Application
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to dry hardwood using a kiln.
The unit applies to those working 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 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 drying | 1.1 Review and check work order. 1.2 Locate required type and quantity of hardwood that has been through the conversion process and requires drying. 1.3 Select equipment and check for operational effectiveness. 1.4 Select oven sections and sample boards and cut boards following standard operating procedures. 1.5 Plan drying process. |
2. Load kiln and control kiln conditions | 2.1 Visually assess racks to be dried for consistent drying characteristics. 2.2 Measure and check moisture content of hardwood for drying. 2.3 Conduct pre start-up checks according to site requirements. 2.4 Follow emergency shutdown procedures when alarm is triggered. 2.5 Load kiln with racks selected for processing. 2.6 Weigh sample boards during drying and check results against standard operating procedures. 2.7 Position baffles and blankets. 2.8 Check and adjust kiln control settings are to meet drying schedules. |
3. Unload kiln and process hardwood | 3.1 Identify end point of drying and make kiln safe for entry. 3.2 Check hardwood for compliance with target moisture content 3.3 Follow site procedures for removal of moisture probes and baffles. 3.4 Monitor kiln charge and recondition or conduct high humidity treatment as appropriate 3.5 Move and store hardwood for processing. 3.6 Identify sub-standard material and recommend lower value product uses. 3.7 Clean work area according to site requirements. 3.8 Record drying process and report any equipment faults. |
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 drying hardwood – work orders will include information regarding species colour, type, width, length, thickness, quantity, instructions for the environmental monitoring of work and procedures, environmental care requirements relevant to the work.
use moisture probes and correctly calculate moisture content
safely and efficiently use and maintain kilns and equipment for drying hardwood
dry hardwood to specified end moisture content in readiness for storage and/or processing
safely move and store dried hardwood according to site procedures
accurately record and report on drying processes.
Evidence of Knowledge
A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
environmental protection requirements and organizational procedures for the safe disposal or recycling of waste material and the cleaning of plant, tools and equipment
organisational and site policies and procedures for drying hardwood
drying techniques
kiln operations
fire safety procedures
visual assessment of materials for:
stability
spacing of strips
support to minimise warping
characteristics of hardwood which must include one or more of the following:
native timber species
imported timber species
dressed timber
in-the-rough timber
preservative treated timber
methods for the measurement of moisture content and Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC)
storage systems and labeling processes
baffles and blankets and their applications
procedures for recording and reporting workplace information.
Assessment Conditions
The following resources must be made available:
kilns or vacuum dryers
hardwood for drying
personal protective equipment required for drying hardwood
organisational policies and procedures for drying hardwood.
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: | measure temperatures, humidities and calculate moisture content. |
Reading skills to: | review manufacturer’s instructions for drying equipment. |
Writing skills to: | complete accurate basic records for processing and equipment faults. |
Planning and organising skills to: | efficiently and logically sequence the stages of preparation and kiln drying work using work order to guide activities. |
Problem-solving skills to: | monitor kiln operation and respond to deficiencies by adjusting drying conditions respond to emergency situations and swiftly shut down kiln identify and dispose of sub-standard materials recognise faulty equipment and resolve by reporting or rectifying. |
Range Statement
Not Applicable
Sectors
Sawmilling and Processing
Wood Panel and Board Production