Application
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to visually stress grade softwood, 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 softwood 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 softwood 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 softwood 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 softwood | 2.1 Identify species and check status of seasoning. 2.2 Accurately 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 softwood | 3.1 Visually stress grade softwood 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.
plan, prepare for, evaluate and visually stress grade softwood in readiness for processing or storage
follow work order for visually stress grading softwood
accurately identify characteristics and defects in softwood
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 softwood
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 softwood including Australian Standard AS2858
organisational and site standards, policies and procedures for visually stress-grading softwood
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 softwood
structural grade of softwood
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:
softwood for visual stress grading
vernier callipers
moisture meters (resistance and/or capacitance)
tapes
marking implements
personal protective equipment required for stress grading softwood
work order, workplace requirements and site standards for visually stress grading softwood
relevant personnel for the purposes of communicating information
regulations, standards, codes of practice and established safe practices including Australian Standard AS2858
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 softwood 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