Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers preparing materials and routine gas metal arc welding (GMAW).

Application of the unit 

This unit applies in a maintenance or manufacturing environment where the weld quality is not required to meet an Australian Standard or equivalent. Fillet and butt welds would typically be performed on low carbon/mild steels.

Where welding is required to meet Australian Standard 1554 General Purpose or equivalent codes, occupational health and safety regulations and/or licensing requirements, Unit MEM05017D (Weld using gas metal arc welding process) should be selected.

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. Identify weld requirements

1.1. Weld requirements are identified from job instructions.

1.2. Locations of welds are identified in according to standard operating procedures and job specifications.

2. Prepare materials for welding

2.1. Materials are cleaned and prepared ready for welding.

3. Prepare equipment for welding

3.1. Welding equipment is set up correctly.

3.2. Settings and consumables are selected to suit application.

4. Perform routine welding using GMAW

4.1. Safe welding practices are applied.

4.2. Materials are welded to job requirements.

4.3. Welds are cleaned to 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:

• preparing materials
• setting up welding equipment
• welding with GMAW
• reading and interpreting routine information on written job instructions, specifications and standard operating procedures
• following oral instruction
• using measurement skills relating to joint preparation and routine GMAW

Required knowledge 

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

• different current and voltage settings, gas flow rates wire diameters, wire feed speed and other variables to suit typical situations.
• material and equipment preparation
• properties and characteristics of materials and consumables
• equipment and equipment settings
• fuel gas properties and applications
• post-welding treatments
• weld characteristics
• safe welding practices
• use and application of personal protective equipment for routine GMAW

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 routine gas metal arc welding (GMAW).

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 preparing the materials and carrying out routine gas metal arc welding 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 

Mild and low carbon steel

Prepared 

Preheating, setting up jigs, fixtures, clamps, joint preparation

Equipment 

Hoses, welding leads, gas shrouds, gas regulators, liners, contact tips

Consumables 

Filler wire, shielding gas

Cleaned 

Slag and spatter

Unit sector 

Co-requisite units 

Competency field 

Fabrication