unit, together with Unit MEM05026C (Apply welding principles), may satisfy the requirements of AS 1796 Certificates 2 and 4.

Where advanced manual thermal cutting, gouging and shaping is carried out, Unit MEM05008C (Perform advanced manual thermal cutting, gouging and shaping) should also be selected.

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

MEM05012C

Perform routine manual metal arc welding

MEM05015D

Weld using manual metal arc welding process

MEM05016C

Perform advanced welding using manual metal arc welding process

MEM05026C

Apply welding principles

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 MMAW pipe welding to code standards

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

2.2. Welding equipment is set up correctly.

2.3. Materials are prepared to produce pipe weld to code standard.

3. Weld pipe using MMAW 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 MMAW
• 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 4041, ASME IX or equivalent
• safe welding practices
• use and application of personal protective equipment for MMAW
• knowledge of appropriate standards or codes
• methods for preparing pipe for code standard welding
• pre-welding and post-welding heating methods and requirements for pipe welding to code standard
• requirements for maintaining weld records to code standard
• hazards 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 perform pipe welds to code standards using MMAW 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. Where assessment occurs off the job, i.e. the candidate is not in productive work, 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 the preparation and production of welds 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 leads, hand pieces etc. are in serviceable condition, and correct current carrying capacity

Prepare welding materials 

Preheating, setting up of jigs, fixtures, clamps, etc.

Prepared 

Flame cut and ground or machined

Materials 

Carbon/manganese steel, stainless steel and low alloy steel materials, etc.

Unit sector 

Co-requisite units 

Competency field 

Fabrication