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

This unit of competency could be assessed in the workplace or a close simulation of the workplace environment providing that simulated or project-based assessment techniques fully replicate plumbing and services workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of:

locating, interpreting and applying relevant information, standards and specifications to perform fusion welding of approved polymer pipes

applying safety requirements throughout the work sequence, including electrical safety requirements and the use of personal protective clothing and equipment

given the plans and specifications, butt fusion welding two joints and electro-fusion weld one socket joint up to DN100 on approved polymer pipes, using appropriate fusion welding processes and a visual inspection to manufacturer recommendations or other approved methods, ensuring:

application of sustainability principles and concepts

correct identification of requirements and details of proposed cuts

correct selection and use of appropriate processes, tools and equipment

completing all work to specification

compliance with regulations, standards and organisational quality procedures and processes

communicating and working effectively and safely with others.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This competency is to be assessed using standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints.

Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge will usually be conducted in an off-site context.

Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards' requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include:

an induction procedure and requirement

realistic tasks or simulated tasks covering the minimum task requirements

relevant specifications and work instructions

tools and equipment appropriate to applying safe work practices

support materials appropriate to activity

workplace instructions relating to safe work practices and addressing hazards and emergencies

material safety data sheets

research resources, including industry-related systems information.

Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Method of assessment

Assessment methods must:

satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package

include direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions, with questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application

reinforce the integration of employability skills with workplace tasks and job roles

confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments.

Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:

competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace

where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice, with a decision on competency only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's demonstrated ability and applied knowledge

all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence.

Assessment processes and techniques should as far as is practical take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed.

Supplementary evidence of competency may be obtained from relevant authenticated documentation from third parties, such as existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.

Required skills

communication skills to:

access information

determine requirements

enable clear and direct communication, using questioning to identify and confirm requirements, share information, listen and understand

follow instructions

use language and concepts appropriate to cultural differences

use and interpret non-verbal communication, such as hand signals

initiative and enterprise skills to identify and report to appropriate personnel any faults in tools, equipment or materials

literacy skills to:

complete workplace documentation

read and interpret:

plans and specifications

documentation from a variety of sources

record material quantities

numeracy skills to apply measurements and calculations

planning and organising skills to:

plan and sequence tasks with others

plan and set out work

teamwork skills to work with others to action tasks and relate to people from a range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with varying physical and mental abilities

technical skills to:

prepare surfaces in line with the material selected and the chosen weld technique

fusion welding, visual inspection and testing joints in approved polymer pipes up to DN100

technology skills to:

access and understand site-specific instructions in a variety of media

use mobile communication technology

Required knowledge

dangers associated with fusion welding of polymer pipe

effect of heat on the properties of polymer pipe

job safety analysis (JSA) and safe work method statements (SWMS)

operating principles of fusion welding equipment

organisational quality procedures and processes within the context of fusion welding of polymer pipe

relevant WHS regulations and PPE requirements

SI system of measurement

surface preparation in the welding process

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.

Work health and safety is to be according to commonwealth, state and territory legislation and regulations and may include:

handling of materials

hazard control

hazardous materials and substances

personal protective clothing and equipment prescribed under legislation, regulations and workplace policies and practices

safe operating procedures, including recognising and preventing hazards associated with:

dangerous materials

electricity

surrounding structure and facilities

trip hazards

use of polymer pipe welding equipment

work site visitors and the public

working in confined spaces

working in proximity to others

use of firefighting equipment

use of first aid equipment

use of tools and equipment

workplace environment and safety.

Environmental requirements cover:

air pollution precautions

clean-up protection

waste management.

Quality assurance requirements may include:

Environment Protection Authority (EPA)

environmental policy

commonwealth, state or territory, and local authorities administering applicable Acts, regulations and codes of practice

industry guidelines

internal company quality assurance policy and risk management strategy

International Standards Organisation

statutory requirements

site safety plan

workplace operations and procedures.

Tools and equipment may include:

approved polymer welding equipment

approved surface preparation equipment and material

hand and power tools

measuring equipment.

Materials may include:

polyethylene

polypropylene

polybutylene.

Sustainability principles and concepts:

cover the current and future social, economic and environmental use of resources

may include:

appropriate material selection to ensure minimal environmental impact

efficient use and recycling of material

efficient energy usage

disposing of waste material to ensure minimal environmental impact.

Welding requirements may include:

identifying pipe diameters

identifying welding machine type and operating data

materials and pipes supplied being compatible for welding from specifications

preparation according to pipe manufacturer specifications

welding temperature, welding time and cooling time according to manufacturer specifications.

Information may include:

charts and hand drawings

instructions issued by authorised organisational or external personnel

manufacturer specifications and instructions

material safety data sheets (MSDS)

memos

organisation work specifications and requirements

plans and sketches

regulatory and legislative requirements, particularly those pertaining to:

WHS and environmental requirements

plumbing regulations

relevant Australian standards

safe work procedures relating to the fusion welding of approved polymer pipes

signage

verbal, written and graphical instructions

work bulletins

work schedules, plans and specifications.