This unit applies to manual, straight line cutting standards. Manual or automatic processes are used to cut and heat to specifications. Cutting may include flame gouging by hand. All work is carried out to legislative and regulatory requirements. Predetermined standards of quality and safety are observed and work is carried out following standard operating procedures.

Band: A

Unit Weight: 2

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Assemble/disassemble plant and equipment

1.1. Accessories and equipment are correctly selected and assembled for manual heating and thermal cutting.

2. Operate heating and thermal cutting equipment

2.1. Cutting process and/or procedure appropriate for material is selected.

2.2. All safety procedures are observed.

2.3. Equipment start-up procedures are followed correctly to standard operating procedures.

2.4. Equipment adjustments are made correctly using standard operating procedures.

2.5. Appropriate cutting allowances are made.

2.6. Material is used in the most economical way.

2.7. Defects are identified and corrective action is taken to standard operating procedures.

2.8. Material is heated and cut to specification.

2.9. Shape/size/length is to accepted workplace standards.

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

performing pre-start checks

safely starting equipment

following standard operating procedures

adjusting equipment to operating specifications

making cutting allowances

economising material and minimising wastage

identifying cutting defects and taking corrective action

heating and cutting materials to specifications

reading and interpreting routine information on written job instructions, specifications and standard operating procedures. May include drawings

following oral instructions

performing measurements needed to meet the requirements of this unit

entering routine and familiar information onto proformas and standard workplace forms

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

cutting processes appropriate to various materials

heating and cutting specifications

procedures for heating and cutting

the tools, equipment and techniques for heating and cutting

assembling procedures for equipment and accessories

hazards and control measures associated with manual heating and thermal cutting

use and application of personal protective clothing and equipment

equipment pre-checks and operation

procedures for adjusting heating and cutting equipment

cutting allowances and reasons for applying them

procedures for minimising waste material

reasons for minimising waste material

cutting defects and their causes

procedures for correcting cutting defects

tools, equipment and techniques required to correct cutting defects

use and application of personal protective equipment

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 perform manual heating and thermal cutting.

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 manual heating/thermal 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. Questions should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit. 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.

Cutting

Use of hand held and self-propelled straight line cutters

Process

Fuel gas, oxy fuel gas and air fuel gas

Material

Various thicknesses and types including ferrous, non-ferrous and non-metallic materials

Unit sector

Fabrication

This unit contains employability skills.