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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare for drying
   • Review work order and where required check with appropriate personnel.
   • Identify and obtain type and quantity of material for drying process.
   • Select appropriate personal protective equipment and check for operational effectiveness.
   • Plan drying process in line with work order.
2. Set up and operate equipment for drying material
   • Use equipment in line with organisational safety procedures, manufacturer’s instructions and environmental protection practices.
   • Complete pre start-up equipment checks to ensure operational effectiveness, light furnace and monitor continually.
   • Follow emergency shutdown procedures in response to fire.
   • Set drying temperature, humidity and feed rate for optimal product recovery.
   • Position material and feed at rate appropriate to machine speed, capacity, treatment being dried, thickness and condition.
   • Assess material visually and measure moisture levels, ensuring outcomes in line with work order.
   • Coordinate out-feed to ensure efficient recovery of dried material.
   • Record and report on drying process to appropriate personnel.
3. Redistribute material
   • Regrade material in line with industry standards.
   • Direct material to storage or processing operations in line with organisational procedures.
   • Reject and dispose of defective material in line with environmental protection practices.
   • Clean work area in line with organisational safety procedures.
4. Complete operator maintenance
   • Follow organisational safety procedures to lock out equipment.
   • Check drying mechanisms for effective condition.
   • Check, and maintain oil levels, air filters, conveyors and chains in line with manufacturer’s recommendations.
   • 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:

operate a dryer to dry materials in line with individual work orders for each job prescribing different quantities; materials for drying include:

solid timber

flake

veneer

raw boards

laminated panels

veneered panels

plywood

for each of the above jobs, direct materials to appropriate storage location or to downstream processing

after each of the above jobs, complete operator maintenance on the dryer used.

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Knowledge Evidence

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

environmental protection practices for operating and maintaining dryers:

reducing water and energy use

cleaning plant, tools and equipment

disposing of, recycling and reusing defective materials

purpose of drying materials

characteristics of materials and effects of the drying process:

solid timber

flake

veneer

raw boards

laminated panels

veneered panels

plywood

methods used to visually assess condition of materials and measure moisture content after the drying process

typical work flow processes and drying techniques

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

purpose, features and operation of equipment used for drying materials:

different types of dryers:

continuous operating single pass or multi pass dryer

flash dryer

furnaces operated with steam, hot oil and gas

different types of lifting equipment including:

fork lifts

slings

trolley jacks

gantry cranes

loaders

methods used to maintain dryers

moisture probes

organisational procedures specific to drying materials:

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

communication reporting lines

recording and reporting process outcomes, equipment faults and maintenance requirements.

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