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

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

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