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 advanced MMAW, inspect for and correct defects, and maintain the weld records. 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 performing advanced welding using manual metal arc welding process (MMAW), 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

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

welding to conform to Australian Standard 1554 Structural Purpose, Bureau Det Norse Verticas or equivalent

interpreting weld requirements and specifications

entering information onto proformas and standard workplace forms

interpreting technical drawings and weld specifications relating to advanced MMAW

using hand and power tools to prepare and weld material using MMAW

using measurement and numeracy skills relating to advanced MMAW and preparation

selecting equipment and consumables appropriate to the task

using visual identification of faults/defects

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

in-depth knowledge of the properties and characteristics of a wide range of materials

requirements to conform to Australian Standard 1554 Structural Purpose, Bureau Det Norse Verticas or equivalent

weld procedures and requirements

different welder identification systems such as numbering, bar coding, paint coding, letter stamps

safety requirements

safe welding practices

use and application of personal protective equipment for MMAW

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.

Welding equipment

AC or DC welding machines, settings, electrodes and related equipment

Materials

Materials used would include low carbon, cast iron, stainless and low alloy steel

Prepared

Preparation of materials may include preheating, setting up of jigs, fixtures, clamps, etc., joint preparation e.g. bevelling

Welds

Welds would be fillet and butt in all positions

Distortion prevention measures

Distortion prevention may include preheating, setting up of jigs, fixtures, clamps, etc.

Defects

Porosity, slag inclusions, discontinuities, lack of penetration, undercut

Appropriate methods

Oxy acetylene and air arc equipment and grinding devices

Weld records

Proformas and other standard workplace forms