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: 

Gouge material with air-carbon-arc gouging process 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
253737  Gouge material with air-carbon-arc gouging process 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Generic Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology 
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  10 
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
14707  Gouge material with air-carbon-arc gouging process  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is for a learner within the fabrication and welding fields.

Learners credited with this unit standard are able of gouging materials using the air-carbon-arc gouging process (Manually) to industry requirements and in accordance with required gouging specifications.

This unit standard will contribute to the full development of any learner by providing recognition, further mobility and transportability within the field of welding. 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 
Knowledge and learning related to:

Abet Level 4/NQF Level 1 Unit standards:
  • 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.
  • Safety Health and Environmental and OHS Act relevant to work site procedures.
  • Use of hand tools.
  • Company worksite practices.
  • Shielded metal arc welding process. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    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 air-carbon-arc gouging process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of correct setting of gouging parameters, and the consequences of incorrect settings, is explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The thickness of materials, Carbon electrodes and special electrode-holder and the impact of incorrect manipulation during the cutting process are explained.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Basic and major components of the air-carbon-arc gouging process and equipment is identified, and the explanation of function and purpose is correct in terms of job requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Consequences of incorrect start up and shut down procedures are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Characteristics of low carbon steel are identified and the implications for un-safe conditions are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Terms and definitions used are consistent with general accepted gouging terminology as records in resource materials. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare for the air-carbon-arc gouging operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The scope and precise nature of preparing for air-carbon-arc gouging is in accordance with manufacturer`s documentation and work instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Resources are correct for the task, available on site by the agreed time, and checked for serviceability or status in accordance with worksite practices and job requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Air-carbon-arc gouging equipment, lifting equipment, material supports, applicable documentation, personal protective equipment, measuring tools (rulers, tape measure).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Consequences of incorrect start up and shut down procedures are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Characteristics of low carbon steel are identified and the implications for un-safe conditions are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Terms and definitions used are consistent with general accepted gouging terminology as records in resource materials. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Prepare for the air-carbon-arc gouging operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The scope and precise nature of preparing for air-carbon-arc gouging is in accordance with manufacturer`s documentation and work instructions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Resources are correct for the task, available on site by the agreed time, and checked for serviceability or status in accordance with worksite practices and job requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Air-carbon-arc gouging equipment, lifting equipment, material supports, applicable documentation, personal protective equipment, measuring tools (rulers, tape measure).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Pre-operational checks are carried out in accordance with manufacturer`s operations manual and specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Gouging of materials match work instruction sheet. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Prepared air-carbon-arc gouging equipment match material thickness and job requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Gouge material. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Gouging of material is carried out in accordance with work instructions, job, and drawing requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Safety precautions is applied and adhered to in accordance with OHS Act applicable to the gouging process. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Apply quality check on cut materials. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    End product is inspected to conform to specifications as reflected on drawing or job requirement. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Identify and rectify cutting defects. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Defects include excessive slag, rough cutting surface, jagged edges, rounded top corner.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Care and storage of air-carbon-arc gouging equipment, tools, and materials. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Explain the care and storage procedures for tools, equipment in accordance with work site practices and specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Air-carbon-arc gouging equipment dismantled and stored in accordance with manufacturer`s specification and requirements. 


    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 as a provider through 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 
    This unit standard is for a learner within the fabrication and welding fields.

    Learners credited with this unit standard are able of gouging materials using the air-carbon-arc gouging process (Manually) to industry requirements and in accordance with required gouging specifications.

    This unit standard will contribute to the full development of any learner by providing recognition, further mobility and transportability within the field of welding. 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. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problem areas in need of attention (Reflected in specific outcome reflexive component). 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work with others (communication between team members). 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organize and manage one self (plan, select and organize tasks, reflected in specific outcome). 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology looking after the environment, safety and health to others when using cutting equipment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Understand the world as a set of related systems (understanding the implications of incorrect cutting preparations with reference to cutting defects). 

    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 standard replaces unit standard 14707, "Gouge material with air-carbon-arc gouging process", Level 3, 10 credits.

    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 Methods:

    Integrated assessment methods and tools will allow the candidate to demonstrate that she/he has acquired knowledge of and can safely and effectively apply competence identified in this unit standard. 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.
  • Scenario sketching.

    These methods must be carefully selected based on the purpose of the assessment (For example, the written method of assessing knowledge or on-job demonstration of practical competence). The assessment must integrate a number of different methods in order to give the assessor reliable and valid proof of competence and evidence of required attitudes.

    Supplementary Material:
  • Safety Health and Environment Act.
  • ISO 5817 (Visual Inspection).
  • Resource material related to this gouging process.

    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. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  59750   National Certificate: Mechanical Engineering: Pipe-Fitting  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.
     
    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.