Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 4:57 AM AWST
23/07/2026 4:57 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Tap furnaces
Tap furnaces
Unit of competency
National Code
RIIPSM201A
RIIPSM201A
State Code
WB478
WB478
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
22/06/2010
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
22/06/2010
Nominal Hours
50
Description
This unit covers the tapping of furnaces in the metalliferous mining industries industry. It includes preparing for furnace tapping, tapping molten metal from furnaces, completing the tapping process, and maintaining tapping equipment. Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements that apply to this unit can vary between states, territories, and industry sectors. Relevant information must be sourced prior to application of the unit.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for furnace tapping
- 1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to the work activity
- 1.2. Establish and maintain communication with other personnel using approved communication methods
- 1.3. Select personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities
- 1.4. Identify, address and report potential risks and hazards
- 1.5. Identify, address and report environmental issues
- 1.6. Follow emergency procedures to ensure safety of personnel and plant
- 1.7. Use approved dust suppression and extraction methods
- 1.8. Ventilate work area before entry
- 1.9. Check availability and operational readiness of all tools and equipment required for tapping
- 1.10. Set up equipment ready for tapping to standard work procedures
- 1.11. Correctly position holding vessels/ladles in readiness to receive molten metal and slag
2. Tap molten metal from furnace
- 2.1. Carry out plant and equipment start-up checks and procedures according to plant/equipment configurations and system requirements
- 2.2. Drill, or make tap hole with oxy lance, and establish molten metal flow
- 2.3. Ignite burners and correctly apply to ensure molten metal does not solidify
- 2.4. Identify and control interference with molten metal flow to ensure quality and production targets
- 2.5. Take samples at appropriate bath heights for metallurgical testing to quality requirements
3. Complete tapping process
- 3.1. Insert and secure tap-hole seal to stop molten metal flow
- 3.2. Clean and clear tapping area of potential safety hazards
- 3.3. Clean and stow all tools and equipment in readiness for next tapping operation
- 3.4. Pass on shift changeover details to oncoming shift
4. Maintain tapping equipment
- 4.1. Obtain and/or manufacture tap-hole seals to specification
- 4.2. Replace temperature monitoring equipment to furnace safety and operational parameters
- 4.3. Remove and install tapping blocks to furnace safety and operational parameters
- 4.4. Provide support for maintenance personnel when required to organisation's requirements
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.
Relevant compliance documentation may include:
legislative, organisational and site requirements and procedures
manufacturer's guidelines and specifications
Australian standards
Employment and workplace relations legislation
Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation
Legislation may include Acts and regulations dealing with:
mining safety and health
mine inspection
OHS
explosives
environment
Personal protective equipment may include:
helmet
safety footwear
hearing protection
gloves
eye/face protection
respiratory protection
heat resistant clothing
Hazards may include:
cranes
molten metal
hot materials
noise
air pollution
sharp objects
moving machinery
heights
falling objects
hot gases
Environmental issues may include:
drainage
dust (dump)
emissions
hazardous chemicals
noise
recycling
run-off
spills
waste management and disposal
water quality
Equipment and plant cleaning methods may include:
degreasing
forced air
sweeping
Equipment indicator readings may include:
current
flow
level
pressure
speed
unusual noise
vibration
Start-up checks and procedures may include:
availability of equipment
detection of conditions that are unusual
job requirements
levels
communications
interlocks
distribution control system
launders
hydraulic systems
pumps and pumping systems
pipes and flanges
drive belts
valves
visual and audible warning devices and lights
suppression systems
Burners may be:
diesel
natural gas
Furnaces may be:
fixed - vertical/cylindrical
rotary - vertical/cylindrical
Furnace problems may include:
temperatures too high or too low
level in furnace too high or low
metal splashes
feed not to specification
foaming
solidification
un-burnt feed
contamination (e.g. ceramics, bricks)
poor metallurgical conditions
poor feed mix
poor feed moisture control
Maintenance may include:
lubrication
minor adjustments to operational plant
cleaning plant, equipment and work area
installation/removal of devices
making furnace accessories
Services may include:
electricity
air
cooling water
potable water
gas
diesel
Fault and variances may occur in:
product
plant
equipment
Relevant compliance documentation may include:
legislative, organisational and site requirements and procedures
manufacturer's guidelines and specifications
Australian standards
Employment and workplace relations legislation
Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation
Legislation may include Acts and regulations dealing with:
mining safety and health
mine inspection
OHS
explosives
environment
Personal protective equipment may include:
helmet
safety footwear
hearing protection
gloves
eye/face protection
respiratory protection
heat resistant clothing
Hazards may include:
cranes
molten metal
hot materials
noise
air pollution
sharp objects
moving machinery
heights
falling objects
hot gases
Environmental issues may include:
drainage
dust (dump)
emissions
hazardous chemicals
noise
recycling
run-off
spills
waste management and disposal
water quality
Equipment and plant cleaning methods may include:
degreasing
forced air
sweeping
Equipment indicator readings may include:
current
flow
level
pressure
speed
unusual noise
vibration
Start-up checks and procedures may include:
availability of equipment
detection of conditions that are unusual
job requirements
levels
communications
interlocks
distribution control system
launders
hydraulic systems
pumps and pumping systems
pipes and flanges
drive belts
valves
visual and audible warning devices and lights
suppression systems
Burners may be:
diesel
natural gas
Furnaces may be:
fixed - vertical/cylindrical
rotary - vertical/cylindrical
Furnace problems may include:
temperatures too high or too low
level in furnace too high or low
metal splashes
feed not to specification
foaming
solidification
un-burnt feed
contamination (e.g. ceramics, bricks)
poor metallurgical conditions
poor feed mix
poor feed moisture control
Maintenance may include:
lubrication
minor adjustments to operational plant
cleaning plant, equipment and work area
installation/removal of devices
making furnace accessories
Services may include:
electricity
air
cooling water
potable water
gas
diesel
Fault and variances may occur in:
product
plant
equipment
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
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:
knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions for tapping furnaces
implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of furnace tapping
working with others to undertake and complete the furnace tapping in a way that meets all of the required outcomes
consistent timely completion of furnace tapping that safely, effectively and efficiently meets the required outcomes
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment. Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in a resources and infrastructure sector environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to the site circumstances.
The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.
Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity.
Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues.
Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities. Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.
Method of assessment
This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods:
written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge
observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:
implementation of appropriate requirement, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes
consistent achievement of required outcomes
first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:
working with others to undertake and complete the furnace tapping
Guidance information for assessment
Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:
knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions for tapping furnaces
implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of furnace tapping
working with others to undertake and complete the furnace tapping in a way that meets all of the required outcomes
consistent timely completion of furnace tapping that safely, effectively and efficiently meets the required outcomes
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment. Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in a resources and infrastructure sector environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to the site circumstances.
The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.
Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity.
Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues.
Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities. Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.
Method of assessment
This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods:
written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge
observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:
implementation of appropriate requirement, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes
consistent achievement of required outcomes
first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:
working with others to undertake and complete the furnace tapping
Guidance information for assessment
Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| W2440 | MNMPSM207A | Tap furnaces | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WH604 | RIIPSM201D | Tap furnaces | Unit of competency |