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: 

Weld workpieces with the gas tungsten arc welding process in the down hand position 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
12250  Weld workpieces with the gas tungsten arc welding process in the down hand position 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Manufacturing and Assembly Processes 
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  15 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2005-07-19  2006-02-09  SAQA 0160/05 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2007-02-09   2010-02-09  

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 is replaced by: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
120498  Weld workpieces with the gas tungsten arc welding process in the down-hand position  Level 3  NQF Level 03  15   

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 the gas tungsten arc welding process
  • Select, set up and conduct pre operational checks of gas tungsten arc welding equipment
  • Prepare work pieces prior to welding
  • Weld workpieces
  • Inspect welded work piece for defects in compliance with drawing specifications
  • Care and store 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 level 2. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Scope:
  • Components and parts that have to be assembled must not be heavier than 10 Kg.
  • Range of materials used is:
  • Low and medium carbon steel (up to 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 consistent 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 
    Describe and explain the gas tungsten arc welding equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Basic and major components of the gas tungsten arc welding equipment are identified and the explanation of function and purpose is correct in terms of vendor requirements and standards. 

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Terms and definitions used are consistent with generally accepted welding terminology as recorded in international welding standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Parts include: Welding machine, earth clamp, welding cable, argon gas, flow meter, jubilee clamps, welding torch, consumables, remote foot/hand control unit.
     

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

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

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

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. A safe worksite is created to prevent damage to equipment and injury to people. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Weld and gas flow parameters including polarity are established to satisfy job requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Materials up to 6mm thick, AWS (American Welding Society) positions 1G,1F and 2F (butt, filet (including overlap and outside corner welds)
    Resources to include: manufacturer's specification, worksite practices, and safety and environmental issues
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Prepare work pieces prior to welding. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Work pieces prepared prior to welding as specified on drawing and worksite practices. 

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Workpiece tack welded in position as per drawing specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Safety precautions adhered to. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Inspect workpiece prior to welding. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Resources include: Worksite practices, tools, equipment, safety requirements and materials.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Weld workpieces. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Welding filler material and gas selected as per job requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Workpiece welded in down hand position. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Safety precaution adhered to during welding process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Workpiece cleaned after welding as per worksite practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Potential causes for welding defects/imperfections are identified prior to welding and action taken to meet job requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Material type to be welded: Low carbon steel
    Resources include: Welding equipment, tools, protective clothing, equipment, and materials
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Inspect welded work piece for defects. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Welded work piece visually inspected for defects. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Defects (porosity, lack of fusion, under cut, tungsten inclusion, cold lapping, crater cracking, arc strike).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. All defects dealt with in accordance to work site practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Documentation completed as reflected in worksite practices. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Procedures include: Worksite practices, inspection methods (visual only), and cleaning procedures
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Care and store welding consumables and equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Tools and equipment care for as per manufacturer's specifications and stored as per worksite practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Welding consumables stored in accordance with 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 tungsten arc welding equipment
  • Consumables
  • Personal protective equipment

    Attributes, descriptions, characteristics & properties:
  • Types of metals and their properties
  • Types of gas mixtures and gas pressures
  • Common defects
  • Hazards

    Sensory cues
  • Smell indicating flammable gas leaks
  • Smell indicating overheating equipment

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

    Processes, events, causes and effects, implications:
  • Implications of using incorrect gas
  • Implications of using incorrect gas pressure settings
  • Causes of defects and responses to them
  • Basic welding process
  • Implications of not preparing workpiece before welding

    Procedures and techniques:
  • Set up procedures for gas tungsten arc welding
  • Gas tungsten arc welding procedure
  • Preparation for welding metals
  • Safety procedures
  • Quality procedures
  • Checking procedure
  • Recording and reporting procedures

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:
  • Applicable safety, health and environmental protection legislation and standards

    Theory: rules, principles, laws:
  • Applicable basic welding theory covering

    Relationships, systems:
  • Relationship of the consumables and the equipment to the metals 
    		•


    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 preventative action taken 
    		•

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

    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 information on outcome of work and provide feedback to appropriate personnel 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically:
  • Understanding of gas mixture, flame settings and gas pressures 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 role of gas tungsten arc welding in the fabrication industry 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    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 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard has been replaced by unit standard 120498, which is "Weld workpieces with the gas tungsten arc welding process in the down-hand position", Level 3, 15 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. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  22870   National Certificate: Engineering Fabrication (light or heavy)  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2007-08-16  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.