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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

General Education and Training Certificate: Lumber Milling 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
66269  General Education and Training Certificate: Lumber Milling 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Forestry 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
FPMSETA - Fibre Processing and Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Forestry and Wood Technology 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  123  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

The purpose of this Qualification is to provide the skills required in order for the learners to be able to perform elementary work in the Lumber Mill Industry, within their area of work. The learner will acquire knowledge and skills to:
  • Describe the Lumber Milling Industry in terms of processes and equipment making use of correct terminology.
  • Perform elementary Lumber Milling Operations under supervision.
  • Apply mathematical concepts when performing elementary tasks.
  • Identify the mechanical make-up and the function of elementary equipment needed in area of work.
  • Operate basic equipment safely in line with area of specialisation.
  • Apply lubrication as a maintenance requirement with the Lumber Milling industry.
  • Demonstrate knowledge pertaining to basic health and safety principles in and around a workplace.
  • Adhere to safety, health and environmental requirements in the workplace.
  • Conduct maintenance operation on the machine.
  • Participate as a member of a team.

    Rationale:

    South African lumber millers depend on the skills level of its workers for the production of high quality products. These products are expected to match up to the set standards and specifications of the industry which includes: SABS, SAWPA and SANS. Failure to comply with the set standards could result in some of the plants' and sites' closure. To offset this, an increased demand for more knowledgeable and better skilled personnel to produce millers has been identified within the sector. This qualification will allow workers at the lower levels an opportunity to gain skills and knowledge appropriate for their areas of work.

    The typical range of learners is the currently employed, unemployed and other persons, who want to enter a learning programme to obtain a General Education and Training Certificate in Lumber Milling at NQF Level 1, to continue building a career path in this industry.

    These learners, once qualified, will be able to effectively and efficiently work as supervisors or foremen, on tasks they are responsible for at this level in the relevant workplace.

    This qualification equips learners with identified competencies, knowledge and skills at NQF Level 1 and also provide a basis for further learning at NQF Level 2. The exit level outcomes, which embody these competencies in knowledge and skills, are listed in paragraph 8 below. The fundamental outcomes as well as the non-industry specific core outcomes required at this level, also provide the learner with building blocks for a learning pathway outside this industry.

    The learning programme, which leads to this qualification, produces a person who is knowledgeable about and appropriately skilled in performing the relevant tasks in Lumber Milling. Persons without any training or with another type of training, or persons, who had undergone the ad-hoc type of training which was prevalent under the previous dispensation, will not be of the same quality for this work than a learner with this qualification.

    Improved levels of knowledge and skills lead to greater ability to produce at more competitive costs and better quality, increased sales, greater profits, more personal income, which will impact favourably both on the society and the economy of the country.

    This qualification supports the National Qualifications Framework regarding access, mobility and progression, quality of learning, redress of unfair discrimination and contribution to personal development and social and economic development of the action. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in Communication and Literacy Skills at ABET Level 3 or equivalent.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    This qualification may be achieved in part or wholly through recognition of prior learning (RPL) processes.

    The provision that the qualification may be obtained through the recognition of prior learning facilitates access to an education, training and career path in engineering and thus accelerates the redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities.

    Evidence of prior learning must be assessed through formal RPL processes through recognized methods. Any other evidence of prior learning should be assessed through formal RPL processes to recognize achievement thereof.

    Learners submitting themselves for RPL should be thoroughly briefed prior to the assessment and will be required to submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) in the prescribed format to be assessed for formal recognition. While this is primarily a workplace-based qualification, evidence from other areas of learning may be introduced if pertinent to any of the Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs).

    The structure of this unit standard based qualification makes the RPL possible, if the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification.

    Learners who already work in the Lumber Milling industry who believe they possess competencies to enable them to meet some or all of the ELOs listed in the qualification will be able to present themselves for assessment against those of their choice.

    Access to the Qualification:

    Access to this qualification is open. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This Qualification consists of Fundamental, Core and Elective Unit Standards. A minimum of 123 credits is required to achieve this Qualification.

    The credits are allocated as follows:

    Fundamental Component:
  • Language, Literacy and Communication (LLC) Unit Standards, totalling 23 credits. All the credits are compulsory for all the learners.

    A choice of either:
  • Mathematical Literacy Unit Standards, totalling 16 credits.

    Or
  • Mathematics and Mathematical Sciences, totalling 16 credits.

    A learner must choose Mathematical Literacy or Mathematics and not a combination of both.

    Learners must complete all the LLC Unit Standards, totalling 23 credits and either Mathematical Literacy Unit Standards or the Mathematical Sciences Unit Standards, totalling 16 credits to give a total of 39 credits for the Fundamental Component.

    Learning Area: Language, Literacy and Communication (LLC):

    ID Number; Unit Standard Title; Credits:
  • ID 119635; Engage in a range of speaking/signing and listening interactions for a variety of purposes; 6 credits.
  • ID 119631; Explore and use a variety of strategies to learn; 5 credits.
  • ID 119640; Read/view and respond to a range of text types; 6 credits.
  • ID 119636; Write/Sign for a variety of different purposes; 6 credits.

    Total = 23 credits.

    And

    Learning Area: Mathematical Literacy (ML):

    ID Number; Unit Standard Title; Credits:

    ID 119373; Describe and represent objects in terms of shape, space and measurement; 5 credits
    ID 119364; Evaluate and solve data handling and probability problems within given contexts; 5 credits.
    ID 119362; Work with numbers, operations with numbers and relationships between numbers; 4 credits.
    ID 7450; Work with measurements in a variety of contexts; 6 credits.

    Total = 16 credits.

    Or

    Learning Area: Mathematics and Mathematical Sciences (MMS):

    ID Number; Unit Standard Title; Credits:

    ID 7448; Work with patterns in various contexts; 4 credits.
    ID 7452; Describe, represent and interpret mathematical modes in different contexts; 6 credits.
    ID 7453; Use algebraic notations, conventions and terminology to solve problems, 3 credits.
    ID 7464; Analyse cultural products and processes as representations of shape, space and time; 2 credits.

    Total =16 credits.

    Core Component:

    All the 8 core unit standards totalling 44 credits are compulsory.

    Elective Component:

    There are four elective pathways; Lumber Drying; Dry Lumber processing; Saw Doctoring and Green Timber processing.

    Note:
  • Each of the specialization areas has a different number of credits. The minimum number of elective credits is 40. Therefore the balance of credits required to achieve this qualification must be selected from any of the other elective pathways.

    Specialisation path 1: Lumber Drying with 3 Unit Standards titles below:
  • ID 263689: Stack lumber for kiln drying.
  • ID 263699: Move kiln trolley with load of dried lumber from drying kiln run to cooling shed/facilities.
  • ID 263674: Describe drying defects that can occur in wood and methods and techniques to minimize them.

    Specialisation path 2: Dry Lumber processing with 4 Unit Standards titles below:
  • ID 264798: Sort and stack graded lumber in a Lumber Mill.
  • ID 263676: Prepare and load lumber for drying in the kilns according to prescribed procedure.
  • ID 263681: Handle, mix and apply adhesive glue manually in finger jointing and laminating facilities of lumber milling.
  • ID 264814: Operate conversion equipment for recovering narrower and thinner and shorter length products in dry timber processing area of lumber mill.

    Specialisation Area 3: Saw Doctoring with 5 Unit Standards titles below:
  • ID 263695: Perform routine maintenance on saw shop machine and tools.
  • ID 263655: Move and transport saws and cutters between saw shop and processing machines.
  • ID 263654: Clean saws and cutters returned for maintenance in saw shop.
  • ID 263682: Inspect used saw blades before and after servicing in Saw Shop of Lumber Mill.
  • ID 263678: Manually set and sharpen springset saw blades used in Lumber Mill.

    Specialisation Area 4: Green Timber Processing with 1 Unit Standard with title below:
  • ID 263690: Operate Log Yard in a Lumber Mill.
  • ID 263679: Operate green lumber crosscutting/trimming facilities in green timber processing area of lumber mill. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of Lumber Milling Operations with respect to any of the four sub-disciplines of Lumber Milling Technology.
  • Range: Lumber Milling Industry: Lumber drying, green timber processing, dry lumber processing, saw doctoring.

    2. Perform elementary Lumber Milling operations under supervision (cross-cut machine, conveyor belt, strapping machine).

    3. Adhere to Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental standards in the workplace.

    4. Apply basic quality control measures as per Lumber Milling Industry standards.

    5. Identify, gather and operate basic equipment safely.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes have been addressed in the exit level outcomes as follows:

    Identifying and solving problems in which responses indicate that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made when:
  • Identifying potential risks in the workplace and implementing appropriate solutions to maintain a safe and secure working environment.
  • Identifying and pro-actively reporting on non-availability of resources and materials.

    Working effectively with others as a member of a group, organisation and community during:
  • Communicating and receiving advice from supervisors.

    Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when:
  • Identifying, minimizing and reporting potential occupational health and safety hazards and risks in the workplace.
  • Performing work activities in accordance with industry standard operating procedures.
  • Safety equipment and clothing is selected and prepared in accordance with legislative requirements.

    Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information to better understand and explain by:
  • Carrying out written instructions issued by supervisors, correctly and efficiently.
  • Interpreting and recording correct client contact details.

    Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion when:
  • Issuing clear verbal instructions to team members, other colleagues and clients.
  • Actively listening to feedback received from team members, other colleagues and clients.
  • Evaluating and reporting problem situations to team members, other colleagues and clients.

    Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when:
  • Interpret various gauge settings, readings and recording the impact on the business.
  • Understanding and interpreting the various gauge reading equipment.

    Demonstrating and understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation when:
  • Applying the inter-relatedness of the Lumber Milling industry as a set of related systems.
  • Recognizing the inter-relatedness between the various business units within the organization. 

  • ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

    1.1 The correct terminology is used to describe the various operations within the Lumber Milling processes.
    1.2 Differences between the four sub disciplines of Lumber Milling Technology are given.
    1.3 Different equipment is listed and differentiated in terms of use.
    1.4 Different products are described in terms of the different operations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

    2.1 Elementary operations are described/listed in terms of operations performed.
    2.2 Safety precautions are adhered to during operation.
    2.3 Correct equipment is used to carry out tasks.
    2.4 Checks are performed on equipment before carrying out task.
    2.5 Findings are reported according to company's procedures.
    2.6 Equipment is operated according to standard operating procedures.
    2.7 Basic maintenance is performed on equipment (lubrication).
    2.8 Equipment is cleaned after use.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

    3.1 Occupational health, safety and environmental legislation applicable to the Lumber Milling Industry is understood and applied correctly at all times as per workplace requirements.
    3.2 First Aid is administered appropriately and requisite reporting takes place.
    3.3 Potential hazards are identified as per standard operating standards and norms.
    3.4 Safety, health and environment related activities are conducted in the Lumber Milling environment and according to Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

    4.1 Quality requirements are listed.
    4.2 The products (boards, planks) are graded according to prescribed quality standards.
    4.3 Products are cut according to company's specifications.
    4.4 The importance of adherence to quality requirements is explained according to industry standardization.
    4.5 The consequences of poor quality products on the business are given.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

    5.1 Correct equipment is identified in terms of work at hand.
    5.2The use of equipment is explained.
    5.3 Equipment is gathered in terms of operation to be carried out.
    5.4 Equipment is operated safely.
    5.5 Equipment is cleaned and maintained as per specifications.
    5.6 Equipment is stored accordingly.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Integrated assessment evaluates the learner's ability to combine actions and ideas across a range of activities and knowledge areas. The integrated assessment must specifically assess the learner's ability to:
  • Demonstrate competence by means of the practical application of the embedded knowledge in a manner that meets the required performance standards required.
  • Illustrate a clear understanding of the concepts, theory and principles that underpin the practical action taken.

    The assessment will require assessment methods which measure and evaluate evidence generated during learning and on-the-job activities. Because assessment practices must be open and transparent, fair, valid and reliable; ensuring that no leaner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever, an integrated assessment approach is incorporated into the Qualification.

    A variety of methods must be used in assessment tools and activities must be appropriate to the context in which the learner is working or will work. Where it is not possible to assess the learner at the workplace, simulations, case studies role plays and other similar techniques should be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment.

    The term integrated assessment implies that theoretical and practical components should be assessed together. Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the Unit Standards should be integrated and, during integrated assessment, the assessor should make use of a range of formative and summative assessment tools and methods. Combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies should be assessed. Assessment should further ensure that all specific outcomes, embedded knowledge and critical cross field outcomes are evaluated in an integrated way.

    Assessors must assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience as the assessment process is capable of being applied to RPL, subject to the rules and criteria of the relevant ETQA. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The following countries were considered for their best practices in Wood Processing and also for their similarities and differences to the South African model:
  • New Zealand.
  • Canada.
  • USA.
  • Britain.

    New Zealand:

    Saw Doctoring:

    The Qualification recognises the skills and knowledge required for the care and maintenance of handsaws, circular saws, and band saws. It is recommended that candidates should hold a current first aid certificate or are credited with the first aid standards - Unit 6400, Manage first aid in emergency situations; Unit 6401, Provide first aid; and Unit 6402, Provide resuscitation Level 2.

    Topics Covered:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of safety on engineering worksites.
  • Apply safe working practices on an engineering worksite.
  • Safely shut down and isolate machines and equipment.
  • Set circular saws.
  • Maintain household and handy person cutting tools.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of grinding for saw doctoring, timber machining and finger jointing.
  • Tooth circular saws.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of saw tooth profiles in saw doctoring.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of saw grinder application and operation.
  • Perform basic saw doctoring calculations.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of saw doctoring.
  • Identify and describe workplace risks in a wood manufacturing operation.
  • Sharpen band saws.
  • Sharpen circular saws.
  • Select, use and care for, engineering hand tools.
  • Maintain handsaws.
  • Maintain narrow handsaws.
  • Grind and hone straight knives and anvils.
  • Maintain a chainsaw chain and bar.
  • Maintain metal cutting saw.
  • Tip circular saw teeth and profile circular saw tips.
  • Retooth inserted teeth saws.
  • Tooth band saws.
  • Maintain router bits and drill bits.

    This qualification compares favourably with the South African Qualification at NQF Level 2 and 3 in the following:
  • Level of Unit Standards is the same.
  • Number of credits are the same.

    Although the qualification is at Level 2, a few competencies in the qualification are expected to be demonstrated by a learner qualifying at the level 1 within the SA context. These are:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of safety on engineering worksites.
  • Apply safe working practices on an engineering worksite.
  • Safely shut down and isolate machines and equipment.
  • Set circular saws.
  • Maintain household and handyperson cutting tools.

    Block stack timber Level 1, with 2 credits is also found in the SA Qualification (Lumber Dry area of specialisation).

    Due to the fact that Level 1 Qualification offers little specialisation, competencies in all the four areas of specialisation are very minimal, therefore the rest of saw doctoring unit standards listed below, do not form part of the SA Level 1 qualification.

    National Certificate in Solid Wood Manufacturing (Level 3) with strands in Engineered Wood Product Operations; Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) and Plywood Operations; Planer Operations; Pole and Post Operations; Saw Centre Operations; Timber Drying Operations; Timber Grading Operations; Timber Treatment Operations; Veneer Preparation; and Wood Product Operations.

    Core Skills:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of environmental issues in Wood Manufacturing Industries.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of business basics in a wood manufacturing industry.
  • Take and record measurements and make calculations in wood manufacturing.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of systems and techniques used when working efficiently in wood manufacturing industry.
  • Describe process techniques used on a wood manufacturing worksites.
  • Participate, with technical support, in the investigation of wood manufacturing production issues.
  • Applications of workplace health and safety principles in the wood manufacturing industries.

    Core Elective:

    Apply hazard identification and risk assessment procedures in the workplace:
  • Explain adhesive use in wood product manufacturing.
  • Carry out procedures for gluing in wood product manufacturing.

    Finger Jointing:
  • Feed and tail out finger jointer.
  • Test finger jointed product in solid wood manufacturing.

    Operate cross cut saw centre:

    Lamination:
  • Laminate straight timber for wood product manufacturing.
  • Test laminated product in wood product manufacturing.
  • Control automatic glue mixing systems for wood product manufacturing.
  • Develop patterns and construct jigs for curved laminate products in wood product manufacturing.
  • Laminate curved products for wood product manufacturing.
  • Store and handle chemicals for energy and chemical plant.

    Machinery:
  • Set up a timber planer for dress four sides.
  • Joint straight cutters.
  • Set cutters into cutter heads.

    The following competencies have been identified as being similar to the proposed qualification in that they cover the same level for the target group:
  • Health, safety and Environmental issues are covered important in both qualifications.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of environmental issues in wood manufacturing industries.
  • Explain adhesive use in wood product manufacturing.

    The difference with this model is that the qualification is well structured and detailed in terms of competencies compared to the South African one. The following are not offered in the SA Level 3 qualification:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of business basics in a wood manufacturing industry.
  • Take and record measurements and make calculations in wood manufacturing.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of systems and techniques used to work efficiently in wood manufacturing.

    Application of Glue, handling and storage of glue is done by an operator in a Level 2 qualification.

    Canada:

    Canada does not offer full qualification however, it should be noted that the Short Courses they offer, are similar in depth and breadth to the South African model. The notional hours and the number of credits are evident. The Body of knowledge titled:safety operation of machinery (BP-WW2-05-01).Identifying Safety Risks in Wood Processing and Precautions for Specific Equipment( equipment used to process wood waste (rolling stock, conveyors, screens, hogs/shredder)Other Wood Processing Machine Operators (NOC_9434).Other Wood Processing Machine Operators 212 are adequately covered in the South African model. The following shows the structure of the Unit Standards covered:
  • Introduction and Overview.
  • Sawmilling, Then and Now.
  • Product Recovery Factors.
  • Sawmill Economics - 101.
  • Lumber Grades.
  • Log Merchandising.
  • Debarking.
  • Large Log Processing.
  • Small Log Processing.
  • Sawfiling Practices.
  • Edging.
  • Resawing.
  • Lumber Trimming and Sorting.
  • Mill/Plant Layout and Design.
  • Lumber Drying.
  • Planning and Grading.
  • Lumber Quality and Process Control.
  • Human Resources.
  • Business Aspects of Manufacturing.

    We also noted that other form of specialisation available for training includes:
  • Wood Technology.
  • Timber Grading (NZ, USA, Australian grading rules), and this includes the following Units:
    > Kiln Drying, Wood Drying, Sawmilling, Wood Preservation, Timber Yarding, and other technical aspects of the timber industry. A comparison to the South African model also shows that these are covered extensively as a learner progresses from one level to the other.

    Due to restriction imposed by the scope and parameter of this qualification and its level, a detailed comparison could not be carried out. However, this qualification compares favourably with the South African model in that it covers at the same Level and the proposed competencies, knowledge and skills. Focus on Kiln drying, Wood drying processes, Green Timber processing (Saw Milling) Lumber Drying Processing (Wood Preservation) which is the same as outlined above.

    Britain:

    Certificate in Kiln Drying:

    CAWP offers a 150-hour modular course in kiln drying that currently represents the most comprehensive training program on the subject available anywhere in the world. Qualifications from Britain are similar although learning programmes and hours of learning are comparable. The inclusion of labour legislation and other non-industry specific subjects make it even more uniquely South African. The institutions offering these qualification in Britain are all internationally recognized as centres of excellence in training and education in the Forestry/Wood Technology field.

    Emerging Economies:
  • In an attempt to do a comparison with a country with an emerging economy, no qualification exist. 

  • ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This Qualification articulates both horizontally and vertically.

    Horizontal articulation:
  • ID 64309: General Education and Training Certificate: Adult Basic Education and Training, Level 1.
  • ID 49552: General Education and Training Certificate: Environmental Practice, Level 1.
  • ID 49753: General Education and Training Certificate: General Technical Practice, Level 1.

    Vertical articulation:
  • ID 61929: National Certificate: Pulp and Paper Operations, Level 2. 

  • MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Qualification must be registered as an assessor with a relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the relevant ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • A learner wishing to be assessed for this qualification can only be assessed through an accredited assessment provider/centre.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual Unit Standards as well as in the Exit Level Outcomes described in the Qualification.
  • The Moderator for this qualification must have a similar qualification or that is at least one level higher than this qualification. 

  • CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Anyone assessing a learner against this qualification must be registered with the relevant ETQA as an assessor.

    Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement this qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA. Assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the policies and guidelines for assessment of that ETQA, in terms of agreements reached around assessment and between various ETQA's (including professional bodies).

    Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification may apply to be assessed any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA.

    The options as listed above provide the opportunity to ensure that assessment and moderation can be transparent, affordable, valid reliable and non-discriminatory.

    For an applicant to register as an assessor or moderator of this qualification, the applicant needs:
  • To be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • To be in possession of the relevant qualification.
  • To have sufficient relevant experience.
  • To have the appropriate qualification to assess communication and mathematical literacy. 

  • REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    This qualification is designed to cover focus areas under four specializations in the Forestry industry which are:
  • Dry Lumber.
  • Lumber Drying processes.
  • Green Timber Processing.
  • Saw Doctoring.

    The four focus areas of learning allowed for progression from Level 1-4 in each category. The new design allows for four qualifications namely, GETC: Lumber Milling, two National Certificates at Level 2 and 3 and an FETC: Lumber Milling with four specializations in each. 

  • UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  263684  Explain Lumber Milling Industry activities in terms of processes, production stages and equipment  Level 1  NQF Level 01 
    Core  263686  Identify the mechanical makeup and the function of major equipment needed in a work area  Level 1  NQF Level 01 
    Core  117226  Keep work area and equipment clean and safe in a wood products plant  Level 1  NQF Level 01 
    Core  263685  Perform elementary Lumber Milling operations  Level 1  NQF Level 01 
    Core  259639  Explain basic health and safety principles in and around the workplace  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  244075  Maintain the quality of products in a production environment  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  264795  Operate conversion equipment used for surfacing and thicknessing products in the dry timber processing area of lumber mill  Level 2  NQF Level 02  10 
    Core  259604  Verify compliance to safety, health and environmental requirements in the workplace  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Core  9322  Work in a team  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Fundamental  119373  Describe and represent objects in terms of shape, space and measurement  Level 1  NQF Level 01 
    Fundamental  119635  Engage in a range of speaking/signing and listening interactions for a variety of purposes  Level 1  NQF Level 01 
    Fundamental  119364  Evaluate and solve data handling and probability problems within given contexts  Level 1  NQF Level 01 
    Fundamental  119631  Explore and use a variety of strategies to learn  Level 1  NQF Level 01 
    Fundamental  119640  Read/view and respond to a range of text types  Level 1  NQF Level 01 
    Fundamental  7450  Work with measurement in a variety of contexts  Level 1  NQF Level 01 
    Fundamental  119362  Work with numbers; operations with numbers and relationships between numbers  Level 1  NQF Level 01 
    Fundamental  119636  Write/Sign for a variety of different purposes  Level 1  NQF Level 01 
    Elective  252250  Apply fire fighting techniques  Level 1  NQF Level 01 
    Elective  263654  Clean saws and cutters returned for maintenance in Saw shop of Lumber Mill  Level 1  NQF Level 01 
    Elective  14656  Demonstrate an understanding of sexuality and sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS  Level 1  NQF Level 01 
    Elective  13176  Describe and discuss basic issues relating to the nature of business, the stakeholders in a business and business profitability  Level 1  NQF Level 01 
    Elective  14445  Frame and implement an individual action plan to improve productivity within an organisational unit  Level 1  NQF Level 01 
    Elective  263681  Handle, mix and apply adhesive glue manually in finger-jointing and laminating facilities of Lumber Mill  Level 1  NQF Level 01 
    Elective  263682  Inspect used saw blades before and after servicing in Saw shop of Lumber Mill  Level 1  NQF Level 01 
    Elective  243189  Manage personal finances  Level 1  NQF Level 01 
    Elective  263678  Manually set and sharpen springset saw blades used in a Lumber Mill  Level 1  NQF Level 01 
    Elective  263655  Move and transport saws and cutters between saw shop and processing machines/areas in a Lumber Mill  Level 1  NQF Level 01 
    Elective  116932  Operate a personal computer system  Level 1  NQF Level 01 
    Elective  264814  Operate conversion equipment for recovering narrower and thinner and shorter length products in dry timber processing area of lumber mill  Level 1  NQF Level 01 
    Elective  263679  Operate green lumber crosscutting/trimming facilities in green timber processing area of Lumber Mill  Level 1  NQF Level 01 
    Elective  263695  Perform routine maintenance on Saw shop machines and tools in Lumber Mill  Level 1  NQF Level 01 
    Elective  263676  Prepare and load lumber drying kiln  Level 1  NQF Level 01 
    Elective  264798  Sort and stack graded lumber in a lumber mill  Level 1  NQF Level 01 
    Elective  263690  Sort, feed and record logs in the log yard of a Lumber Mill  Level 1  NQF Level 01 
    Elective  263689  Stack lumber for kiln drying  Level 1  NQF Level 01 
    Elective  13172  Understand the employer/employee relationship  Level 1  NQF Level 01 
    Elective  263674  Describe drying defects occurring in wood, and methods to use in minimizing them  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  12466  Explain the individual`s role within business  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  263696  Kiln trolley with load of dried lumber from drying kiln to cooling shed/facilities  Level 2  NQF Level 02 
    Elective  120496  Provide risk-based primary emergency care/first aid in the workplace  Level 2  NQF Level 02 


    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
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