Application
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to prepare timber racks for processing, load and unload conventional and high temperature kilns and to monitor and control kiln conditions to dry and recondition softwood. Work is completed in a forest products factory setting.
The unit applies to those who dry softwood using a kiln 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 work order and where required check with appropriate personnel. 1.2 Select appropriate personal protective and other equipment and use in line with manufacturer's recommendations. 1.3 Identify and obtain type and quantity of softwood to be dried from conversion process. 1.4 Plan drying process in line with work order. |
2. Load and control kiln conditions | 2.1 Assess racks visually to ensure consistent drying requirements for timber and adjust as required. 2.2 Measure moisture content and routinely compare with anticipated levels in line with organisational procedures. 2.3 Complete pre start-up equipment checks to ensure operational effectiveness. 2.4 Load kiln with racks selected for processing and report to appropriate personnel. 2.5 Position baffles and blankets in line with manufacturer’s instructions. 2.6 Adjust and check kiln control settings regularly in line with drying schedules and organisational safety procedures. 2.7 Follow emergency shutdown procedures when alarm is triggered. |
3. Unload kiln and process softwood | 3.1 Identify drying end point and make kiln safe for entry. 3.2 Open kiln and identify moisture content of processed softwood. 3.3 Remove moisture probes and baffles from timber. 3.4 Direct and move softwood to storage or processing operations in line with organisational procedures. 3.5 Identify sub-standard material and re-process or direct for lower value usage. 3.6 Keep work area clean and clear of debris in line with organisational safety procedures. 3.7 Identify routine processing and equipment faults and resolve or report 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.
operate a kiln to dry one or more different types of softwood as listed below in line with an individual work order for each job:
imported timber species
dressed timber
in-the-rough timber
preservative treated timber.
visually assess racks and make necessary adjustments for:
stability
spacing of strips
support to minimise warping.
Evidence of Knowledge
A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
environmental protection practices for forest products factory settings:
reducing water and energy use
disposing of, recycling and reusing timber
purpose of kiln drying softwood and meaning of equilibrium moisture content (EMC)
characteristics of softwood and effects of the drying process
issues considered when visually assessing racks to ensure consistent drying requirements for timber:
stability
spacing of strips
support to minimise warping
methods used to measure moisture content of timber before and after drying process
typical work flow processes used to dry timber using kilns
typical flow of timber board supply in and out of the drying area
purpose, features and operation of equipment used for drying softwood:
different types of drying kilns:
conventional
high temperature
very high temperature
extremely high temperature
vaccum dryer
different types of lifting equipment:
fork lifts
slings
trolley jacks
gantry cranes
loaders
baffles and blankets
moisture probes
organisational procedures specific to drying softwood:
workplace health and safety with particular emphasis use of personal protective and other equipment
kiln operation
communication reporting lines
recording and reporting processing and equipment faults.
Assessment Conditions
The following resources must be made available:
one or more of the following types of drying kiln:
conventional
high temperature
very high temperature
extremely high temperature
vacuum dryer
heat source which must be either steam, hot oil or gas
one or more of the following types of lifting equipment:
fork lifts
slings
trolley jacks
gantry cranes
loaders
baffles and blankets
moisture probes
a diverse, comprehensive and commercial product range of softwood timber
personal protective equipment suitable for kiln operation
manufacturers’ instructions and recommendations for use of equipment
work order with specific instructions for the types and quantity of timber to be dried
template documents for recording processing and equipment faults
organisational procedures for drying softwood.
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: | complete routine measurements of timber moisture levels read basic kiln temperature settings; set and adjust levels according to drying requirements. |
Oral communication skills to: | ask 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 recommendations. |
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 sub-standard material and re-process or direct for lower value usage recognise faulty equipment and resolve by reporting or rectifying. |
Range Statement
Not Applicable
Sectors
Sawmilling and Processing
Wood Panel and Board Production