Application
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to dock material to length with a power driven saw and the aid of a mechanical feed which is monitored for flow problems. Work is completed in a forest products factory setting and includes operator maintenance.
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 docking | 1.1 Review work order and where required check with appropriate personnel. 1.2 Select appropriate personal protective and other equipment and check for operational effectiveness. 1.3 Plan board cutting pattern and saw set-up sequences in line with work order. |
2. Dock boards to length | 2.1 Use equipment in line with organisational safety procedures, manufacturer’s instructions and environmental protection practices. 2.2 Mark boards and set stops for cutting. 2.3 Follow docking sequence to produce required quantity. 2.4 Check cuts for length and grade within set tolerance. 2.5 Dispose of incorrect cuts, off-cuts and sub-standard boards in line with environmental protection practices. 2.6 Monitor mechanical feed systems regularly for material flow problems and clear blockages. 2.7 Stack material in designated location safely, in line with work order. 2.8 Identify routine processing problems and resolve or report to appropriate personnel. |
3. Complete operator maintenance | 3.1 Follow organisational safety procedures to lock out equipment. 3.2 Check saw blades for bluntness or damage. 3.3 Remove and replace saw blades in line with manufacturer's recommendations. 3.4 Dispose of used blades in line with environmental protection practices. 3.5 Complete basic non-specialist maintenance for equipment. 3.6 Keep machine clear of dust and debris in line with organisational safety procedures. 3.7 Record and report equipment faults and maintenance requirements to appropriate personnel. |
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 docking boards with mechanical feed
dock boards with mechanical feed in line with prescribed organisational tolerances
stack batches of cut material in storage locations according to common size, length and angle in line with organisational requirements and OHS regulations
complete these types of maintenance on a docking saw:
cleaning the machine of wood chips and sawdust
replacing blunt saw blades
inspecting machine parts for wear or damage, including guards
greasing and lubricating moving parts
checking the operation of emergency stop buttons and lock out systems.
Evidence of Knowledge
A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
characteristics of timber and timber features
typical work flow processes for docking boards with mechanical feed
cutting patterns for single cuts requiring one cutting pass
environmental protection practices for forest products factory settings:
reducing water and energy use
cleaning plant, tools and equipment
disposing of, recycling and reusing timber
typical timber defects and how they affect ability to produce quality sawn boards:
warp
wane
cupping
shakes
insect defects
knots
resin pockets
range of industry standard lengths, cross sections and tolerances and applicable terminology
range of feed rates and how they affect production output and finished quality of boards
storage layout and categories for stacking finished materials
purpose, features and operation of equipment used to dock boards with mechanical feed:
measuring equipment
mechanical feed systems
power operated manually controlled docking and trimming saws:
saws with adjustable angle
saws with one blade
radial arm saws
table saws
bench saws
saws with automatic feed
maintenance tools and equipment for saws
methods for assessing saw blade condition
organisational procedures specific to docking boards with mechanical feed:
workplace health and safety with particular emphasis on equipment lock out and use of personal protective equipment
communication reporting lines
recording and reporting processing problems and equipment faults.
Assessment Conditions
The following resources must be made available:
tools and equipment used to dock boards with mechanical feed:
measuring equipment
mechanical feed systems
one or more of the following power operated manually controlled docking and trimming saws:
saws with adjustable angle
saws with one blade
radial arm saws
table saws
bench saws
saws with automatic feed
maintenance tools and equipment for saws
consumable saw blades
personal protective equipment suitable for docking boards with mechanical feed
a selection of timber to be docked
manufacturers’:
instructions for equipment use
recommendations for repairing and maintaining equipment
work order with specific instructions for cutting timber
template documents for recording equipment faults and maintenance requirements
relevant personnel for the purposes of communicating information
organisational policies and procedures for docking boards with mechanical feed.
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 number of boards to be cut measure board length and cut within tolerances. |
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 and maintenance recommendations. |
Writing skills to: | complete accurate basic records for equipment faults and maintenance requirements. |
Planning and organising skills to: | efficiently and logically sequence the stages of preparation and production using work order to guide activities. |
Problem-solving skills to: | identify and dispose of incorrect cuts and sub-standard boards identify processing problems and faulty equipment and resolve by reporting or rectifying |
Technology skills to: | select and use appropriate personal protective equipment for docking boards select use and maintain appropriate saws for docking boards accurately identify and replace blunt or damaged saw blades. |
Range Statement
Not Applicable
Sectors
Sawmilling and Processing