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 set up basic hydraulic circuits and verify outcomes.

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. Where assessment occurs off the job, i.e. the candidate is not in productive work, an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered 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 setting up basic hydraulic circuits, 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 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:

interpreting simple hydraulic circuit drawings

testing operation of simple hydraulic circuits

assessing performance

documenting circuit specifications and test results

applying fluid power principles

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

fluid power:

definition of the term fluid power

differences between pneumatic and hydraulic systems

advantages and disadvantages of fluid power compared with mechanical and electric power systems

safety procedures when working with fluid power equipment

basic properties of fluids

selection and suitability for different applications

basic properties and units - mass, volume, density, specific volume, relative density, force and weight, pressure (absolute, atmospheric and gauge), temperature (celsius and kelvin), viscosity, surface tension

introduction to temperature and pressure effects on the basic properties and applications

precautions to be taken when changing type of fluid in a system

awareness of different components including:

pipes (rigid and flexible)

valves, types and functions

filters and strainers for liquids

gauges and instruments - pressure/temperature gauges, liquid level gauges, thermometers, thermocouples, manometers, piezometers

pipe fittings - elbows/bends, enlargement/contractions, coupler/unions, tees

tanks and vessels - storage tanks, pressure vessels, header and surge tanks, weirs/dams/reservoirs

flow measurement instruments - venturi and orifice meters

pumps, motors/turbines

linear actuators:

types, selection and functions

methods of supporting linear actuators

introduction to calculations related to linear actuators

recognition and drawing of standard symbols

observation and analysis of performance of linear actuators in laboratory circuits

control valves (hydraulic and pneumatic):

directional controls and functions

check valves and functions

pressure controls and functions

flow controls and functions

recognition and drawing of standard symbols for control valves

drawing and analysis of typical circuits containing control valves

observation and analysis of performance of valves in basic circuits

circuit design and analysis (single linear actuator):

drawing and analysis of circuit diagrams containing basic components

setting up and operating circuits on pneumatic and hydraulic benches in a fluid power laboratory

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.

Simple hydraulic circuits

Limited to linear actuators, motors, control valves

Safety procedures

Selecting a suitable fire resistant fluid for a system, given its operating conditions; following required precautions when changing a system from one fluid to another