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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Plan and prepare for furnace tapping
   • Access, interpret and apply tap furnaces documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant
   • Obtain and clarify/confirm verbal and written work instructions before proceeding
   • Establish and maintain communication with other personnel using approved communication methods
   • Select and wear personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities
   • Identify, address and report potential risks, hazards and environmental issues and implement control measures
   • Obtain and interpret emergency procedures, and be prepared for an emergency
   • Use approved dust suppression and extraction methods
   • Ensure adequate ventilation to work area before commencing the work activity Select, and check for faults, tools and equipment for work activities
   • Set up equipment for tapping
   • Position holding vessels/ladles to receive molten metal and slag
2. Tap molten metal from furnace
   • Carry out plant and equipment start-up checks and procedures
   • Drill, or make tap hole with oxy lance, and establish molten metal flow
   • Ignite burners and correctly apply to ensure molten metal does not solidify
   • Identify and control interference with molten metal flow
   • Ensure quality and production targets
   • Collect samples at appropriate bath heights for metallurgical testing
3. Complete tapping process
   • Insert and secure tap-hole seal to stop molten metal flow
   • Clean and stow all tools and equipment in readiness for next tapping operation
   • Complete reports and written records
4. Maintain tapping equipment
   • Obtain and/ manufacture tap-hole seals
   • Replace temperature monitoring equipment
   • Remove and install tapping blocks
   • Provide support for maintenance personnel
5. Plan and prepare for furnace tapping
   • Access, interpret and apply tap furnaces documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant
   • Obtain and clarify/confirm verbal and written work instructions before proceeding
   • Establish and maintain communication with other personnel using approved communication methods
   • Select and wear personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities
   • Identify, address and report potential risks, hazards and environmental issues and implement control measures
   • Obtain and interpret emergency procedures, and be prepared for an emergency
   • Use approved dust suppression and extraction methods
   • Ensure adequate ventilation to work area before commencing the work activity Select, and check for faults, tools and equipment for work activities
   • Set up equipment for tapping
   • Position holding vessels/ladles to receive molten metal and slag
6. Tap molten metal from furnace
   • Carry out plant and equipment start-up checks and procedures
   • Drill, or make tap hole with oxy lance, and establish molten metal flow
   • Ignite burners and correctly apply to ensure molten metal does not solidify
   • Identify and control interference with molten metal flow
   • Ensure quality and production targets
   • Collect samples at appropriate bath heights for metallurgical testing
7. Complete tapping process
   • Insert and secure tap-hole seal to stop molten metal flow
   • Clean and stow all tools and equipment in readiness for next tapping operation
   • Complete reports and written records
8. Maintain tapping equipment
   • Obtain and/ manufacture tap-hole seals
   • Replace temperature monitoring equipment
   • Remove and install tapping blocks
   • Provide support for maintenance personnel

Performance Evidence

Evidence is required to be collected that demonstrates a candidate’s competency in this unit. Evidence must be relevant to the roles within this sector’s work operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria of this unit and include evidence that the candidate:

locates and applies relevant documentation, policies and procedures

implements the requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of furnace tapping including:

working with/handling high temperature materials

using safe lifting techniques

using fault finding, rectification and reporting techniques

works effectively with others to undertake and complete the furnace tapping in a way that meets all of the required outcomes including:

using a range of communications techniques and equipment to receive and clarify work instructions

complying with written and verbal reporting requirements and procedures

demonstrates completion of furnace tapping that safely, effectively and efficiently meets all of the required outcomes on more than one (1) occasion including:

completing start-up checks and procedures

using equipment indicator readings to maintain molten metal flow

identifying and reporting defects and hazards

drilling a tap hole with an oxy lance

collecting samples of molten metal

removing and installing tapping blocks

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge in furnace tapping through:

applying the principles of furnace operation

identifying the characteristics of molten metal

identifying furnace tapping components

applying combustion principles

accessing, reading, interpreting and applying safe working procedures and systems

accessing, reading, interpreting and applying plant requirements for various schedules

accessing, reading, interpreting and applying service requirements and specifications

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