FWPCOR3204
Visually assess materials


Application

This unit describes the outcomes required to visually assess material characteristics for defects and quality.

The unit applies to those working in a range of job roles in forest growing, saw mills, wood chip mills, veneer mills. board/plywood mills, timber treatment plants, downstream processing of timber, forest products factories and forest products sales and service.

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


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

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 assessing

1.1 Review and clarify work order and site procedures for visual assessment processes with appropriate personnel.

1.2 Identify and confirm material to be visually assessed .

1.3 Select equipment for assessing, check operational effectiveness and review manufacturer's instructions.

1.4 Review options for processing operations following assessment.

1.5 Prepare to work safely.

2. Visually assess material

2.1 Visually assess characteristics and defects of material against industry standards.

2.2 Mark defects for treatment or sawing according to organisational and site procedures.

2.3 Record and report assessment outcomes and distribution problems.

3. Distribute material

3.1 Move materials to storage or processing operations according to site procedures.

3.2 Dispose of sub-standard materials in line with site requirements.

3.3 Monitor on-site movement of material to ensure intended flow is achieved.

3.4 Label storage according to site procedures.

Evidence of Performance

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 the visual assessment of material

visually assess the quality of materials for characteristics, defects and imperfections, to meet industry standards

recognise and mark defects and sub-standard materials

distribution of materials using designated equipment.


Evidence of Knowledge

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

industry standards and codes of practice related to processes for visually assessing materials

environmental protection requirements, including the safe disposal of waste material

organisational and site standards, policies and procedures relevant to visually assessing materials

methods of visual estimation and assessment, colour identification and tagging

typical material defects and characateristics

treatment of materials to eradicate insect attack or other defects

distribution processes for assessed materials

storage systems and labelling

types of tools and equipment used fro visually assessing materials and procedures for their safe use and maintenance

procedures for recording and reporting workplace information.


Assessment Conditions

The following resources must be made available:

materials for visual assessment

equipment for measuring moisture in logs

site policies and procedures for visually assessing materials

recording or reporting tools for recording outcomes of assessment and

personal protective equipment relevant to visually assessing materials

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.


Foundation Skills

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.


Range Statement

Not Applicable


Sectors

Forest Growing and Management

Harvesting and Haulage

Sawmilling and Processing

Timber Manufactured Products

Timber Merchandising

Wood Panel Products

Timber Truss and Frame Design and Manufacture