Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 2:46 PM AWST

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Perform fire pouring techniques

Perform fire pouring techniques

Unit of competency
National Code
MSL973023
State Code
OAC83
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
20/07/2018
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
29/11/2018
Field of Education
019909 - Laboratory Technology
Original Release Date
29/11/2018
Nominal Hours
45
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to follow standard procedures for extracting precious metals from their host matrices in readiness for analysis. Fire pourers are expected to handle routine samples, recognise common sample preparation and cupellation problems and make standard adjustments to fluxes and firings. They are expected to seek advice from their supervisor when non-routine problems arise.This unit of competency applies to laboratory personnel working in the mineral assay industry sector.No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Plan work for shift
  • 1.1 Review job requests to identify the samples, preparation methods required for each, and shift priorities
  • 1.2 Identify hazards, safety equipment/procedures associated with samples, preparation methods, reagents and equipment
  • 1.3 Plan parallel work sequences to optimise the throughput of multiple sets of samples during shift
  • 1.4 Assemble all required equipment, materials, reagents and check they are fit for purpose
  • 1.5 Check pots and cupels and discard those with faults and/or a record of high gold values
  • 1.6 Check that fusion and muffle furnaces are operating at the specified temperatures
2 Prepare sample racks for fusion
  • 2.1 Check samples against accompanying documentation and record/report any discrepancies
  • 2.2 Conduct simple visual/chemical tests for each sample to assess the adequacy of prior sample preparation and possible presence of sulphides or other mineralogy
  • 2.3 Weigh out the recommended amount of sample and add specified identifier to maintain orientation, as necessary
  • 2.4 Weigh out flux components, mix thoroughly with the sample charge and transfer to recommended type and size of pot without loss of material
  • 2.5 Place pots in racks
  • 2.6 Record all required details of sample preparation to ensure traceability of samples
  • 2.7 Seek advice to deal with any situation beyond scope of responsibility or knowledge
3 Obtain acceptable buttons and prills
  • 3.1 Maintain sequencing in order to track samples, buttons and prills throughout the recovery process
  • 3.2 Monitor furnace temperature/time to ensure complete sample fusion
  • 3.3 Remove fused samples from furnace and pour into moulds with minimal loss of material
  • 3.4 Recognise the need for repeat firings due to lead shotting and/or poor fusions
  • 3.5 Separate slag and button with minimal loss of collector
  • 3.6 Inspect buttons for matte, brittleness, size and malformed shape
  • 3.7 Place acceptable buttons in muffle furnace using cupels that have been previously loaded and preheated
  • 3.8 Regularly monitor furnace temperature/time/air flow to ensure efficient cupellation
  • 3.9 Recover prills, check identifiers and inspect for contamination, losses and evidence of other precious metals (e.g. high gold, Platinum and Palladium)
  • 3.10 Complete and collate sample records before presenting prills for analysis
4 Troubleshoot and correct common recovery failures
  • 4.1 Monitor all stages of recovery for indicators of potential loss
  • 4.2 Recognise undesirable recovery conditions and decide whether the process requires correction
  • 4.3 Apply an established corrective action and restart the process
  • 4.4 Document any adjustments made to standard methods and re-sequencing of samples
  • 4.5 Seek advice when problems are beyond scope of responsibility or knowledge
5 Perform daily maintenance of assay equipment
  • 5.1 Grade and inspect pots using established criteria prior to storage for re-use
  • 5.2 Report defective equipment and consumable requirements to appropriate personnel
6 Maintain a safe work environment
  • 6.1 Use safe work procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of others
  • 6.2 Minimise the release of collectors to the work environment
  • 6.3 Segregate and dispose of waste in accordance with workplace requirements
No information
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Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AWO13 MSL973011 Perform fire pouring techniques Unit of competency