SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Remove material with the shields metal arc gouging process 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
14695  Remove material with the shields metal arc gouging process 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Welding 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is for a learner within the fabrication and welding fields
A person credited with this unit standard is capable of:
  • Describe and assemble the air-carbon arc gouging equipment
  • Select, assemble and conduct pre operational checks on air-carbon arc gouging equipment
  • Gouge workpieces
  • Inspect gouged work pieces
  • Care and store gouging consumables and equipment
    This unit standard will contribute to the full development of any learner by providing recognition, further mobility and transportability within the field. The knowledge, skills and understanding demonstrated in this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and upliftment within the fabrication and welding environment. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    National Certificate in Welding Application and Practice NQF level 2 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Scope:
    Range of materials used is:
  • Low and medium carbon steel (over 6mm thick)

    Context
  • All work undertaken must comply with Occupational Health and Safety Act
  • All work done must comply with worksite practices
  • All work done under limited supervision

    Level
    Level (for level 3)
    A learning programme leading to the award of this unit standard should develop learners who demonstrate:
    (a) A range of well-developed skills
    (b) An ability to offer a significant choice of procedures
    (c) Some relevant theoretical knowledge
    (d) An ability to interpret available information
    (e) An ability to respond to familiar problems
    (f) An ability to function with significant responsibility 

  • Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Interpret the fundamental principles of the shielded metal arc gouging process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Explain the working principles of the shielded metal arc gouging process and methods of application 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Describe potential gouging hazards and measures taken to eliminate, minimise or isolate such hazards 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Gouging terminology and definitions used are consistent with accepted international standards 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Be knowledgeable with regard to the process limitations (suitable for horizontal and down hand positions)
  • Hazards to be identified include toxic fumes, arc radiation, fire hazards and electrical shocks)
     

  • SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Identify, select and set up gouging equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Identify and select tools, equipment and consumables in accordance to job requirements 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Equipment is prepared and set up in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines and the implications of incorrect set up procedures are explained 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Conduct pre-operational checks in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines and worksite procedures 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Power source selection in accordance to gouging consumable specifications and job requirements (sufficient current output range, adequate open circuit voltage an duty cycle)
  • Unsafe and defective tools and equipment to be handled in accordance to worksite procedures
  • Gouging consumables are identified in accordance to international identification
  • Current type, current settings and polarity selection on power source to be done according to gouging consumable specifications
     

  • SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Gouge material. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Material preparation is conducted according to worksite procedures 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Metal is removed by gouging as per job specification and worksite specification 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Material is cleaned after gouging in accordance to job specifications 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Gouged areas are inspected to ensure that quality standards are attained as stipulated in job specifications 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Material to be gouged: Low carbon steel
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Anticipate, identify and solve problems to the gouging process 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Inspection methods and procedures selected are conducive to job requirements 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Inspection methods and procedures may Include visual inspection and non-destructive inspection by means of liquid penetrant equipment
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Care and store gouging consumables and equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Tools and equipment care for as per worksite practices 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Tools and equipment stored to conform to worksite practices and procedures 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Gouging consumables stored in accordance with worksite practices and procedures 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Caring and storage procedures include sound housekeeping procedures
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The consequences of inadequate caring and storage procedures for equipment, tools and consumables are explained 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard, must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA

    Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited in terms of the criteria laid down by the relevant ETQA.

    Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    1. Names & functions of:
  • Types of electrodes
  • Types of nozzles
  • Equipment
  • Personal protective equipment
    2. Attributes, descriptions, characteristics & properties:
  • Types of metals
  • Features of oxy-fuel gas and air-carbon arc
  • Gouging defects and their causes
  • Gouging parameters
  • Consumables
  • Hazards
  • Different sizes and types of electrodes
    3. Sensory cues
  • Sound of escaping gas indicating leaks
  • Smell indicating gas leaks
  • Smell indicating overheating equipment
    4. Purpose of:
  • Specific worksite safety practices
  • Use and care of appropriate personal protective equipment
  • Pressure regulators
  • Maintenance of nozzles
  • Quality control measures
  • Safety checks
  • Preparation of materials
  • Selection of appropriate consumables
    5. Processes, events, causes and effects, implications:
  • Causes of hazards
  • mplications of ignoring gouging defects
  • Implications of unsafe work practices
  • Implications of not preparing workpiece before gouging
  • Effect on gouge quality of incorrect gouging parameters
    6. Procedures and techniques
  • Set up procedures for gouging equipment
  • Methods of safe and efficient positioning and support
  • Safety procedures
  • Quality procedures
  • Recording and reporting procedures
    7. Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards
  • Company quality standards
  • Applicable safety, health and environmental protection legislation and standards
    8. Theory: rules, principles, laws
  • Basic principles of oxy-fuel gas and air carbon arc processes
  • Safety rules
    9. Relationships, systems:
  • Relationship of oxy-fuel and air-carbon arc processes to gouging of materials. 

  • UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems
  • Recognise problems while gouging metals and respond appropriately
  • Recognise and correct defects 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work together with others
  • Contribute to workgroup efforts 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage myself and my activities
  • Plan sequence of operations based on job instructions and set up equipment appropriately 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information
  • Visual examination of gouges for defects 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively
  • Record information on outcome of work and provide feedback to appropriate personnel 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically
  • Understanding of oxy-fuel and air-carbon arc processes 

  • UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems
  • Relationship between gouging electrode and depth of gouge 

  • UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard may be obtained through RPL. The learner should be thoroughly briefed on the mechanism to be used and support and guidance should be provided. Care should be taken that the mechanism used provides the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence and is not so onerous as to prevent learners from taking up the RPL option towards gaining a qualification.

    Assessment Tools
    These tools may include the following:
  • In-situ (on-the-job) observations
  • Role-play simulations
  • Structured group discussions
  • Written reports (e.g. tests, exams, case studies, projects, registers, logbooks, workbooks)
  • Verbal report backs (presentations)
  • Portfolios of evidence
  • Projects
  • Experiential learning
  • Working in teams

    Supplementary Material

    Notes to assessors:

    Assessors should keep the following general principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgements should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.
  • The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the candidate can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent.

    Suplementary Material

    Resource material as registered by NSB 06 and accredited by relevant
    ETQA

    Definition of Terms:

    Terms have been clarified as far as possible through the use of range statements. 

  • QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  58720   National Certificate: Engineering Fabrication  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  57886   National Certificate: Welding Application and Practice  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  24213   National Certificate: Welding Application and Practice  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered" 
    2006-12-03  MERSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 



    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.