Safe loading and unloading of long timber packs and frame and trusses was listed as the first priority in the last year IRC Skills Forecast and Proposed Schedule (2017-2020).

A Case for Change is currently being prepared to provide evidence of industry support for the development of new Units of Competency in loading and unloading of large timber components. The Case for Change needs to accurately describe industry skills needs and gaps in the training package (Qualifications, Skill Sets and Units of Competency). We are asked to examine all training packages to determine what new training products or changes to existing Units are required, and not duplicate the Units. 

We seek your feedback on the following questions to complete the Case for Change.

After we incorporate your feedback, the Case for Change will be lodged with the Australian Industry Skills Committee (AISC) for their consideration. Once approved by the AISC, the Case for Change will form the basis of a project to review and develop relevant Units of Competency.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Previous feedback from the industry indicates that there is a need for skills to support the activities listed below. The requirements are to complete the task safely and handle the products appropriately to preserve their integrity.
  • loading and unloading of large/long timber components at dispatch and receival;
  • loading and unloading of large timber components at the construction site to erect house frames and roof trusses.

Question Title

* 1. The following specific skills and knowledge have been identified as being required to load and unload large timber components safely and appropriately at dispatch and receival. 

Are these skills unique to the timber industry? 
* 'Unique skills' means that they are not required for other types of loading and unloading operations/applications.

  Yes No Don't know
Identify exclusion zones taking into account the turning circle of the load (long pack or frame and truss)
Determine the midpoint of the load (long pack or frame and truss) and balance appropriately on the forklift before it is shifted
Determine the weight and to what height the load (long pack or frame and truss) need to be lifted, to ensure the load does not come into contact with anything else during shifting
Use correct loads restraint for different loads (long pack or frame and truss), vehicles and carriage conditions
Identify, test and determine suitable areas for unloading the load (long pack or frame and truss) taking into account weight, length, traffic and other conditions

Question Title

* 2. The following skills and knowledge have been identified as being required to load and unload large timber components safely and appropriately at the construction site to erect house frame and trusses.

Are these skills unique to the timber industry?

  Yes No Don't know
Assess weight of the load (long pack or frame and truss) and use the correct lifting technique or equipment to lift loads in and out of vehicles or move loads to work areas or on top walls
Assess crane and the load height (long pack or frame and truss) to maintain the allowable distance away from power lines
Apply suitable methods to unload and place loads (long pack or frame and truss) on-site to maintain product integrity
Apply suitable methods and use designated access area to unload and place loads (long pack or frame and truss) to the ground and upper floor
Apply suitable methods and equipment to unload and place trusses on the top plate 
Assess weight and location for the stacking of trusses on the top plate so that it does not overload the wall frames

Question Title

* 3. A number of relevant Units of Competency were identified in the training packages as shown below.

Which of the following Units could address the skill needs regarding safe and appropriate loading and unloading of large timber components (long pack or frame and truss)? Please select all that apply.

Question Title

* 4. Are new training products needed to address the unique skills identified above?

  Yes No Don't know
Load and unload large timber components at dispatch and receival
Load, unload and handle large timber components at the construction site

Question Title

* 5. Please provide us with any other comments about training products and skill needs for loading and unloading large timber components in your organisation.

Question Title

* 6. Your contact details:

Question Title

* 7. Are you happy to be contacted to provide further technical advice, should a training package project about loading and unloading large timber components be developed?

Thanks for your time and feedback.

T