Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to join polyethylene (commonly referred to as PE) plastic pipelines using butt welding, both in the field and under factory conditions.
This unit applies to an experienced technician working alone or as part of a team.
The unit principally refers to the practical application of polymer material science to employ molecular diffusion across the pipe faces, under controlled conditions, to achieve welding across the joint.
No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must be applied.

What You'll Learn

Assessment Requirements

Performance Evidence

There must be evidence the candidate has completed the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit, and demonstrated the ability to:
• join polyethylene plastic pipelines using butt welding, at least once, to meet job specifications.

Knowledge Evidence

There must be evidence the candidate has knowledge of:
• the functions and operating principles of butt welding equipment, components and ancillary equipment
• types of butt welding processes and their effect on the welded product
• Australian Standards relevant to the materials being used and products being made
• production workflow sequences and materials demand
• typical quality standards at each stage of the welding process
• key variables that may affect product quality, and how to manage them, including:
• temperature
• pressure
• alignment
• uniformity
• weld bead appearance
• tolerance for weld and joint
• consistency of weld
• mechanical strength of weld
• worksite environment factors that may affect weld quality and appropriate remedies
• typical process and product problems, including early warning signs, possible causes and corrective actions
• organisational procedures relevant to the work environment and job role
• hazards that may arise in the job or work environment, and:
• their possible causes
• potential consequences.
• appropriate risk controls.

Assessment Conditions

Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that reflects workplace conditions and contingencies.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.

Foundation Skills

• {'skill': 'Foundation Skills', 'description': 'This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.\n• Numeracy skills to calculate welding parameters, and interpret equipment readings and technical specifications.\n• Reading skills to interpret job specifications and workplace procedures.\n• Writing and oral communication skills to record and report on welding of polyethylene plastic pipelines using butt welding techniques.\nOther foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.'}

Parent Qualifications

• PMB30121 — Certificate III in Polymer Processing
  PMB
• PMB40121 — Certificate IV in Polymer Technology
  PMB

Related Units

• PMBPROD380 — Produce composites using chopper gun/depositor
  Same training package
• PMBPREP304 — Set a die
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• PMBPROD329 — Produce polystyrene shape moulded products
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• PMBWELD305E — Install polyethylene plastic pipelines for pressurised applications
  Same training package
• PMBPROD352E — Produce compounded materials
  Same training package
• PMBWELD307E — Install plastic pipelines for high temperature applications
  Same training package