Elements and Performance Criteria

The range statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables and scope cater for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge between States, Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. The range statement relates to the unit as a whole and provides a focus for assessment. Text in italics in the performance criteria is explained here.
The following variables may be present and may include, but are not limited to, the examples listed under the scope. All work is undertaken to relevant legislative requirements, where applicable
Variable
Scope
Principles and methods for fusion welding of steel
MMAW
SAW
GMAW
GTAW
FCAW
Defects in weldments
Cracks, lack of fusion, cavities, imperfect shape, solid inclusions, miscellaneous
Defects in metal castings
Shrinkage cavities, hot tears, cold cracks, gas holes
Principles and methods used to produce steel forgings
Deformations, strengthening mechanisms, annealing
Principles of mechanical testing
Impact, tensile, hardness testing

The evidence guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the unit descriptor, performance criteria, range statement and the assessment guidelines for the Metal and Engineering Training Package
Overview of assessment requirements
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to apply metallurgy principles. Competency in this unit cannot be claimed until all prerequisites have been satisfied.
Context of 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.
Interdependent assessment
This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with applying basic metallurgy principles as related to non-destructive testing techniques, 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.
Consistency of performance
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.
Required skills
Look for evidence that confirms skills in:
research
understanding and applying metallurgy principles
Required knowledge
Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:
principles of solidification and crystal structures in metal:
classification of materials
structure of atoms
process of solidification
crystal structures
defects formed during solidification
modification of crystal structure
heat treatment processes
defects formed during heat treatment
meaning of equilibrium diagrams representative of a range of metals including aluminium and steel:
alloy systems
solid and liquid solubility
basic equilibrium diagrams
equilibrium diagrams for common alloys
principles of fusion welding in relation to NDT testing
defects in fusion welding:
processing defects
grinding cracks
pickling cracks
heat treatment cracks
service defects
fatigue cracks
corrosion and stress corrosion cracks
principles of the formation of castings
defects in castings
principles of steel forging
defects in steel forging
principles of mechanical testing:
mechanical testing
tensile testing
impact testing
hardness testing
fatigue testing
other tests