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 carbon steel workpieces, using the gas metal arc welding process in all positions 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243064  Weld carbon steel workpieces, 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 Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  15 
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
12255  Weld workpieces with the gas metal arc welding process in all positions  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:
  • 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 work piece 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 
    National Certificate in Welding Application and Practice NQF level 2. 

    UNIT STANDARD 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.

    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 
    Describing the gas metal arc welding process and related equipment. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Suitable welding power source, wire-feeder, shielding gas, regulator, flow-meter, materials as specified on drawings and weld filler material. 

    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 manufacture'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 manufacture'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 welding 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, set up and conduct pre-operational checks of gas metal arc welding equipment. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Resources to include:
  • Manufacture's operational and specifications manual, worksite practices and safety and environmental issues. 
    		•

    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 relating to welding process in accordance with standard work site practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Pre-operational checks are carried out in accordance with manufacture'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 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 according to 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.

    Material to be used:
  • Size of pipes to be welded should be: Nominal bore (NB) - 10mm (minimum).
  • Minimum wall thickness of pipe -1mm.

    Select from range of Carbon Steels (Material Group 1, 2, 3 or 11, according to CR/ISO TR 15608).
     
    		•

    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 specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Workpiece welded in position. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Safety precaution adhered to during welding process. 

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Welding parameters are established to an approved welding procedure specification (WPS). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Potential causes for weld imperfections are identified prior to welding and action taken meets WPS. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Heat input, electrode manipulation, wire diameter, joint preparation, welding technique, consumable handling.

    Heat input, metal transfer mode, electrode size, joint preparation, welding technique, consumable handling and gas shielding.

    Resources include:
  • Suitable welding power source, wire-feeder, shielding gas, regulator, flow-meter, materials as specified on drawings and weld filler material.
  • Welding Procedure Specification.

    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.

    Welding positions include:

    Fillet welding:
  • Flat/Horizontal.
  • Vertical.
  • Overhead.

    Groove welding:
  • Flat/Horizontal.
  • Vertical.
  • Overhead.
     
    		•

    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. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Tools and equipment cared for is limited to defect reporting and stored in a usable condition for next user. Welding consumables stored and marked with identification label, which indicate item number and type/colour coding used for identification purposes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

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

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

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Welding consumables stored in accordance with worksite practices and procedures. 


    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 and 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 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 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 12255, "Weld workpieces with the gas metal arc welding process in all positions", Level 3, 15 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 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  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  58722   National Certificate: Engineering Fabrication  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  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 


    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.