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 pre-treat common ferrous and non-ferrous materials. 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 pre-treating common ferrous and non-ferrous materials 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

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

reading and following routine and familiar information on standard operating procedures

recognising common surface soils and conditions from given samples

carrying out appropriate pre-treatment processes

monitoring and maintaining the pre-treatment process parameters within specified limits

following verbal instructions

orally reporting routine information

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

characteristics of common metals, alloys and non-metals and procedures and techniques for identifying them

common surface soils and conditions

procedures for identifying the type(s) of soil on surfaces to be finished

simple tests that can be used to assist in identifying surface soils and conditions

pre-treatment processes applicable to a range of materials, surface soils and conditions

procedures for carrying out pre-treatment processes

parameters and procedures for monitoring pre-treatment processes

hazards and control measures associated with pre-treatment

use and application of personal protective equipment

safe work practices and procedures

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.

Common metals

Steel, copper, brass, zinc, cast iron, stainless steel

Surface soils and conditions

Oils, greases, drawing compounds, cutting lubricants, buffing lubricants, rust and scale

Pre-treatment processes

Solvent degreasing, alkaline cleaning, pickling, acid dipping

Process parameters

Temperature, time, currents, solution concentrate