Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:29 PM 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.

Operate melting furnaces

Operate melting furnaces

Unit of competency
National Code
MEM04001B
State Code
W5284
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
01/12/2005
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
05/09/2013
Field of Education
030713 - Metal Casting And Patternmaking
Original Release Date
05/09/2013
Nominal Hours
36
Description
This unit covers operating a metal melting furnace.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Select materials
  • 1.1. Requisitions are completed as required according to standard operating procedures.
  • 1.2. Charge analysis is undertaken in accordance with standard operating procedures.
  • 1.3. The charge analysis is converted to furnace charge weight using standard operating procedures.
  • 1.4. Charge is weighed according to standard operating procedures.
2. Start up furnace
  • 2.1. Furnace is inspected for any defects or damage.
  • 2.2. Routine operational maintenance of furnace is undertaken to standard operating procedures.
  • 2.3. Furnace is started up to standard operating procedures.
  • 2.4. Faults are reported according to standard operating procedures.
3. Charge furnace
  • 3.1. Emergency/safety procedures are identified and followed as necessary.
  • 3.2. Materials are pre-heated if required according to standard operating procedures.
  • 3.3. Materials are charged into furnace using standard operating procedures.
  • 3.4. Suitable areas for emergency unloading of molten metal are identified and kept available.
4. Monitor furnace
  • 4.1. Furnace is maintained at optimum operating condition to standard operating procedures.
  • 4.2. Sample for chemical analysis is taken and remedial action is applied as required to standard operating procedures.
  • 4.3. Furnace is drossed and/or degassed to standard operating procedures.
  • 4.4. Temperature of metal is checked and adjustment made if necessary.
5. Tap or unload the furnace
  • 5.1. Quantity of the required metal is identified.
  • 5.2. Tap rate is carried out to standard operating procedures.
  • 5.3. Tapping or unloading is undertaken and completed safely according to standard operating procedures.
6. Shut down furnace
  • 6.1. Shut-down of furnace is completed to standard operating procedures.
  • 6.2. Routine operational maintenance of furnace is undertaken to standard operating procedures.
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.
Furnace
Singular or multi, coke, oil, gas fired or electric induction, arc and resistance furnaces
Operational maintenance
Routine lubrication, cleaning, routine repair/repointing of refractory
EVIDENCE GUIDE
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 operate a melting furnace. Competency in this unit cannot be claimed until all prerequisites have been satisfied.
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 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.
This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with operating melting furnaces 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.
Guidance information for assessment
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OAX34 MEM04001 Operate melting furnaces Unit of competency