FWPCOT2215
Visually stress grade hardwood


Application

This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to visually stress grade hardwood by assessing material for strength against set classifications detailed in Australian Standard AS2858 as a minimum standard.

The unit applies to those who visually stress-grade hardwood in a forest products factory setting.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory, 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 stress-grading

1.1 Review work order for visually stress-grading hardwood and clarify with appropriate personnel.

1.2 Identify grading requirements in line with site procedures, standards and specifications.

1.3 Select materials, hardware items, tools and equipment appropriate to work order and check for operational effectiveness.

1.4 Position hardwood to be graded to provide appropriate access and facilitate efficient workflow.

1.5 Establish and maintain communication with others at site to ensure safety.

2. Evaluate hardwood

2.1 Identify species and check status of seasoning.

2.2 Acurately record size and tolerance measurements in line with site requirements.

2.3 Establish characteristics and evaluate in line with standards and product specifications.

2.4 Measure moisture content and evaluate against standards and seasoning requirements.

3. Grade hardwood

3.1 Visually stress grade hardwood based on standards for the required structural grade.

3.2 Diagnose and check characteristics with the greatest limiting effect on the grade.

3.3 Assess the appearance, and mark, segregate and dispose of, in line with site procedures and environmental requirements

3.4 Record and report results of grading in line with workplace 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:

plan, prepare for, evaluate and visually stress grade hardwood in readiness for processing or storage

follow work order for visually stress grading hardwood

accurately identify characteristics and defects in hardwood

accurately interpret grading standards and specifications

work safely and communicate effectively with others at work site

follow organisational policies and procedures, standards and codes of practice for visually stress grading hardwood

record and report grading activity.


Evidence of Knowledge

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

regulations, standards, codes of practice and established safe practices for visually stress-grading hardwood

organisational and site standards, policies and procedures for visually stress-grading hardwood

environmental risks and hazards associated with grading timber

criteria for recycling and re-using sub-standard material

visual stress-grading techniques and methods

grading markings and standards

characteristics and properties of hardwood

structural grade of hardwood

storage systems and labelling procedures

disposal methods for timber with defects or contamination including recycling, re-using and redirecting

established communication channels and protocols

procedures for recording and reporting workplace information.


Assessment Conditions

The following resources must be made available:

hardwood for visual stress grading

vernier callipers

moisture meters (resistance and/or capacitance)

tapes

marking implements

personal protective equipment required for stress grading hardwood

work order, workplace requirements and site standards for visually stress grading hardwood

relevant personnel for the purposes of communicating information.

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

This section describes those core and employment skills that are essential to performance and are not explicit in the performance criteria.

Numeracy skills to:

estimate, measure and calculate sizes of hardwood

effectively calibrate and use moisture meter.

Writing skills to:

accurately compile and complete grading reports.


Range Statement

Not Applicable


Sectors

Sawmilling and Processing

Timber Manufactured Products

Wood Panel Products