Application
This unit of competency defines the skills and knowledge required to operate melting furnaces.
It applies to the operation and operational maintenance of furnaces primarily used for continuous or staged bulk melting/smelting of a range of metals, holding of hot liquids, or the melting of metals for production processes, such as casting, moulding and galvanising.
Where the interpretation of technical drawings is required unit MEM09002 Interpret technical drawing should also be selected.
Where the selection and use of engineering measuring equipment is required unit MEM12023 Perform engineering measurements should also be selected.
Where the selection and use of tools is required unit MEM18001 Use hand tools and unit MEM18002 Use power tools/hand held operations, should also be selected as appropriate.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Band: A
Unit Weight: 4
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1 | Determine job requirements | 1.1 | Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) |
1.2 | Comply with work health and safety (WHS) requirements at all times | ||
1.3 | Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with SOPs | ||
1.4 | Identify job requirements from specifications, job sheets or work instructions | ||
2 | Select materials | 2.1 | Complete requisitions as required according to SOPs |
2.2 | Undertake charge analysis and convert the charge analysis to furnace charge weight and weigh charge in accordance with SOPs | ||
2.3 | Enter routine and familiar information onto proformas and standard workplace forms | ||
3 | Start up furnace | 3.1 | Inspect furnace for any defects or damage |
3.2 | Identify faults and areas for routine repair of the furnace | ||
3.3 | Undertake routine operational maintenance of furnace | ||
3.4 | Start up furnace according to procedures | ||
3.5 | Report all start-up faults in accordance with procedures | ||
4 | Charge furnace | 4.1 | Identify and follow emergency/safety procedures |
4.2 | Pre-heat materials if required | ||
4.3 | Charge materials into furnace | ||
4.4 | Identify and keep available suitable areas for emergency unloading of molten metal | ||
5 | Monitor furnace | 5.1 | Maintain furnace at optimum operating condition |
5.2 | Take sample for chemical analysis and apply remedial action as required | ||
5.3 | Dross and/or degas furnace | ||
5.4 | Check temperature of metal and adjust if necessary | ||
6 | Tap or unload the furnace | 6.1 | Identify the quantity of the required metal |
6.2 | Carry out tap rate | ||
6.3 | Undertake tapping or unloading safely according to procedures | ||
7 | Shut down furnace | 7.1 | Complete shutdown of furnace |
7.2 | Undertake routine operational maintenance of furnace in accordance with procedures | ||
Foundation Skills
This section describes those required skills (reading, writing, oral communication and numeracy) that are essential to workplace performance in this unit of competency.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. | |
Furnaces include one (1) or more of the following: | singular or multi coke oil gas fired electric induction arc resistance |
Operational maintenance includes one (1) or more of the following: | routine lubrication cleaning routine repair/repointing of refractory |
Competency Field
Casting and moulding