Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers preparing materials, selecting and setting up the welding equipment, carrying out flux core arc welding (FCAW) and inspecting for and correcting defects.

Application of the unit 

Welds are associated with heavy or light fabrication. Fillet and butt welds in all positions would typically be performed on a range of materials that may include carbon steel or stainless steel etc.

Welding procedures and the skills are applied to a range of fabrication activities.

As a guide, welds produced to the standard of this unit would typically conform to Australian Standard 1554 General Purpose, American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) or equivalent.

Where thermal processes, hand and/or power tools are required, the appropriate specialisation units should be accessed.

Band : A 

Unit Weight : 4 

Prerequisite units 

Path 1 

MEM05050B

Perform routine gas metal arc welding

MEM05051A

Select welding processes

MEM05052A

Apply safe welding practices

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. Prepare materials for flux core arc welding

1.1. Weld requirements are identified from specifications and/or drawings.

1.2. Materials are correctly prepared.

1.3. Materials are assembled/aligned to specification where required.

2. Select welding machine components

2.1. Welding machine settings accessories and consumables are identified.

3. Assemble and set up welding equipment

3.1. Welding equipment is assembled and set up.

4. Minimise and rectify distortion

4.1. Appropriate distortion prevention measures are selected.

4.2. Distortion is rectified.

5. Weld to job specification using FCAW

5.1. Weld deposit is to specification.

5.2. Joints are cleaned to specifications.

6. Ensure weld conformance

6.1. Defects are removed with minimum loss of sound metal using correct and appropriate techniques and tools.

6.2. Weld joints are visually inspected for conformance to specifications.

7. Maintain weld records

7.1. Weld records are completed correctly.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

• identifying and interpreting appropriate standard e.g. Australian Standard 1554 General Purpose, American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) or equivalent
• depositing welds in accordance with appropriate standards
• following specifications and drawings
• using appropriate tools and techniques to prepare material for welding
• undertaking distortion prevention and rectification
• cleaning the welded joint using appropriate tools and techniques
• removing weld defects to achieve a minimum amount of sound metal with the defect.
• reading and interpreting information on written job instructions, specifications, standard operating procedures and drawings
• recording routine information related to FCAW onto proformas and standard workplace forms
• following oral instructions
• using measurement skills relating to joint preparation and FCAW

Required knowledge 

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

• types of gases and their uses
• the relationships between amperage/wire feed, voltage, gas flow, electrode, contact tip and material
• material preparation
• polarity
• electrode stickout
• joint preparations
• electrode classification
• causes of distortion for materials within the scope of this unit
• safe welding practices
• use and application of personal protective equipment for FCAW
• 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 prepare materials, select and set up the welding equipment, carry out FCAW welding and inspect for and correcting defects. 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 welding using flux core arc welding process (FCAW) 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.

Materials 

Carbon steel or stainless steel

Prepared 

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

Consumables 

Gas or gasless wire, a range of gases

Equipment 

Semi-automatic machines

Distortion prevention 

Measures include preheating, setting up of jigs, fixtures, clamps, etc.

Rectified 

Using oxy acetylene air arc equipment and grinding devices

Unit sector 

Co-requisite units 

Competency field 

Fabrication