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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare for splitting
   • Review work order and where required check with appropriate personnel.
   • Identify type and quantity of products for splitting.
   • Select appropriate personal protective and other equipment and check for operational effectiveness
   • Plan splitting process in line with work order.
2. Split wood products
   • Use equipment in line with organisational safety procedures, manufacturer’s instructions and environmental protection practices.
   • Feed material into machine at feed rate to optimise production output and quality.
   • Maintain splitting process and adjust to maximise feed rate, desired quality and output.
   • Reject and dispose of sub-standard material in line with environmental protection practices.
   • Direct processed wood to designated area in line with work order.
   • Identify routine processing problems and resolve or report to appropriate personnel.
3. Complete operator maintenance
   • Follow organisational safety procedures to lock out equipment.
   • Check saw blades for bluntness or damage.
   • Remove and replace saw blades in line with manufacturer's recommendations.
   • Dispose of used blades in line with environmental protection practices.
   • Complete basic non-specialist maintenance for equipment.
   • Keep machine clear of dust and debris in line with organisational safety procedures.
   • Record and report equipment faults and maintenance requirements to appropriate personnel.

Range Statement

Not Applicable

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Performance Evidence

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:

follow organisational policies and procedures relevant to splitting wood products

split wood products in line a work order and within prescribed organisational specifications

store wood products in line with organisational requirements and OHS regulations

complete these types of basic non-specialist maintenance:

cleaning the machine of wood chips and sawdust

replacing blunt saw blades

inspecting machine parts for wear or damage, including guards

greasing and lubricating moving parts

checking the operation of emergency stop buttons and lock out systems.

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Knowledge Evidence

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

purpose, features and operation of equipment used to split wood products:

hydraulic axe and rams

circular saws

bench saws

band saws

maintenance tools and equipment for saws

typical work flow processes for splitting posts or firewood

typical flow of timber supply in and out of the sawing area

range of cutting patterns used on timber to achieve maximum output of split posts and firewood

range of feed rates and how they affect production output and finished quality of split posts and firewood

methods for assessing saw blade condition

characteristics of timber and timber defects

splitting processes, feed rates and finish

blade condition assessment

storage systems and labelling

environmental protection practices for forest products factory settings:

reducing water and energy use

cleaning plant, tools and equipment

disposing of, recycling and reusing timber

typical timber defects and how they affect ability to produce quality split posts and firewood:

incorrect moisture content

warp

wane

curvature

cupping

shakes

insect defects

knots

resin pockets

organisational policies and procedures specific to producing splitting wood products:

workplace health and safety with particular emphasis on equipment lock out and use of personal protective equipment

communication reporting lines

recording and reporting processing problems and equipment faults.

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