Elements and Performance Criteria

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.
Work environment
Work environment may include, but is not limited to:
restricted spaces
exposed conditions
controlled or open environments
Pre-site preparations
Pre-site preparations may include, but are not limited to:
checking all required equipment and materials
identifying required personal protective equipment
loading all requirements for the job
Materials to be joined
Materials to be joined may include, but are not limited to:
common steel
copper-clad steel
Columbium
Niobium
brass
wrought iron
stainless steel
cast iron
galvanised and bethanised steel
bronze
silicon bronze
Assessment of weld locations
Assessment of weld locations may include, but are not limited to:
proximity to existing welds or repairs
substrate integrity issues
preparation of pre-qualification samples
Weld consumables
Weld consumables may include, but are not limited to:
aluminothermic powder
starting powder
metallic disc
Equipment
Equipment may include, but is not limited to:
mould
lute (sealant)
ignition source
handle clamps
wire brush
mould scraper
gas pre-heating/cutting equipment
Personal protective equipment
Personal protective equipment may include, but is not limited to:
high visibility clothing
fire retardant overalls or long sleeved shirts and long pants
hearing protection
gauntlet type gloves
welding goggles
safety glasses
safety headwear
safety footwear
portable radios/mobile phones
other safety devices
Procedures and codes
Procedures and codes may include, but are not limited to:
relevant state/territory OHS legislation together with any nationally approved compliance codes and/or guidelines
relevant state/territory environmental protection requirements
legislation
relevant fire regulations

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 carry out and apply the principles of the aluminothermic welding process and associated equipment, applications and procedures, outlining the main phases and operations, including safety aspects.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Method of assessment
This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with carrying out aluminothermic welding or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.