Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to weld polyethylene (commonly referred to as PE) plastic pipes using electrofusion, 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 a process that applies similar techniques to the applied science covered inPMBWELD301EJoin polyethylene plastic pipelines using electrofusion welding, where the weld is achieved at the weld interface through polymer diffusion-mixing.
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 of competency, and demonstrated the ability to:
• join polyethylene plastic pipelines using electrofusion welding, at least once, to meet job specifications, and including:
• preparation of joint assemblies:
• clamping
• aligning
• insertion
• pipe peeling to be smooth and to the correct depth.

Knowledge Evidence

There must be evidence the candidate has knowledge of:
• the function and operating principles of electrofusion welding equipment, components and ancillary equipment
• characteristics of materials and their behaviour in relation to welding process variables and stages of production
• typical quality standards required at each stage of production
• production workflow sequences and materials demand
• key variables that may affect product quality and production output, and how to manage them, including:
• voltage
• fusion time
• cooling time
• alignment
• product output rate
• worksite environment factors that may affect joint 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.

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 electrofusion 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

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