FWPCOT3216
Assess and maintain saw performance


Application

This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to assess, test, verify and rectify cutting problems for chipping and sawing machines, saw blades, knives and associated equipment. Work is completed in a wood products factory setting.

The unit applies to Sawdoctor, Saw Repairer.

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


Elements and 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. Inspect and test saw and equipment

1.1 Obtain information relating to current and past performance problems and review to assess process problems.

1.2 Select appropriate personal protective equipment and check for operational effectiveness.

1.3 Observe saw and equipment under operating conditions to determine extent of problems.

1.4 Examine timber fed through saw to determine potential causes of cutting problem.

1.5 Lock-out equipment and inspect saw and equipment to identify worn, broken and loose components.

2. Assess technical performance

2.1 Compare technical performance against other equipment.

2.2 Assess technical performance of sawing operation to identify future improvements and feasibility of options for new equipment.

2.3 Obtain endorsement from appropriate personnel for identified improvements.

3. Rectify saw problems

3.1 Identify characteristics of occurring problems and diagnose possible causes.

3.2 Refer to other trades and operations personnel to validate assessed causes.

3.3 Canvass responses and discuss with relevant personnel to identify and agree on preferred option.

3.4 Implement selected course of action, review cutting results and communicate to appropriate personnel.

3.5 Record and report causes of cutting problems and action taken in line with organisational 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 assessing and maintaining saw performance

assess saw problems through information gathering, testing and inspecting equipment, and assessing possible causes

select and implementing the correct course of action to rectify saw problems

complete a basic report providing details of cutting problems, the fault diagnosis process and rectification outcomes.


Evidence of Knowledge

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

purpose, features and operation of sawing tools including:

band saws

circular saws

gang saws

chippers

canters

typical causes of damage and poor saw performance:

forcing timber through the equipment

damage from foreign matter

incorrect operating speeds

oversized material removal

incorrect setting of equipment

poor sharpening or setting of saw blades

methods for:

assessing condition of saw blades and performance of equipment

diagnosing causes of damage and poor performance

rectifying problems and improving saw performance.

organisational procedures specific to assessing and maintaining saw performance:

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

communication reporting lines

recording and reporting cutting problems, the fault diagnosis process and rectification outcomes.


Assessment Conditions

The following resources must be made available:

sawing tools for assessment and maintenance which includes one or more of the following:

band saws

circular saws

gang saws

chippers

canters

personal protective equipment suitable for assessing and maintaining saw performance

equipment fault and cutting performance records

template documents for recording and reporting cutting problems, the fault diagnosis process and rectification outcomes

organisational policies and procedures for assessing and maintaining saw performance.

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

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

Numeracy skills to:

interpret routine numerical data involving angles, dimensions, and speeds in equipment fault and cutting performance records.

Oral communication skills to:

ask open and closed probe questions and actively listen when discussing problems, potential causes and options to rectify.

Reading skills to:

interpret basic documents recording faults and performance of equipment

interpret detailed and familiar workplace health and safety procedures.

Writing skills to:

complete accurate basic records of cutting problems, the fault diagnosis process and rectification outcomes.

Planning and organising skills to:

manage own timing and productivity to assess, diagnose and rectify saw problems.


Range Statement

Not Applicable


Sectors

Common Technical; applies across sectors