Elements and Performance Criteria

RANGE STATEMENT
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.
Codes of practice/standards
Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, it is expected the latest version will be used.
Sources of information
Reference texts
Manufacturer's catalogues and industrial magazines
Websites
Use of phone, email and fax information gathering
Furnace operation includes
Classification of fuels
Carbonisation of coal
Properties of coke
Gaseous Fuels
Electrical energy
Heat balances
Controlled atmospheres
Temperature measurement
Combustion calculations
Refractories
Types of furnances and typical construction
Typical burners and their use in furnaces
Exhaust gas analysis for oil and gas fired furnaces
Metallurgical techniques and principles
Includes applying metallurgical techniques and principles for:
the prediction and analysis of the properties and metals and alloys undergoing:
Smelting
Refining
Casting
Heat treating or forging in a furnace to produce commercial metal products or to develop new alloys and processes
Calculation of furnace capacity, temperature range and refractory specification to achieve melting
Development of heat treatment or forging solutions for specified metals and alloys
Commercial production forecasts

EVIDENCE GUIDE
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the 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
apply metallurgy principles and practice to optimise furnace operation.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence are required to demonstrate competency in this unit.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the ability to:
identify and predict the reaction of metals, alloys, non metallic elements, compounds and mixtures to heat;
identify the capacity and heating range of different types of furnaces;
identify refractories appropriate for furnace and application
Relationship to other units
This unit may be assessed concurrently with other relevant units.
Assessment method and context
Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole, as defined by the elements, performance criteria, skills and knowledge. A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.
Assessors should gather sufficient, fair, valid, reliable, authentic and current evidence from a range of sources. Sources of evidence may include direct observation, reports from supervisors, peers and colleagues, project work, samples, organisation records and questioning. Assessment should not require language, literacy or numeracy skills beyond those required for the unit.
The assessee will have access to all techniques, procedures, information, resources and aids which would normally be available in the workplace. The method of assessment should be discussed and agreed with the assessee prior to the commencement of assessment.
Resource implications
This section should be read in conjunction with the range of variables for this unit of competency. Resources required include suitable access to an operating plant or equipment that allows for appropriate and realistic simulation. A bank of case studies/scenarios and questions will also be required to the extent that they form part of the assessment method. Questioning may take place either in the workplace, or in an adjacent, quiet facility such as an office or lunchroom. No other special resources are required.