FWPCOT2217
Visually stress grade cypress


Application

This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to visually stress grade Australian white cypress (Callitris glaucophylla) by assessing material for strength against set classifications as detailed in Section 3 of the Australian Standard AS2858 as a minimum standard.

The unit applies to those who visually stress-grade cypress 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 cypress 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 cypress 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 cypress

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 cypress

3.1 Visually stress grade cypress 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 cypress in readiness for processing or storage

follow work order for visually stress grading cypress

accurately identify characteristics and defects in cypress

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 cypress

record and report grading activity.


Evidence of Knowledge

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

applicable regulations, standards, codes of practice and established safe practices for visually stress-grading cypress, including Australian Standard AS2858

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

environmental risks and hazards associated with grading timber

grading markings and standards

characteristics and properties of cypress

visual stress-grading techniques and methods

structural grade: structural conformity of the timber, consistency of the structural quality, defects which may weaken strength, including knots, shakes and short grain

appearance of contamination, surface characteristics and grain pattern

criteria for recycling and re-using sub-standard material

recycling timber with inappropriate defects or contamination

re-using timber with inappropriate defects or contamination

redirecting timber with inappropriate defects or contamination for energy recovery

storage systems and labelling procedures

established communication channels and protocols

procedures for recording and reporting workplace information.


Assessment Conditions

The following resources must be made available:

cypress for visual stress grading

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

vernier callipers

moisture meters (resistance and/or capacitance)

tapes

marking implements

personal protective equipment required for visually stress grading cypress

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 cypress

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