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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Weld workpieces in the stainless steel material group, using the gas metal arc welding process in all positions 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243059  Weld workpieces in the stainless steel material group, using the gas metal arc welding process in all positions 
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 4  NQF Level 04  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 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 learners within the fabrication and welding fields.

A person credited with this unit standard is capable of:
  • Describing the gas metal arc welding process.
  • Selecting and setting up of gas metal arc welding equipment.
  • Conducting pre-operational checks.
  • Preparing workpiece prior to welding.
  • Welding workpiece.
  • Inspecting welded workpiece for imperfections and defects in compliance with 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 
    National Certificate in Welding Application and Practice NQF level 3, or NQF 2 or 3 when attempting this unit standard as a stand-alone.

    Competency should be demonstrated in:
  • "Weld carbon steel workpieces, using the gas metal arc-welding process in all positions"

    Emphasis should be laid prior to commencement of training, on the health risks associated with welding. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Material to be used:
  • Range of materials: stainless steel and stainless steel alloys.
  • Materials group - To be selected from groups 8 or 10 [ISO (TR) 15608] for the purpose of assessment.
  • Minimum plate thickness - 1,6mm.

    Context:
  • All work undertaken must comply with current Occupational Health and Safety Act requirements.
  • All work must comply with accpeted 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 range of well-developed skills
  • An ability to offer a significant choice of procedures
  • Some relevant theoretical knowledge
  • An ability to interpret available information
  • An ability to respond to familiar problems
  • An ability to function with significant responsibility 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe and assemble gas metal arc welding equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of correct assembly of the gas metal arc welding equipment, and the consequences of incorrect assembly, is explained with reference to the welding equipment manufacturer's requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Components of the gas metal arc welding equipment are identified and the explanation of function and purpose is correct in terms of the manufacturer's specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Parts include:
  • Suitable welding power source, shielding screen, earth clamp, gas cylinders, welding torch, gas pressure regulator flow meter, wire-feeder unit, torch liner, torch cooler system, foot control, gas diffuser, contact tips and gas nozzles.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Parts and components correctly identified and the implications for incorrect identification explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Terms and definitions used are consistent with generally accepted welding terminology as recorded in national and international welding standards. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Select, correctly assemble and conduct pre-operational checks of gas metal arc welding equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Verification, identification and selection of gas metal arc welding equipment as per job requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Identification and rectification of possible welding hazards in accordance with standard work site practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Pre-operational checks are carried out in accordance with welding equipment manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A safe worksite is created to prevent damage to equipment and injury to people. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Resources to include:
  • Manufacturer's operational and specifications manual, accepted worksite practices, safety and environmental.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Prepare workpiece prior to welding. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Workpiece prepared prior to welding as specified on drawing and accepted worksite practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Dimensions and alignment checked as specified on drawing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Workpiece prepared for welding. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Preparation includes degreasing and stainless steel wire brushing.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Workpiece tack-welded into position as specified as per welding procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Safety precautions adhered to. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Inspect workpiece prior to welding. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Resources include: Worksite practices, tools and equipment:
  • Safety legislation as per job requirements.
  • Inspection methods - Visual and non-destructive.

    Observations applicable prior to the tack-welding process (Information on heat input range, electrode diameter, filler material, gas composition, gas flow, joint preparation from welding procedure):
  • Heat input, metal transfer mode, electrode diameter, filler material selection, joint preparation, welding technique, consumable usage, handling and gas shielding.

    Materials to be used for the purpose of assessment:
  • Range of materials: stainless steel and stainless steel alloys.
  • Materials group - To be selected from groups 8 or 10 [ISO (TR) 15608] for the purpose of assessment.
  • Minimum plate thickness - 1,6mm.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Weld workpiece. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Welding parameters and procedures are established and conform to job requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Welding consumables selected and used as per procedure requirements for job. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Potential causes of welding imperfections and defects are identified and removed or controlled prior to welding and precautions taken as per worksite practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Workpiece welded in position as per job requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Safety precautions adhered to during welding process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Workpiece cleaned after welding as per good worksite practices. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Materials to be used for the purpose of assessment:
  • Range of materials: stainless steel and stainless steel alloys.
  • Materials group - To be selected from groups 8 or 10 [ISO (TR) 15608] for the purpose of assessment.
  • Minimum plate thickness - 1,6mm.

    Observations applicable to the welding process: (Information on heat input range, electrode diameter, filler material, gas composition, gas flow, joint preparation from welding procedure):
  • Heat input, metal transfer mode, electrode size, joint preparation, welding technique, consumable usage, handling and gas shielding.

    Resources include:
  • Suitable welding power source, shielding screen, wire-feeder, shielding gas, regulator, flow-meter, gas-hoses, hose-clamps, earth-clamp, cable, welding torch, cooling hoses and water, foot control and related components.

    Welding positions include:

    Fillet welding:
  • Flat/Horizontal
  • Vertical
  • Overhead

    Groove welding:
  • Flat/Horizontal
  • Vertical
  • Overhead Welding positions
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Inspect welded workpiece. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    All welding spatter removed as specified per worksite practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Welded workpiece conform to specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Inspection methods and procedures selected are conducive to job requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes destructive test methods, eg. standard stainless steel bend test.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Documentation completed as reflected in good worksite practices. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Procedures include:
  • Worksite practices, inspection methods, and cleaning procedures.
  • Welded joints acceptance criteria to be in accordance with national and/or international welding standards.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Care for and store welding consumables and equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Tools and equipment stored as per accepted worksite practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Welding consumables stored as per accepted worksite practices. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Care and storage practices should conform to manufacturer's requirements and be conducive to preventative maintenance schedules.
  • Defective equipment to be dealt with in accordance to accepted worksite practices.
  • Consumables and equipment are to be stored in a usable condition for the next user.
     
    		•


    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:
  • Related welding equipment.
  • Welding consumables, eg. classification of wires, shielding gases, etc.
  • Personal protective equipment.
  • Various groupings of stainless steel and stainless steel alloys.

    Attributes, descriptions, characteristics & properties:
  • Know the characteristics and classification grades of stainless steel and stainless steel alloys.
  • Safety hazards associated with welding.
  • Health risks associated with welding.
  • Common welding processes for stainless steel alloys.
  • Characteristics of electricity.
  • Weldability of stainless steel and stainless steel alloys.
  • Shrinkage, residual stress, distortion.
  • Inert gases and principles of oxidation.

    Sensory cues:
  • Smell indicating overheating equipment.
  • Observing, listening during welding operations.
  • Handling of stainless steel in the workshop.

    Purpose of:
  • Gas metal arc welding.
  • Safety checks.
  • Reporting incidents and conditions.
  • Checking completed weld.

    Processes, events, causes and effects, implications:
  • Causes of hazards and responses to them.
  • Causes of defects and responses to them.
  • Overview of fusion welding processes.
  • Implications of not preparing workpiece before welding.
  • Shrinkage, residual stress, distortion.
  • Mishandling and misuse of consumables.

    Procedures and techniques:
  • For eliminating, isolating or minimising welding hazards.
  • Procedures for preparing materials before welding.
  • Safety procedures.
  • Quality procedures.
  • Recording and reporting procedures.
  • Maintenance procedures.
  • Inspection and testing.
  • Storage procedures.

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:
  • Health and Safety.
  • Safe working in the fabrication shop.
  • National and international standards related to the inspection of completed work.
  • International standard for the grouping of metals.

    Theory: rules, principles, laws:
  • Applicable to properties of materials.
  • Weldability of stainless steel and stainless steel alloys.

    Relationships, systems:
  • Relationship between grades, section thickness and mechanical properties of stainless steel and welding parameters.
  • Relationship of the mechanical properties of welded joints with cooling rate following welding. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    Unit standard linkages exist in the following Specific Outcomes:
  • Describing the gas metal arc welding process.
  • Selecting and setting up of gas metal arc welding equipment.
  • Conducting pre-operational checks.
  • Caring for and storing welding consumables and equipment.

    A competency judgement may be awarded where learners have already completed one of the following learning units:
  • "Weld carbon steel workpieces using the gas metal arc welding process in the downhand position."
  • "Weld carbon steel workpieces using the gas metal arc welding process in all positions."
  • "Weld carbon steel workpiece using the gas metal arc welding process." 
    		•


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems:
  • Recognise problems of equipment and process while welding and respond appropriately.
  • Defects are recognised and corrected.
  • Hazards are recognised and preventative action taken. 
    		•

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

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively:
  • Record outcome of work.
  • Report outcome of work to appropriate personnel. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically:
  • Properties of metals.
  • Electrical and mechanical principles.
  • Principles of expansion and contraction. 
    		•

    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 
    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 assessments at title level are 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  57887   Further Education and Training Certificate: Welding Application and Practice  Level 4  NQF Level 04  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 


    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.