Application
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to operate specialist equipment to classify flake in readiness for downstream production of panel products, while monitoring and maintaining the flow of operation. The unit includes operator maintenance.
The unit applies to those classifying flake in a forest and wood products factory setting. The skills and knowledge required for competent workplace performance are to be used within the scope of the person's job and authority.
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 to classify flake. | 1.1 Check and review work order with appropriate personnel. 1.2 Identify, clarify and follow safe work procedure for classifying flake. 1.3 Identify hazards and control risk in the work area. 1.4 Conduct pre-start checks on equipment in line with manufacturer’s recommendations and site procedures. 1.5 Acquire and assess from stockpile type and quantity of flake to be classified. 1.6 Plan flake classifying process in line with site procedures. |
2. Operate equipment and classify flake. | 2.1 Adjust screens and feed systems to separate flake into required sizes and operate equipment in line with site requirements. 2.2 Monitor flake flow, usage and silo levels and take action to ensure optimal production and availability of sufficient storage space. 2.3 Direct output to designated silos and immediately clear blockages to ensure smooth transfer. 2.4 Reject and dispose of flake unsuitable for classification in line with site procedures and environmental requirements. |
3. Maintain equipment, clean up and maintain record keeping procedure. | 3.1 Lock out equipment in line with workplace requirements and site procedures. 3.2 Check grinding elements for faulty, blunt or damaged condition, and remove and replace as required, in line with manufacturer's recommendations. 3.3 Clear machine and surrounding area of foreign matter and debris in line with workplace requirements. 3.4 Record and report processing 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.
operate equipment to classify flake according to work order and safe work procedures
respond to a blockage requiring emergency shutdown
visually assess flake to determine it classification characteristics
identify and appropriately dispose of unsuitable flake
conduct operator maintenance on flake classifying equipment
store flake in line with workplace requirements
record and report production, quality and maintenance information using designated workplace recording systems (manual or computer-based).
Evidence of Knowledge
A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
safe work procedure relevant to classifying flake
hazards and risk controls relevant to the classifying flake process
process faults that require emergency shut-down and immediate resolution
emergency response procedures relevant to fire, accident, serious equipment or process fault
environmental protection requirements: waste minimisation and disposal, recycling and reuse guidelines
organisational and site standards, requirements, policies and procedures for classifying flake
flake classification process
flake characteristics:
size categories
species
core fraction
surface fraction
overs and dust
moisture content
storage systems and labelling requirements
established communication channels and protocols
procedures for identifying and resolving problems and faults during the classify flake process
procedures for the operation and maintenance of equipment
procedures for recording and reporting faults, processing and equipment maintenance information (production, quality, maintenance and tally sheets).
Assessment Conditions
The following resources must be made available:
personal protective equipment required for classifying flake
flake (any of the following):
wood flake, planer shavings, sawdust, shredded board
classifiers
flake towers
screens and silos
sifters
mechanised feed systems (conveyors, transfer cars or chutes)
transfer equipment (regular feed systems, blow lines or drag chains)
relevant personnel for the purposes of communicating information
site documents: work order, safe work procedure, equipment lock-out procedure, log book or computer-based equivalent.
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: | estimate storage capacity, flake quantities and flow rates. |
Reading skills to: | monitor information on screens. |
Writing skills to: | enter log sheet data complete pre-start checklist. |
Problem solving skills to: | detect faults and take immediate action to rectify problems including blockages requiring emergency shut-down and immediate rectification. |
Range Statement
Not Applicable
Sectors
Wood Panel Products