FWPSAW3229
Operate a portable sawmill


Application

This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to produce sawn green boards using a portable sawmill in line with site requirements and to meet customer specifications. The work is performed in a forest setting

The unit applies to Sawyer, Machine Operator.

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 sawing

1.1 Review work order and confirm work requirements.

1.2 Select type and quantity of logs to be sawn

1.3 Select suitable equipment for the sawing process, check operational effectiveness and review manufacturer's instructions for use

1.4 Plan sawing process to optimise volume and quality of recovery.

2. Break down logs

2.1 Check site for hazards and conduct pre start-up check.

2.2 Use cant hooks, winches or log rollers to position logs to be sawn, and stabilise with chock logs or pre-notched runners.

2.3 Review sawn board dimensions from customer orders or work order.

2.4 Identify log characteristics and estimate number of boards and sequence of cuts from an individual log.

2.5 Adjust saw, carriage and mill to suit dimensions of boards to be cut.

2.6 Operate saw ensuring that sawn edges are controlled.

2.7 Remove logs with defects, reject boards and off-cuts to waste or sawn recovery.

2.8 Record and report process and equipment faults.

3. Conduct operator maintenance

3.1 Follow equipment lock-out and site procedures when equipment is faulty.

3.2 Check saw and saw blades for bluntness or damage and repair or replace following manufacturer’s instructions.

3.3 Clear area of dust and debris.

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 operating a portable sawmill

safely operate a portable sawmill to produce green boards to meet a work order

assess logs for suitability for sawing

use cant hooks, winches, log rollers and mechanical lifting equipment to position logs for sawing and ensure that logs are stable

correctly position the carriage to support the saw and the log

assess blades for replacement and conduct operator maintenance on portable sawmill machinery.


Evidence of Knowledge

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

organisational policies and procedures for operating a portable sawmill

features and safe use of portable sawmills and other equipment including:

cant hooks

winches

log rollers

mechanical lifting equipment

prestart up checks for portable sawmills including:

ensuring that the saw has been set-up correctly

ensuring that the blades are installed accurately

ensuring that the machinery is operating to optimum performance

optimisation of log sawing including:

planning the cutting of a log to achieve the most from it (the most and widest boards possible)

ensuring environmental requirements are central to this planning process

the characteristics of logs for sawing, which must include:

diameter range

curvature

faults

species

moisture content

break down processes, feed rates and finish

blade condition assessment

log defects which includes:

defects arising from a change in moisture content

warp

wane

curvature

shakes

insect defects

knots and resin pockets

sweep

taper

end splits

shape

environmental protection requirements for the safe disposal of waste material, and the cleaning of plant, tools and equipment

procedures for recording and reporting workplace information.


Assessment Conditions

The following resources must be made available:

logs for sawing

portable sawmill

personal protective equipment

work order

relevant personnel for the purposes of communicating information

documents, spreadsheets and commonly used proforma documents

organisational policies and procedures relevant to operating a portable sawmill

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:

calculate dimensions, and to estimate, measure and calculate numbers of logs and boards required.

Reading skills to:

read manufacturer’s instructions and work orders.

Writing skills to:

record information.

Planning and organising skills to:

sequence work activity.


Range Statement

Not Applicable


Sectors

Sawmilling and Processing