Electrofusion Welding

Course name

Electrofusion Welding

Course / qualification / unit code and title

PMBWELD302B – Electrofusion Weld Polyethylene Pipelines

Course overview

This competency covers the electrofusion welding of polyethylene (PE) plastic pipes and pipeline components under industrial conditions both in the field and in factory conditions.

This competency is performed by operators as part of a work team.

Prerequisites

This unit has no prerequisites.

Course duration

1 Day – 8 hours

Course recognition

A Nationally Recognised Statement of Attainment.

Course structure

This competency applies to operators who are involved in the electrofusion of polyethylene (PE) pipes and pipeline components to quality assurance requirements whilst maintaining personal and immediate site safety. The key features in attaining the required quality are:

• identifying materials being used in the installation as compatible for welding
• calculating appropriate welding parameters to be used
• maintaining and calibrating welding equipment
• performing welding
• assessing quality of welded joints made.
• End applications include pipelines for transmitting gas and liquids.

Course outcome

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Knowledge and understanding of PE materials and pipeline components, as described in national standards, to recognise electrofusion welding compatibility, and suitability. Knowledge of detailed work instructions necessary to perform electrofusion welding, and the ability to implement within required parameters to attain required quality outcomes.

Knowledge as a basis for solving processing and material problems, including:

• identify materials being used
• identify compatibility of commercial operating systems
• select electrofusion welding parameters for individual control units and fittings components
• prepare electrofusion joint assemblies
• set up and maintain safe working environment
• operate control unit within required parameters
• identify and rectify fault causes arising from machine operation and component variables
• establish and maintain quality records
• as relevant for the practical completion of work required.

Assessment arrangements

Assessment will occur using industrial plastic pipes and welding equipment and will be undertaken in a work-like environment.

Competence in this unit may be assessed:

• by use of appropriate, industrial equipment, situations and polymers
• in a situation allowing the generation of evidence of the ability to recognise, anticipate and solve problems
• by use of a suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios
• by a combination of these techniques.

In all cases it is expected that practical assessment will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge and theoretical assessment will be combined with appropriate practical/simulation or similar assessment. Assessors need to be aware of any cultural issues that may affect responses to questions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy capacity of the assessee and the work being performed.