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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Weld carbon steel workpieces using the gas metal arc welding process in the down-hand position

SAQA US ID	UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243066	Weld carbon steel workpieces using the gas metal arc welding process in the down-hand position
ORIGINATOR
SGB Welding
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-
FIELD			SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology			Engineering and Related Design
ABET BAND	UNIT STANDARD TYPE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	CREDITS
Undefined	Regular	Level 2	NQF Level 02	8
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 replaces:

US ID	Unit Standard Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Credits	Replacement Status
12249	Weld workpieces with the gas metal arch welding process in the down-hand position	Level 2	NQF Level 02	12

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:

Describing the gas metal arc welding process and related equipment.

Selecting, setting up and conducting pre-operational checks of gas metal arc welding equipment.

Preparing workpieces prior to welding.

Welding workpieces.

Inspecting welded workpiece for defects in compliance with drawing specifications.

Caring for and storing welding 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

Abet level 4 (Numeracy and literacy) or equivalent

SAQA Lo/06

SAQA Com/001

SAQA Com/003

SAQA Com/004

SAQA Unit Math 001

SAQA Unit math 002

SAQA Unit Math 007

SAQA Unit Math 013

Worksite practices

Prepare workpieces for welding

UNIT STANDARD RANGE

Scope:

Material type to be used: May be selected from the range of carbon steels (plate only), applicable to the material groups 1, 2, 3 or 11 [according to ISO (TR) 15608).

Material thickness: Minimum - 1,6mm.

Context:

All work undertaken must comply with Occupational Health and Safety Act.

All work done must comply with worksite practices.

All work done under consistent supervision.

Level:
Level (for level 2)

A learning programme leading to the award of this unit standard should develop learners who demonstrate:

Ability to carry out moderate tasks that are familiar.

Ability to offer a clear choice of routine responses.

Basic operational knowledge base as indicated in the embedded knowledge component and that are readily available.

An understanding of known solutions to familiar problems with little generation of new ideas.

Ability to work under direct supervision with some responsibility.

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria:

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1

Describe the gas metal arc welding process and related equipment.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

The importance of correct assembly of the gas metal arc welding equipment, and the consequences of incorrect assembly, are explained with reference to the manufacturer's requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Basic and major components of the gas metal arc welding equipment are identified and the explanation of function and purpose is correct in terms of manufacturer's requirements and standards.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Parts and equipment are correctly identified and the implications of the incorrect identification of parts are explained.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Terms and definitions used are consistent with generally accepted welding terminology as recorded in international welding standards.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Suitable power source, wire-feeder, shielding gas, regulator, flow-meter, materials as specified on drawings and weld filler material, according to welding procedure specifications.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2

Select, assemble and conduct pre-operational checks of gas metal arc welding equipment.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Identification and selection of gas metal arc welding equipment as specified according to work-site practices and manufacturer's specifications.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Identification and rectification of hazards related to welding processes in accordance with standard work site practices.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Pre-operational checks are carried out in accordance with manufacturer's specifications.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Welding parameters are set in accordance with job requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Resources to include: manufacturer's specification, worksite practices and safety and environmental issues.

Welding parameters: volts/amps, gas-flow, wire speed, and wire stick out as specified in the welding procedures specifications.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3

Prepare workpieces prior to welding.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Workpieces prepared prior to welding as specified on drawing and worksite practices.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Dimensions and alignment checked as specified on drawing.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Workpiece tack welded in position as per drawing specifications.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Safety precautions adhered to.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

Inspect workpiece prior to welding.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Resources include: Worksite practices, tools and equipment:

Safety legislation as per job requirements.

Inspection methods - Visual, destructive or non-destructive.

Observations applicable prior to the tack-welding process:

Heat input, electrode size, filler material selection, joint preparation, welding technique, consumable usage, handling and gas shielding.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4

Weld workpieces.

OUTCOME NOTES

Despite the minimum material thickness as specified in the range statement, learners have to display sufficient competency to prepare the groove prior to welding.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Welding filler material selected as specified on welding procedure specification.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Workpiece welded in position.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Safety precautions adhered to during welding process.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Welding parameters are established to an approved welding procedure specification (WPS).

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

Workpiece cleaned after welding as per worksite practices.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Scope:

Material type to be used: May be chosen from the range of carbon steels (plate only), applicable to the material groups 1, 2, 3 or 11 [according to ISO (TR) 15608).

Material thickness: Minimum - 1,6mm.

Resources:

Suitable power source, wire-feeder, shielding gas, regulator, flow-meter, materials as specified on drawings and weld filler material.

Welding procedure specifications, where applicable.

Welding positions include:

Fillet welding:

Flat

Groove welding:

Flat and flat-rotated

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5

Inspect welded workpiece for defects.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

All welding spatter removed as specified in cleaning procedure.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Welded workpiece conforms to job specifications.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Inspection methods and procedures selected are conducive to specifications.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Documentation completed as reflected in worksite practices.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Procedures include:

Worksite practices, inspection methods, and cleaning procedures.

Welded joints acceptance criteria to be in accordance with a national and/or international welding standard.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6

Care for and store welding consumables and equipment.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Tools and equipment cared for as per vendor specifications and stored as per worksite practices.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Tools and equipment stored to conform to worksite practices.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Welding consumables stored in accordance with worksite practices.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Tools and equipment stored to conform to worksite practices.

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

Names & functions of:

Gas metal arc welding equipment

Consumables

Personal protective equipment

Attributes, weldability of different types of steels

Types of metals and their properties

Welding processes

Common defects

Hazards

Sensory cues

Smell indicating flammable gas leaks

Smell indicating overheating equipment

Purpose of:

Gas metal arc welding

Safety checks

Reporting incidents and conditions

Checking completed weld

Processes, events, causes and effects, implications:

Causes and responses to hazards

Causes and responses to defects

Basic welding process

Implications for not preparing workpiece before welding

Misuse and mishandling of consumables

Procedures and techniques:

For eliminating, isolating or minimising welding hazards

Gas metal arc welding procedure

Procedures for preparing materials before welding

Safety procedures

Quality procedures

Checking procedure

Recording and reporting procedures

Maintenance procedures

Storage procedures

Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:

Applicable safety, health and environmental protection legislation and standards

Theory: rules, principles, laws:

Applicable basic welding theory covering gas metal arc process

Relationships, systems:

Relationship of the consumables and the equipment to the metals

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 welding and respond appropriately.

Defects are recognised and corrected.

Hazards are recognised and prevented.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING

Work together with others:

Co-ordinate efforts of workgroup.

Coach and guide workgroup members.

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:

Visually examine and conduct tests on completed weld to control quality.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING

Communicate effectively:

Record outcome of work and provide feedback to appropriate personnel.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE

Use science and technology effectively and critically:

Understanding of gas mixtures and flow rates and their effects on types of metals.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING

Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems:

Explain the relationship between the physical properties and the weld ability of the material.

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 replaces unit standard 12249, which is "Weld workpieces with the gas metal arch welding process in the down-hand position", level 2, 12 credits.

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, directness, authenticity, sufficiency, openness and consistency.

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.

QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD:

	ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	STATUS	END DATE	PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
Core	57881	National Certificate: Welding Application and Practice	Level 2	NQF Level 02	Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"	2023-06-30	As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual
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

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.

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