Assessor Resource

FWPCOT3229
Mechanically stress grade panels

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to mechanically stress grade panels with mechanical stress graders and high speed mechanical graders to test panels for strength and durability against set grades.

The unit applies to those who mechanically stress grade timber in a forest products factory setting and includes operator maintenance.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions.

1. Prepare for stress-grading

1.1 Review work order and where required check with appropriate personnel.

1.2 Select appropriate personal protective equipment and check for operational effectiveness.

1.3 Obtain type and quantity of panels for stress grading from storage location.

1.4 Plan stress-grading process in line with work order.

2. Set up equipment

2.1 Use equipment in line with organisational safety procedures, manufacturer’s instructions and environmental protection practices.

2.2 Complete pre start-up checks on equipment to ensure operational effectiveness.

2.3 Set up spray guns or branding rolls for use in line with work order.

2.4 Complete calibration process using verification panels and set grade thresholds in line with organisational procedures.

3. Stress grade panels

3.1 Complete automatic grading process, monitor and adjust material flow to machine.

3.2 Monitor machinery to ensure consistent grade marking and panel appearance in line with industry standards.

3.3 Withdraw samples for independent testing and prepare according to testing procedures.

4. Conduct operator maintenance

4.1 Follow organisational safety procedures to lock out equipment.

4.2 Check and clean photo-electric cells and reflectors in line with environmental protection practices.

4.3 Check and refill spray guns or branding rolls.

4.4 Adjust and maintain mechanical stress grade rollers, auto-feed and load pressure in line with manufacturer’s recommendations.

4.5 Keep stress-grading area clear of dust and debris in line with organisational safety procedures.

4.6 Record and report production outcomes, equipment faults and maintenance requirements to appropriate personnel.

A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy all of the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit. If a specific volume or frequency is not stated below, then evidence must be provided that the following requirements have been performed on at least one occasion:

operate a mechanical stress grading machine, in line with work orders, to grade the following types of panels:

laminated veneer

medium density fibreboard

chipboard

fibreboard

plywood

complete operator maintenance on the mechanical stress grading equipment.

A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:

typical flow of material supply in and out of the grading area

typical work flow processes and techniques used to mechanically stress grade panels

range of industry standard strength grades and thresholds and applicable terminology

markings used on panels to identify grades

reason for independent testing of panels and processes for sampling and preparing panels for testing

purpose, features and operation of equipment used to mechanically stress grade panels:

mechanical stress-graders or high speed mechanical graders

spray guns

branding rolls

verification panels

methods used to:

calibrate equipment to grades using verification panels

clean and maintain mechanical stress grading equipment

organisational procedures specific to mechanically stress grading panels:

workplace health and safety with particular emphasis on equipment lock out, use of personal protective equipment and handling hazardous substances

communication reporting lines

recording and reporting production outcomes, equipment faults and maintenance requirements

environmental protection practices for forest products factory settings:

reducing water and energy use

cleaning plant, tools and equipment

disposing of hazardous substances.

The following resources must be made available:

mechanical stress-graders or high speed mechanical graders

spray guns

branding rolls

maintenance tools and equipment for mechanical stress graders

verification panels

consumable dye

personal protective equipment suitable for mechanically stress grading panels

a diverse range of commercial panels:

laminated veneer

medium density fibreboard

chipboard

fibreboard

plywood

manufacturers’ instructions for use and maintenance of equipment

work order with specific instructions for types and quantities of panels to be graded

template documents for recording production outcomes, equipment faults and maintenance requirements

organisational procedures for mechanically stress grading panels.

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.

Assessor requirements

Assessors must:

hold the appropriate assessor competency standards as outlined in regulations; and

be able to demonstrate vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed; and

be able to demonstrate how they are continuing to develop their VET knowledge and skills as well as maintaining their industry currency and assessor competence.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions.

1. Prepare for stress-grading

1.1 Review work order and where required check with appropriate personnel.

1.2 Select appropriate personal protective equipment and check for operational effectiveness.

1.3 Obtain type and quantity of panels for stress grading from storage location.

1.4 Plan stress-grading process in line with work order.

2. Set up equipment

2.1 Use equipment in line with organisational safety procedures, manufacturer’s instructions and environmental protection practices.

2.2 Complete pre start-up checks on equipment to ensure operational effectiveness.

2.3 Set up spray guns or branding rolls for use in line with work order.

2.4 Complete calibration process using verification panels and set grade thresholds in line with organisational procedures.

3. Stress grade panels

3.1 Complete automatic grading process, monitor and adjust material flow to machine.

3.2 Monitor machinery to ensure consistent grade marking and panel appearance in line with industry standards.

3.3 Withdraw samples for independent testing and prepare according to testing procedures.

4. Conduct operator maintenance

4.1 Follow organisational safety procedures to lock out equipment.

4.2 Check and clean photo-electric cells and reflectors in line with environmental protection practices.

4.3 Check and refill spray guns or branding rolls.

4.4 Adjust and maintain mechanical stress grade rollers, auto-feed and load pressure in line with manufacturer’s recommendations.

4.5 Keep stress-grading area clear of dust and debris in line with organisational safety procedures.

4.6 Record and report production outcomes, equipment faults and maintenance requirements to appropriate personnel.

Not Applicable

A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy all of the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit. If a specific volume or frequency is not stated below, then evidence must be provided that the following requirements have been performed on at least one occasion:

operate a mechanical stress grading machine, in line with work orders, to grade the following types of panels:

laminated veneer

medium density fibreboard

chipboard

fibreboard

plywood

complete operator maintenance on the mechanical stress grading equipment.

A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:

typical flow of material supply in and out of the grading area

typical work flow processes and techniques used to mechanically stress grade panels

range of industry standard strength grades and thresholds and applicable terminology

markings used on panels to identify grades

reason for independent testing of panels and processes for sampling and preparing panels for testing

purpose, features and operation of equipment used to mechanically stress grade panels:

mechanical stress-graders or high speed mechanical graders

spray guns

branding rolls

verification panels

methods used to:

calibrate equipment to grades using verification panels

clean and maintain mechanical stress grading equipment

organisational procedures specific to mechanically stress grading panels:

workplace health and safety with particular emphasis on equipment lock out, use of personal protective equipment and handling hazardous substances

communication reporting lines

recording and reporting production outcomes, equipment faults and maintenance requirements

environmental protection practices for forest products factory settings:

reducing water and energy use

cleaning plant, tools and equipment

disposing of hazardous substances.

The following resources must be made available:

mechanical stress-graders or high speed mechanical graders

spray guns

branding rolls

maintenance tools and equipment for mechanical stress graders

verification panels

consumable dye

personal protective equipment suitable for mechanically stress grading panels

a diverse range of commercial panels:

laminated veneer

medium density fibreboard

chipboard

fibreboard

plywood

manufacturers’ instructions for use and maintenance of equipment

work order with specific instructions for types and quantities of panels to be graded

template documents for recording production outcomes, equipment faults and maintenance requirements

organisational procedures for mechanically stress grading panels.

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.

Assessor requirements

Assessors must:

hold the appropriate assessor competency standards as outlined in regulations; and

be able to demonstrate vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed; and

be able to demonstrate how they are continuing to develop their VET knowledge and skills as well as maintaining their industry currency and assessor competence.
Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Review work order and where required check with appropriate personnel. 
Select appropriate personal protective equipment and check for operational effectiveness. 
Obtain type and quantity of panels for stress grading from storage location. 
Plan stress-grading process in line with work order. 
Use equipment in line with organisational safety procedures, manufacturer’s instructions and environmental protection practices. 
Complete pre start-up checks on equipment to ensure operational effectiveness. 
Set up spray guns or branding rolls for use in line with work order. 
Complete calibration process using verification panels and set grade thresholds in line with organisational procedures. 
Complete automatic grading process, monitor and adjust material flow to machine. 
Monitor machinery to ensure consistent grade marking and panel appearance in line with industry standards. 
Withdraw samples for independent testing and prepare according to testing procedures. 
Follow organisational safety procedures to lock out equipment. 
Check and clean photo-electric cells and reflectors in line with environmental protection practices. 
Check and refill spray guns or branding rolls. 
Adjust and maintain mechanical stress grade rollers, auto-feed and load pressure in line with manufacturer’s recommendations. 
Keep stress-grading area clear of dust and debris in line with organisational safety procedures. 
Record and report production outcomes, equipment faults and maintenance requirements to appropriate personnel. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

FWPCOT3229 - Mechanically stress grade panels
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

FWPCOT3229 - Mechanically stress grade panels

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: