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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare to control molten metal inholding furnace/vessel
   • Access, interpret and apply smelting documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant
   • Establish and maintain communication with other personnel
   • Select personal protective equipment for the work activity
   • Identify, address and report potential risks, hazards and environmental issues and implement control measures
   • Follow emergency procedures
   • Check and test remote control and monitoring systems
   • Plan and put work area ventilation in place
2. Operate and monitor holding furnace operations
   • Carry out plant and equipment start-up checks and procedures
   • Monitor and receive matte and/or slag flow from furnace
   • Control furnace rotation/tilting within recommended rate and angle parameters to efficiently separate matte and slag
   • Control main and secondary burner operation to hold constant, recommended matte and slag temperature
   • Carry out holding furnace drive equipment fault finding
   • Ensure regular monitoring of holding furnace operations during the shift, record and rectify identified faults
   • Plan and organise matte supply to converter with other personnel and adjust tonnage
   • Maintain cleanliness of spouts to allow consistent, continuous flow of molten metal
3. Discharge matte and slag to matte and slag pots
   • Ensure pot area is clear of personnel and machinery before pouring commences
   • Position pot correctly to avoid splash, spillage or damage
   • Rotate vessel/pot at correct angle to ensure an even flow of matte and slag
   • Assess matte and slag levels and pour slag and dispose of matte ensuring that pot is not overfilled
   • Collect and measure samples to ensure the slag and matte quantity is in an acceptable range
4. Prepare to control molten metal inholding furnace/vessel
   • Access, interpret and apply smelting documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant
   • Establish and maintain communication with other personnel
   • Select personal protective equipment for the work activity
   • Identify, address and report potential risks, hazards and environmental issues and implement control measures
   • Follow emergency procedures
   • Check and test remote control and monitoring systems
   • Plan and put work area ventilation in place
5. Operate and monitor holding furnace operations
   • Carry out plant and equipment start-up checks and procedures
   • Monitor and receive matte and/or slag flow from furnace
   • Control furnace rotation/tilting within recommended rate and angle parameters to efficiently separate matte and slag
   • Control main and secondary burner operation to hold constant, recommended matte and slag temperature
   • Carry out holding furnace drive equipment fault finding
   • Ensure regular monitoring of holding furnace operations during the shift, record and rectify identified faults
   • Plan and organise matte supply to converter with other personnel and adjust tonnage
   • Maintain cleanliness of spouts to allow consistent, continuous flow of molten metal
6. Discharge matte and slag to matte and slag pots
   • Ensure pot area is clear of personnel and machinery before pouring commences
   • Position pot correctly to avoid splash, spillage or damage
   • Rotate vessel/pot at correct angle to ensure an even flow of matte and slag
   • Assess matte and slag levels and pour slag and dispose of matte ensuring that pot is not overfilled
   • Collect and measure samples to ensure the slag and matte quantity is in an acceptable range

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

works effectively others to undertake and complete the controlling of molten metal in a holding furnace/vessel that meets all of the required outcomes including:

complying with written and verbal reporting requirements and procedures

communicating clearly and concisely with others to receive and clarify work instructions and coordinate activities

demonstrates completion of the controlling of molten metal in a holding furnace/vessel that safely, effectively and efficiently meets all of the required outcomes on more than one (1) occasion including:

carrying out plant and equipment start-up checks

monitoring holding furnace operations

planning and organising matte supply to converter

positioning and rotating vessel/pot

collecting and measuring samples

discharging slag and matte

controlling main and secondary burner operations

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge in controlling molten metal in holding furnace/vessels through:

applying standard operating procedures

Identifying characteristics of molten metal (basic)

identifying furnace components and function

applying combustion principles

identifying importance of flame patterns/flame impingement

identifying potential dangers inherent in specific plant and equipment

applying principles of holding vessel/furnace operation

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