18106 version 3
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Gouge steel using the air carbon arc process
Level
3
Credits
4
Purpose
This unit standard covers the use of the air carbon arc process for gouging of
steel using a hand-held torch, as used in metal fabrication and foundries.
People credited with this unit standard are able to: prepare to gouge steel
using the air carbon arc process; gouge steel using the air carbon arc
process; and control quality of the gouge.
Subfield
Mechanical Engineering
Domain
Welding
Status
Registered
Status date
22 May 2009
Date version published
22 May 2009
Planned review date
31 December 2014
Entry information
Recommended: Unit 25783, Demonstrate knowledge of
metal cutting and gouging processes, or demonstrate
equivalent knowledge and skills.
Accreditation
Evaluation of documentation and visit by NZQA.
Standard setting body (SSB)
Competenz
Accreditation and Moderation Action Plan (AMAP) reference
0013
This AMAP can be accessed at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/framework/search/index.do.
Special notes
1
Reference
Health and Safety in Welding. Wellington: Department of Labour, 2006. Available
from http://www.osh.govt.nz.
2
Definitions
Air carbon arc gouging – also referred to as arc air gouging.
Industry practice – safe and sound practices generally accepted by competent trade
persons within the fabrication industry.
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
18106 version 3
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Safe working practice – refers to formal worksite or company safety policies, or the
practices established by Health and Safety in Welding or similar codes.
Worksite standard – refers to the quality standards and procedures in use at the
particular work site.
Elements and performance criteria
Element 1
Prepare to gouge steel using the air carbon arc process.
Performance criteria
1.1
Work area is assessed for hazards associated with the gouging process and all
necessary precautions taken in accordance with safe working practice.
Range
electrical; ultraviolet, infra red, and visible light radiation; fire;
explosion; fumes and gases; compressed gas; confined space; hot
metal; noise.
1.2
Equipment is assembled and maintained ready for use in accordance with
manufacturer’s instructions.
1.3
Consumables are selected in accordance with gouging requirements.
1.4
Steel is positioned and supported for gouging in accordance with safe working
practice.
Element 2
Gouge steel using the air carbon arc process.
Range
evidence is required of three different gouging jobs:
back gouging of a butt weld, using plate of at least 12 mm thickness, and for a
length of at least 500 mm;
plate edge preparation for welding (eg a bevel or ‘J’ preparation), using plate of
at least 12 mm thickness, and for a length of at least 500 mm;
removal of a weld around a heavy section (eg column to base plate weld).
Performance criteria
2.1
Safety procedures are followed and personal protective equipment is worn in
accordance with safe working practice.
2.2
Gouging parameters are established in accordance with manufacturer’s
recommendations.
Range
electrode type and size, current type and amperage, air pressure
and volume.
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
18106 version 3
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2.3
Steel is gouged to worksite standard and in accordance with industry practice.
Element 3
Control quality of the gouge.
Performance criteria
3.1
Gouges are compared to quality requirements of worksite standard by visual
examination, and corrective action is taken to address faults if required.
Range
faults – gouges not of uniform depth or straightness, excessive
adhering slag.
Please note
Providers must be accredited by NZQA, or an inter-institutional body with delegated
authority for quality assurance, before they can report credits from assessment against
unit standards or deliver courses of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be accredited by NZQA before they can register
credits from assessment against unit standards.
Accredited providers and Industry Training Organisations assessing against unit standards
must engage with the moderation system that applies to those standards.
Accreditation requirements and an outline of the moderation system that applies to this
standard are outlined in the Accreditation and Moderation Action Plan (AMAP). The
AMAP also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations
wishing to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for
tutors and assessors, and special resource requirements.
Comments on this unit standard
Please contact Competenz qualifications@competenz.org.nz address if you wish to
suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016