Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 6:53 AM AWST

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Operate melting furnaces

Operate melting furnaces

Unit of competency
National Code
MEM04001
State Code
OAX34
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
26/06/2019
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
Field of Education
030713 - Metal Casting And Patternmaking
Original Release Date
Nominal Hours
36
Description
This unit of competency defines the skills and knowledge required to operate melting furnaces.It applies to the operation and operational maintenance of furnaces primarily used for continuous or staged bulk melting/smelting of a range of metals, holding of hot liquids, or the melting of metals for production processes, such as casting, moulding and galvanising.Where the interpretation of technical drawings is required unit MEM09002 Interpret technical drawing should also be selected.Where the selection and use of engineering measuring equipment is required unit MEM12023 Perform engineering measurements should also be selected.Where the selection and use of tools is required unit MEM18001 Use hand tools and unit MEM18002 Use power tools/hand held operations, should also be selected as appropriate.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.Band: AUnit Weight: 4
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Determine job requirements
  • 1.1 Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs)
  • 1.2 Comply with work health and safety (WHS) requirements at all times
  • 1.3 Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with SOPs
  • 1.4 Identify job requirements from specifications, job sheets or work instructions
2 Select materials
  • 2.1 Complete requisitions as required according to SOPs
  • 2.2 Undertake charge analysis and convert the charge analysis to furnace charge weight and weigh charge in accordance with SOPs
  • 2.3 Enter routine and familiar information onto proformas and standard workplace forms
3 Start up furnace
  • 3.1 Inspect furnace for any defects or damage
  • 3.2 Identify faults and areas for routine repair of the furnace
  • 3.3 Undertake routine operational maintenance of furnace
  • 3.4 Start up furnace according to procedures
  • 3.5 Report all start-up faults in accordance with procedures
4 Charge furnace
  • 4.1 Identify and follow emergency/safety procedures
  • 4.2 Pre-heat materials if required
  • 4.3 Charge materials into furnace
  • 4.4 Identify and keep available suitable areas for emergency unloading of molten metal
5 Monitor furnace
  • 5.1 Maintain furnace at optimum operating condition
  • 5.2 Take sample for chemical analysis and apply remedial action as required
  • 5.3 Dross and/or degas furnace
  • 5.4 Check temperature of metal and adjust if necessary
6 Tap or unload the furnace
  • 6.1 Identify the quantity of the required metal
  • 6.2 Carry out tap rate
  • 6.3 Undertake tapping or unloading safely according to procedures
7 Shut down furnace
  • 7.1 Complete shutdown of furnace
  • 7.2 Undertake routine operational maintenance of furnace in accordance with procedures
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
W5284 MEM04001B Operate melting furnaces Unit of competency