Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:04 AM AWST

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Operate timber drying kiln

Operate timber drying kiln

Unit of competency
National Code
FWPSAW3257
State Code
OFC89
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
25/01/2023
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
19/05/2023
Field of Education
030305 - Materials Engineering
Original Release Date
19/05/2023
Nominal Hours
35
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to dry softwood or hardwood timber in conventional kilns, including batch and continuous drying kilns, or solar assisted kilns, to appropriate moisture contents and stress levels. The unit applies to applies to individuals who work in timber drying operations in a wood products work environment.All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, according to state/territory health and safety regulations, legislation and standards that apply to the workplace.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for drying timber operations
  • 1.1 Determine job requirements from work order or specifications and, where required, seek clarification from appropriate personnel
  • 1.2 Confirm workplace health and safety requirements for task, including use of personal protective equipment, emergency procedures and kiln operation
  • 1.3 Confirm legislation, standards and codes of practice relevant to kiln operations
  • 1.4 Identify and assess hazards and take actions to mitigate risks related to kiln operations
  • 1.5 Obtain timber racks to be dried and assess racks visually for consistent drying characteristics
  • 1.6 Conduct pre-start checks on drying kiln according to manufacturer instructions
2. Load, operate and control kiln conditions
  • 2.1 Load kiln with timber racks selected for drying
  • 2.2 Position baffles and/or blankets as required or according to manufacturer instructions and workplace procedures to optimise air flows in kiln
  • 2.3 Apply drying and final conditioning schedules by adjusting kiln control settings to optimise kiln drying rate, turnaround time and timber quality
  • 2.4 Report kiln charge data to appropriate personnel or enter it into kiln management system
  • 2.5 Follow emergency shutdown procedures in the case of alarm being triggered
3. Monitor kiln conditions
  • 3.1 Check characteristics of kiln charge or use kiln output data periodically to determine the end point of drying
  • 3.2 Adjust kiln control settings in response to kiln charge characteristics to ensure drying schedules are met
  • 3.3 Identify human and equipment faults that may affect timber drying, and take corrective action or report to relevant personnel
4. Check timber quality on completion of drying
  • 4.1 Check characteristics of kiln charge against end product specifications according to workplace procedures
  • 4.2 Assess need for reconditioning or high humidity treatment
5. Complete kiln operations and move or store timber
  • 5.1 Observe cooling down period before baffles and/or blankets are removed from timber according to workplace procedure, if required
  • 5.2 Identify sub-standard timber and direct for re-use according to workplace procedures
  • 5.3 Direct dried timber to storage or processing operations and check that packs are labelled according to workplace procedures
  • 5.4 Clean work area according to workplace procedures
  • 5.5 Complete records and forward to appropriate personnel
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AXK03 FWPSAW3205 Dry hardwood Unit of competency
AXJ29 FWPWPP3212 Dry material Unit of competency
AXK02 FWPSAW3206 Dry softwood Unit of competency
AXL14 FWPCOT3248 Dry timber in solar assisted kilns Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BJC1 FWP30322 Certificate III in Timber and Wood Products Operations Qualification