Application
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to select timber for use in forestry operations, by applying knowledge of timber technology.
The unit applies to those working in technical roles in the forest and wood products industry.
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 timber selection | 1.1 Review workplace and quality procedures for timber selection. 1.2 Conduct visual inspection of products for suitability. 1.3 Review and check product specifications. |
2. Evaluate selected timber | 2.1 Assess growth and durability of the timber. 2.2 Assess species, timber structure, features and characteristics of timber. 2.3 Check moisture content of selected timber and ensure it meets production requirements. 2.4 Identify density and working properties of timber to ensure they meet production requirements. 2.5 Identify faults and features in the timber. 2.6 Select sawing patterns that best suit the selected timber. |
3. Report on timber selection | 3.1 Assess timber for quality and specification requirements. 3.2 Prepare timber for dispatch ensuring that damage is prevented or minimized. 3.3 Follow organizational procedures to document timber assessment outcomes. 3.4 Record and report on timber selection procedures and identify any problems with the process. |
Evidence of Performance
A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy all of the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit.
follow organisational policies and procedures for selecting timber
undertake visual inspection and identify: defects, contamination, timber colours, insect attack, surface finishes, loose surfaces, bubbles, holes, breakages, machine caused defects
assess timber for growth patterns using appropriate methods including make-up of a tree: bark (cortex), phloem, cambium layer, sapwood (xylem), heartwood (truewood), pith (medulla), medullary rays, earlywood, latewood, growth rings, cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin extractives
assess timber for durability: strength, hardness and rating for use, classification and measurement
assess timber structures: hardwood (pored wood) or softwood (non-pored wood) and cell structured timber, including vessels, fibres, ray cells, pits, tracheids, texture, seasoning methods
assess timber characteristics: colour, density, texture, grain, figure, qualities, uses
identify faults and features of timber: bow, spring, twist, warp, wane, cupping, shakes, insect defects, fungi, knots, resin pockets, wild grain, sloping grain
measure moisture content of timber
prepare products relating to a customer order via various means of transport
record and report on outcomes of timber selection.
Evidence of Knowledge
A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
organisational policies and procedures for selecting timber
defects in timber: contamination, timber colours, insect attack, surface finishes, loose surfaces, bubbles, holes, breakages, machine caused defects
procedures for assessing timber for growth, durability, cell structure and characteristics
the working properties of timber: timber shrinkage, effects of light, density and deterioration of the timber, compressive and tensile stresses, modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, deformation, creep, surface hardness
faults and features of timber
acceptable moisture content of timber
sawing patterns (live-sawn, back sawn, quarter sawn) and their suitability for different timber.
Assessment Conditions
The following resources must be made available:
tools and equipment used to make timber selection
timber for selection and classification
relevant personnel for the purposes of communicating information
documents, spreadsheets and commonly used proforma documents
personal and protective equipment for selecting timber in forestry operations.
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
Sawmilling and Processing
Timber Manufactured Products
Timber Merchandising
Wood Panel Products
Timber Truss and Frame Design and Manufacture