Application
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required produce chip and fibre blends in readiness for the production of panel products. It includes operating a mixing system, monitoring production flow and completing operator maintenance.
The unit applies to production workers who prepare chip or fibre blends in a forest and wood products factory setting. It includes operating a mixing system, monitoring production flow and completing operator maintenance.
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 mixing | 1.1 Review work order and where required check with appropriate personnel. 1.2 Select appropriate personal protective equipment and check for operational effectiveness. 1.3 Select type and quantity of glue and other ingredients in line with work order. 1.4 Plan mixing process in line with work order. |
2. Mix ingredients | 2.1 Use equipment in line with organisational safety procedures, manufacturer’s instructions and environmental protection practices. 2.2 Start and adjust ingredient mixing and feed systems to produce chip or fibre blend; check blend production regularly. 2.3 Monitor additive levels and replenish in line with mixing process requirements. 2.4 Take test samples of mix regularly in line with organisational procedures. 2.5 Keep material chutes free of blockages and where required correct system leakages. |
3. Complete operator maintenance | 3.1 Follow organisational safety procedures to lock out equipment. 3.2 Flush clean mixing systems and components in line with manufacturer’s recommendations. 3.3 Isolate blender system and clean in line with and environmental protection practices. 3.4 Dispose of excess glue in line with environmental protection practices and store unused glue. 3.5 Keep machine clear of dust and debris in line with organisational safety procedures. 3.6 Record and report production outcomes and equipment faults 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.
prepare blends in line with individual work orders that prescribe different quantities for each job; types of blend include:
chip blend
fibre blend
use water based and resin glues:
across the above jobs, monitor and adjust the feed system with consideration given to:
white water
stock level
fibre consistency
feed level
steam flow
raw water
noise
power consumption.
Evidence of Knowledge
A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
environmental protection practices for preparing chip and fibre blends:
reducing water and energy use
cleaning plant, tools and equipment
disposing of hazardous substances
storage layout and categories for:
raw materials
finished blends
typical flow of material supply in and out of the blending area
typical work flow processes for preparing chip and fibre blends
methods used to:
mix glues
blend wood chips and glue
test samples of mix for consistency
safely store glue
purpose, features, operation and basic non-specialist maintenance of equipment used to prepare chip and fibre blends:
mixer with pre-programmed mix quantities and cycles with manually controlled feed, blender and transfer systems
organisational procedures specific to preparing chip and fibre blends:
workplace health and safety with particular emphasis on equipment lock out, use of personal protective equipment and handling hazardous substances
communication reporting lines
recording and reporting production outcomes and equipment faults.
Assessment Conditions
The following resources must be made available:
mixer with pre-programmed mix quantities
personal protective equipment suitable for preparing chip and fibre blends
wood chips
glue which must include one or more of the following:
water based
resin based
synthetic
recipes for blending chips and fibre using glue
manufacturers’:
safety data sheets
instructions for equipment use
recommendations for maintaining equipment
work order with specific instructions for the preparation of chip or fibre blends
template documents for recording production outcomes and equipment faults
relevant personnel for the purposes of communicating information
organisational procedures for preparing chip and fibre blends.
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 glue and other ingredients within work orders and count amounts calculate routine mixing ratios for glue and other ingredients. |
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 safety data sheets for glue manufacturers’ instructions and maintenance recommendations. |
Writing skills to: | complete accurate basic records for production outcomes and equipment faults. |
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 processing problems and faulty equipment and resolve by reporting or rectifying. |
Technology skills to: | select and use relevant personal protective equipment for preparing chip or fibre blends efficiently and safely operate mixing systems. |
Range Statement
Not Applicable
Sectors
Wood Panel Products