Advise on rectification of quality issues related to wood or wood-based materials

This standard covers the skills and knowledge required to be able to recommend ways to resolve faults and discrepancies in quality in wood or wood-based materials which may arise if procedures are not followed. Quality issues may include weakness, inferior appearance, possible degrade, infestation and other problems. To do this, you will need to understand the effects that viable solutions will have on the properties and characteristics of wood.

This standard is most suitable for those working in timber consultancy but could be used by anyone advising on the rectification of faults.

1. comply with health and safety requirements and procedures at all times
2. confirm your advice is based on sufficient, well researched and accurate information about quality of wood products
3. confirm your recommendations for rectification of faults are possible, realistic and clearly documented
4. communicate effectively with clients and other people to ensure they fully understand the implications of your recommendations
5. provide technical information about properties and characteristics of wood or wood-based materials and products derived from them to the level required by clients
6. explain implications of any structural work or wood treatments on future quality and performance of wood or wood-based materials
7. recognise faults with wood based panels
8. keep up to date with new products to treat wood and wood-based materials and how each will enhance their properties and service life

1. legal duties for health and safety in the workplace and legislation covering your job role
2. species of timber in commercial use, their appearance, individual characteristics, properties and typical end uses
3. differences between softwood and hardwood and the impact this has on the wood products used
4. what is meant by durability, differing levels of durability, how they are categorised and the woods listed within each category
5. ways to improve woods ability to resist weathering, decay or infestation and mechanical durability or performance
6. how to recognise strength reducing characteristics in wood
7. how to protect wood from uptake of moisture, staining, distortion, deterioration or other degrade
8. how to identify when wood can be treated and when it needs to be replaced
9. types of preservative treatments available, level of protection they provide and how they are applied
10. how to treat different types of infestation in wood
11. effects of wood treatments and exterior coatings on wood structures, properties, durability and appearance
12. effect that moisture content has and the reasons for drying wood
13. recommended moisture content for wood for its intended use
14. main trade dimensions for available wood
15. current price structure for the wood or wood-based materials used
16. how quality of wood affects the quality of end products
17. how to recognise wood has been graded or classified for strength or appearance and what the grades and strength classes mean
18. faults that can occur with wood based panels including poor quality and incorrect adhesive used
19. timber grade markings used and expected performance
20. schemes related to environmental issues, sustainability and quality and how to work within them
21. differences between wood quality schemes, grading rules and standards
22. how quality range differs between hardwoods and softwoods and appearance and strength grades
23. ways to maximise efficient use of timber
24. effect of wood properties and characteristics on tools and machinery
25. basic rules of storage, handling and protection for wood or wood-based materials and damage or deterioration that will occur if they are not followed
26. how to deal with and minimise the effects of damage or degrade
27. regulations and codes of practice that you need to comply with when working with wood
28. effect of different approaches on historical accuracy, traditional techniques, dimensions used and accepted practices
29. who to communicate with and how to present your views and concerns to others
30. main sections of reports about wood faults and remedies and information each should contain