FWPSAW2203
Sort boards mechanically


Application

This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to set up, operate and maintain a mechanical sorting machine to process boards of varying sizes. Work is completed in a forest products factory setting.

The unit applies to Sawmill Worker, Production Worker, Timber Grader.

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. Prepare for sorting

1.1 Review work order and where required check with appropriate personnel.

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

1.3 Identify type and quantity of boards for sorting and obtain from storage location.

1.4 Plan sorting process in line with work order.

2. Set up board equipment

2.1 Complete pre start-up equipment checks to ensure operational effectiveness.

2.2 Use equipment in line with organisational safety procedures, manufacturer’s instructions and environmental protection practices.

2.3 Identify board cross-sections, lengths and grades, and plan set size discriminations and timber flow.

2.4 Set up and start program linking board sizes to storage bins or trays and adjust to optimise storage space and operational effectiveness.

2.5 Check and correct operation of machine, gates, conveyors and bins regularly.

3. Co-ordinate material flow

3.1 Direct boards to subsequent operations in line with size and grade, maintaining material flow.

3.2 Inspect and monitor machine performance visually to ensure board sizes are consistent with machine settings.

3.3 Reject and dispose of sub-standard material in line with environmental protection practices.

3.4 Identify routine processing and equipment faults and resolve or report to appropriate personnel.

4. Complete operator maintenance

4.1 Follow organisational safety procedures to lock out equipment.

4.2 Clean and check size identification mechanisms, photo electric cells and reflectors or other switching systems.

4.3 Keep machine clear of dust and debris in line with organisational safety 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 sorting boards mechanically

operate mechanical sorting equipment in readiness for allocation of timber to storage or downstream operations

accurately set mechanical sorting equipment parameters

conduct operator maintenance on mechanical sorting equipment


Evidence of Knowledge

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

sorting procedures and mechanical sorting techniques

grading markings and quality standards

environmental protection practices for forest products factory settings:

reducing water and energy use

disposing of, recycling and reusing timber

range of characteristics used to sort timber boards:

type

finish quality

timber defects

length

width

thickness

range of industry-standard timber types and visual characteristics:

native timber species

imported timber species

dressed timber

in-the-rough timber

stress and non-stress graded timber

preservative treated timber

typical timber defects and how they affect ability to produce a quality finished product:

incorrect moisture content

warp

wane

cupping

shakes

insect defects

knots

resin pockets

range of industry standard lengths, cross sections, appearance grades and applicable terminology

markings used on timber boards to idendify grade

typical work flow processes used to mechanically sort boards

typical flow of timber board supply in and out of the sorting area

typical industry and organisation specific storage layout and typical storage categories for timber boards

purpose, features and operation of equipment used for sorting board mechanically:

computer based program for sorting boards

mechanical sorting machine and conveyor belt system

storage racks and bins

organisational procedures specific to sorting boards mechanically:

workplace health and safety with particular emphasis use of personal protective and other equipment

communication reporting lines

recording and reporting processing and equipment faults.


Assessment Conditions

The following resources must be made available:

mechanical sorting machine

storage racks and bins

a selection of boards for sorting

personal protective equipment suitable for sorting boards mechanically

manufacturers’ instructions and recommendations for use of equipment

work order with specific instructions for board sorting requirements

template documents for recording processing and equipment faults

organisational policies and procedures for sorting boards mechanically.

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:

identify quantities of required material within work orders and count amounts

read basic numerical machine settings and set machine for dimensions and grades.

Oral communication skills to:

ask open and closed probe questions and actively listen to clarify contents of work orders.

Reading skills to:

interpret:

workplace health and safety and other organisational procedures

work orders

manufacturers’ instructions.

Writing skills to:

complete accurate basic records for processing and equipment faults.

Planning and organising skills to:

efficiently and logically sequence the stages of sorting and distribution using work order to guide activities.

Problem-solving skills to:

identify and dispose of sub-standard materials

identify machine sorting errors and make adjustments for correct sorting of boards

recognise faulty equipment and resolve by reporting or rectifying.

Technology skills to:

select and use appropriate personal protective equipment for sorting and distributing boards

efficiently and safely operate and monitor mechanical sorting machine.


Range Statement

Not Applicable


Sectors

Sawmilling and Processing