Application
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to maintain quality output by selecting blades for various sawing operations and by applying principles of blade design. Work is completed in a forest and wood products factory
The unit applies to Sawmill Worker, Sawyer, Production Worker.
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. Maintain quality output | 1.1 Follow quality system procedures for use and care of blades. 1.2 Assess blades visually for defects before processing products and completing work. |
2. Apply blade design principles | 2.1Classify blades, according to type and style suitable for different saws and production requirements. 2.2 Identify and evaluate blade characteristics, properties and design capacities according to manufacturer’s specifications and production requirements. 2.3 Select blades to suit material being cut and production requirements. 2.4 Plan sawing to minimise blade damage and wear and optimise blade lifespan. |
3. Assess blade condition. | 3.1 Identify machinery and equipment issues that can cause product waste and adversely affect blade lifespan; resolve during day to day activities. 3.2 Assess saw blade condition and recognise need to rectify blade wear and damage. 3.3 Record and report blade faults to appropriate personnel according to blade design specifications. |
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 relevant to applying principles of blade design to sawing procedures
select blades for sawing procedures in line with environmental legislation and workplace procedures
identify and evaluate blade characteristics, properties and design capacities for these types of blades:
circular saw blades
band saw blades
gang saw blades
wide saw blades
standard steel
tungsten tipped
stellite tipped
assess saw blade condition and complete basic records of faults for each of the above types of blades
select appropriate blades to suit material being cut and production requirements in line with three work orders.
Evidence of Knowledge
A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
purpose, features and operation of blades:
circular saw blades
band saw blades
gang saw blades
wide saw blades
standard steel
tungsten tipped
stellite tipped
properties of blades used in the forestry industry:
metal from which blades are made
tensile strength
geometry and concentricity
characteristics of blades and names of different parts:
blade pitch
kerf
gullet
face
set
straightness
profile
angle
depth
teeth shape
application (cross cut or ripping)
number of teeth per metre
methods to optimise the use of saw blades
affects of different types of materials on saw blade wear
typical machinery and equipment issues that can cause product waste and adversely affect blade lifespan
methods for assessing saw blade condition
organisational quality system procedures for use and care of blades.
Assessment Conditions
The following resources must be made available:
blades for:
circular saws
band saws
gang saws
wide saws
these styles of blade:
standard steel
tungsten tipped
stellite tipped
maintenance tools and equipment for blades
personal protective equipment suitable for maintaining blades
manufacturers’:
specifications for blade use
recommendations for repairing and maintaining blades
template documents for recording blade faults
relevant personnel for the purposes of communicating information
work orders with specific information on materials to be cut and production requirements
organisational quality system procedures for use and care of blades.
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 blade characteristics for different blade types... |
Reading skills to: | interpret: organisational quality system procedures manufacturers’ blade specifications and maintenance recommendations. |
Writing skills to: | complete accurate basic records for blade faults. |
Planning and organising skills to: | plan use of blades according to work activities. |
Problem-solving skills to: | identify machining problems and resolve to avoid blade damage identify and report blade wear, damage and faults. |
Technology skills to: | select appropriate blades to suit materials and production requirements. |
Range Statement
Not Applicable
Sectors
Sawmilling and Processing