Elements and Performance Criteria

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.
Weld
Welds include fillet and butt welds carried out in all positions
Materials
Materials may include ferrous materials including carbon or stainless steel, as well as non-ferrous metals and alloys suitable for GMAW
Prepared
Preparation of materials may include:
pre-heating
setting up of jigs, fixtures and clamps
joint preparation (e.g. bevelling)
Equipment
Equipment may include AC or DC welding machines
Distortion prevention measures
Distortion prevention measures may include:
pre-heating
setting up of jigs, fixtures and clamps
Rectified
Rectified refers to oxy acetylene, air arc equipment and grinding devices
Defects
Defects may include:
porosity
slag inclusions
discontinuities
lack of penetration
undercut

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 GMAW and examine for and correct defects, in a range of welding activities associated with GMAW. 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 workplace situations and contexts. Critical aspects of assessment and evidence include:
following all safety procedures to protect self, other workers and members of the public
identifying and interpreting specifications for GMAW including Australian Standard 1554 General Purpose
interpreting welding specifications including standard welding symbols used to show weld procedure
selecting appropriate weld preparation methods for material and position of welds.
preparing materials, setting up of jigs, fixtures, clamps,etc. and joint preparation including bevelling
consistently welding different ferrous and non-ferrous materials to AS 1554 General Purpose or equivalent
identifying defects as described in the range statement across a range of welded materials
rectifying defects.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Welding to AS 1554 General Purpose or equivalent requires both theoretical knowledge and high level practical skills. The assessment process must be designed to identify consistent performance to the standard and the specifications across a range of materials and positions. The assessment must also identify a level of workplace performance in terms of defect rates and weld failure rates. It is recommended that assessment involve demonstrations of competency under both workshop and site conditions. This means that the ideal assessment environment is either on the job or a combination of both on and off the job.
The competencies covered by this unit may 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 an Engineering Tradesperson - Fabrication and other tradespersons engaged in welding are required to exercise GMAW 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 welding using GMAW process 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.