This unit applies to sawing, shearing, cropping and/or holing and includes setting up and operating a range of equipment. Examples of machines that could be covered include guillotines, croppers, cold saws, band saws, automatic saws etc. Typical applications of this unit may include cutting for manufacture, production cutting and cutting of materials selected from stores in a maintenance environment.

This unit does not cover hand or hand held power tools used for cutting e.g. circular saws, nibblers and side grinder. These skills are covered by Unit MEM18001C (Use hand tools) and Unit MEM18002B (Use power tools/hand held operations).

This unit does not include the skills required for operational maintenance of the equipment used; these skills are covered by Unit MEM07001B (Perform operational maintenance of machines/equipment).

For repair and welding of band saw blades where blade repair unit is not attached to the machine, refer to Unit MEM05013C (Perform manual production welding).

Band: A

Unit Weight: 2

Path 1

MEM12023A

Perform engineering measurements

MEM18001C

Use hand tools

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Determine job requirements

1.1. Job requirements and specifications are determined from job sheets and/or instructions.

1.2. Appropriate method/machine is selected to meet specifications.

1.3. Machine is loaded and adjusted for operation consistent with standard operating procedures.

2. Select/set up machine tooling

2.1. Tooling is selected to match job requirements.

2.2. Tooling is correctly installed using standard operating procedures.

2.3. Machine is set up and adjusted using standard operating procedures.

3. Operate mechanical cutting machine

3.1. Appropriate stops and guards are set and adjusted as required.

3.2. Material is secured and correctly positioned using measuring equipment as necessary.

3.3. Machine is started and stopped safely to standard operating procedures.

3.4. Machine is operated to cut/hole material to specifications using standard operating procedures.

4. Check material for conformance to specification

4.1. Material is checked against specification. Machine and/or tooling is adjusted as required and in process adjustments carried out as necessary.

4.2. Material is cut and/or holed to within workplace tolerances.

4.3. Material is used in most economical way.

4.4. Codes and standards are observed.

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

loading and adjusting cutting machines

selecting machines and tooling

installing cutting tool

setting up and adjusting cutting machine

securing and correctly positioning materials

cutting and holing materials

applying relevant codes and standards

reading and interpreting routine information on written job instructions, specifications and standard operating procedures

following oral instruction

measuring materials to specified workplace tolerances and within the machine range

clarifying routine task-related information

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

the characteristics of cutting methods and machines

effect of materials on the machine tooling, tooling defects and adjustments

effect of adjustments on the dimensions of the cut material

applicable tolerances

methods of marking out materials to ensure minimum wastage

any applicable industry standards, national/Australian standards, NOHSC guides, State/Territory regulatory codes of practice/standard

use and application of personal protective equipment for mechanical cutting

safe work practices and procedures

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 carry out mechanical cutting on a range of machines. 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 carrying out mechanical cutting 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

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.

Machine

Guillotines, croppers, cold saws, band saws, automatic saws etc.

Tooling

Tooling to suit guillotines, croppers, cold saws, band saws, automatic saws etc.

Stops and guards

All safety equipment/stops/guards on guillotines, croppers, cold saws, band saws, automatic saws etc.

Material

Ferrous and non-ferrous metals and non-metallic products

Codes and standards

Legislative and regulatory requirements, industry and enterprise codes and standards

Unit sector

Fabrication

This unit contains employability skills.