This unit applies to basic penetrant testing techniques on fabrications, structures and components across a wide range of industries and restricted to basic visible dye and/or process penetrant line methods.

The work can relate to scheduled and unscheduled maintenance activities, using general tools, specific penetrant testing equipment as specified in maintenance documentation, testing procedures or operator instructions.

Actual and potential defects are to be considered, together with ongoing abnormalities in fabrications, components and structures.

Penetrant testing is performed on critical component or structural zones.

All testing must be completed with particular attention to personal safety and OH&S regulations. Certification against Australian standards may be achieved where assessment in this unit of competency is carried out in conjunction with an examining authority as described in ISO 9712.

Materials and chemicals which are subject to codes and regulations - for example, chemicals, explosives, solvents, dangerous materials, acids, or noxious waste products - must be subject to safe work habits and must be stored and used in accordance with safe work practices.

This unit should not be selected when Unit MEM24002B (Perform penetrant testing) has already been selected.

Where power tools are required, Unit MEM18002B (Use power tools/hand held operations) should also be selected.

Band: A

Unit Weight: 2

Path 1

MEM18001C

Use hand tools

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare inspection areas for basic penetrant testing

1.1. Inspection areas are cleaned and prepared for testing using appropriate procedures and materials.

1.2. Preparation processes are carried out in accordance with the relevant procedures and OH&S requirements.

1.3. Inspection areas are visually assessed and obvious discontinuities are identified.

2. Perform basic penetrant testing

2.1. Nominated test is identified from standard operating procedures.

2.2. Test equipment is prepared in accordance with standard operating procedures.

2.3. Test media is selected and applied in accordance with workplace practices and specifications.

2.4. Penetrant test is carried out in accordance with relevant work instructions and OH&S requirements.

2.5. Penetrant testing equipment is maintained and stored in accordance with standard operating procedures and OH&S requirements.

3. Report the results of penetrant test(s)

3.1. Basic indications are checked and defects are identified in accordance with enterprise standards and/or procedures.

3.2. Basic indications are confirmed in accordance with enterprise standards and/or procedures.

3.3. Test results are reported in accordance with enterprise standards and/or procedures.

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

preparing inspection areas

identifying discontinuities

applying procedures

applying test media

applying principles of penetrant testing techniques

identifying defects

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

following oral instructions

entering routine and familiar information onto proformas and standard workplace forms

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

cleaning and preparation processes

precleaning methods and their areas of use - solvents, vapour degrease, etching, detergents, paint removers, mechanical methods

consequences of incorrect preparation

procedures and OH&S requirements in relation to the preparation process

basic concepts and principles of NDT; general terms, purpose of NDT and areas of application of NDT

scope and basic description of test

general properties of penetrants - penetrability, removability, visibility

emulsifier types

developer types

use of standard test panels

established inspection procedures and techniques

types of discontinuities and their consequences

procedure for carrying out penetrant testing

penetrant application

dwell times

penetrant removal

developer application

dry powder

development time

factors affecting indications

non-relevant indications

post-cleaning methods and their areas of use

basic maintenance and storage procedures for testing equipment

OH&S requirements including storage requirements

definition of a defect and common basic defects

methods/procedures for reporting test results

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 basic penetrant testing. 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 performing basic penetrant testing 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.

Preparation processes

Surface cleaning and drying

Obvious discontinuities

Observed changes in material homogeneity

Reported

Accurate identification of location and size of discontinuities

Unit sector

Non-destructive testing

This unit contains employability skills.