Award in Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) Technology & Safety

Malta cohort commencing on the 16.01.2024. 

Lectures will be delivered every Tuesday & Thursday between 17:00 & 19:00

There are limited places available and applications are handled on a first-come-first served basis.

This unit forms part of the MCAST Award in Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) Pipe Welding (Low Carbon Steel) or (Austenitic Stainless Steel) and focuses on TIG welding theory and applied technology. Once a learner complete all the units in this course satisfactorily; that is has obtained a pass mark in the assessment and respected the 80% attendance s/he will achieve an award pegged at MQF Level 4, 11 ECVET Credits.

The course is designed for those learners who are determined to obtain a qualification to work in the industry with enough skills to produce TIG Pipe joints at industry standard in a selection of positions recognized by the sector.
Technological and health and safety requirements forms an integral part of this unit and as part of the final assessment, learners are given the opportunity to describe such requirements. Practice to set and operate welding sets safely is all done in fully equipped workshops.

This course provides progression across a range of welding processes and also progression to higher levels.

This is a 32 hrs of guided learning course. Students need to invest further hours in the course, which will include private study and home assignments.

Lessons are held as indicated on the prospectus and website.

This unit covers the underpinning knowledge of Tungsten Inert Gas Welding process and the importance of following technical procedures and the health and safety issues when working individually and in teams with TIG welding equipment. The technological requirements of destructive testing and macro examinations are introduced to students.

Learning Outcome 1: Outline the hazards when working with Tungsten Inert Gas Welding equipment

Unit Content

• Fires and explosions, burns, fumes,
• electric shock,
• toxic gases generated by welding processes,
• radiation heat stress dust,
• appropriate personal protective equipment, etching solutions,
• compressed inert gas cylinders
• Welding fumes: composition of fume – visible and gaseous; Ozone; Oxides of nitrogen – nitrous oxide, nitrogen oxide; carbon monoxide

Learning Outcome 2: Describe the hazards present when working in teams at the place of work

Unit Content

• Excessive noise;
• unexpected tripping hazards;
• access and scaffolding hazards;
• escape routes;
• warning signs;
• safety lines;
• safety rails;
• emergency lighting;
• lack of ventilation;
• airborne particles;
• arc radiation;
• hot metal;
• sparks;
• falling objects

Learning Outcome 3: Identify various Tungsten Inert Gas Welding equipment, accessories and consumables

Unit Content

• DC/ AC Weld Sets;
• Torches: water cooled, air cooled, pencil, back cap, nozzle, collet, collet holder, electrode, gas lens;
• Power Supply;
• Tungsten Electrodes: thoriated, zirconiated, ceriated, lanathanated ;
• Current adjustments;
• Gases: argon, helium, argon/ hydrogen, argon helium, helium/ argon, oxygen-free nitrogen for copper, argon/ nitrogen for copper,
• filler wire: copper coated, uncoated sizes; pressure gauges, pre-setting jigs

Learning Outcome 4: Distinguish amongst the various destructive tests and welded joints features

Unit Content

• Root bend test; macro section inspection; nick-break fracture test; cupping test
• Welded joints Features: face, toes, root, heat affected zone, convex fillet profile, concave fillet profile, mitred fillet profile, leg, throat, root face, root gap, bevel angle, included angle, weld width, depth of fusion, excess weld metal, penetration, fusion line

The following are the suggested pre-requisites and/or entry requirements needed:

Entry Requirements:

• Over 16 years old
• Satisfactory completed the MCAST Award in Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) Sheet/ Plate Welding – Level 3

Applicants may be called for an interview prior the commencement of the course.

Course participants may be awarded either an MCAST Certificate of Attendance or an MCAST Certificate of Achievement.

MCAST Certificate of Attendance

• An MCAST Certificate of Attendance will be awarded to those candidates who attend at least 80% of the lessons.

MCAST Certificate of Achievement

• An MCAST Certificate of Achievement will be awarded to those candidates who satisfy the 80% attendance criteria AND ALSO choose to sit and pass the course assessment/s.
• Students who opt not to sit for the assessment/s or fail (the assessment/s) will however be awarded an MCAST Certificate of Attendance provided that they fulfill the minimum attendance criteria as stated above.

If the student intends to obtain a Certificate of Achievement, she/he is required to sit for an assessment/s. Assessment/s may take various forms such as a home assignment, class assignment and time constrained test. However, the assessment/s is not compulsory and an applicant may choose not to sit for it.

There are no additional costs or special materials / equipment to bring.