Assembling engineering woodwork
Overview
This standard identifies the competencies you need to assemble wood and composite components for engineering woodwork applications using mechanical fixing devices and adhesives, in accordance with approved procedures.
Assemblies produced will include such items as frames, display stands and cases, storage units, jigs and fixtures, formers, transportation units, furniture and structures. You will be required to select the appropriate tools and equipment to use, based on the operations to be performed and the type of components to be assembled, and to check that they are in a safe and serviceable condition. You will also be expected to select the appropriate fixing devices and adhesives to use, based on the type, size and material of the components to be assembled. You will need to identify and create any datums that will be required to locate the components during the assembly process.
The size, shape and complexity of the parts to be assembled and the finished workpiece will vary, and it is anticipated that some components will be sub-assembled prior to the final assembly taking place. The assembly activities will also include making all necessary visual and dimensional checks to ensure the assembly meets the required specification.
Your responsibilities will require you to comply with organisational policy and procedures for the woodwork assembly activities undertaken, and to report any problems with the assembly activities, tools, adhesives or equipment used that you cannot personally resolve, or are outside your permitted authority, to the relevant people. You will be expected to work with minimum supervision, taking personal responsibility for your own actions and for the quality and accuracy of the work that you carry out.
Your underpinning knowledge will provide a good understanding of your work, and will provide an informed approach to the assembly of woodwork components. You will understand the function of the items being assembled, and its application, and will know about the assembly techniques, components, equipment, relevant materials, adhesives and fastening devices, in adequate depth to provide a sound basis for carrying out the activities, correcting faults and ensuring the finished assembly is to the required specification.
You will understand the safety precautions required when carrying out the assembly operations. You will be required to demonstrate safe working practices throughout, and will understand the responsibility you owe to yourself and others in the workplace.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
- work safely at all times, complying with health and safety and other relevant regulations, directives and guidelines
- follow the relevant instructions, assembly drawings and any other specifications
- ensure that the specified components are available and that they are in a usable condition
assemble components in their correct positions using appropriate methods and techniques
produce engineering woodwork assemblies using appropriate methods and techniques
secure the components using the specified connectors and securing devices
carry out quality checks on the completed assembly to ensure that all operations have been completed and the finished assembly meets the required specification
complete relevant data and documentation
deal promptly and effectively with problems within your control and report those that cannot be solved
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- the specific safety precautions to be taken whilst carrying out the woodwork assembly activities (such as any specific legislation, regulations or codes of practice relating to the activities, equipment or materials)
- the health and safety requirements of the work area in which you are carrying out the woodwork assembly activities, and the responsibility they place on you
- the personal protective equipment and clothing (PPE) to be worn during the woodwork assembly activities, and where it can be obtained
- the hazards associated with producing wood and composite assemblies, and how they can be minimised
- how to obtain the necessary job instructions, drawings and specifications for the assembly activities, and how to interpret the information
- component identification systems (such as codes and component orientation indicators, left and right handing), and how to identify the components to be used
- preparations that need to be undertaken on the components prior to fitting them into the assembly
- the assembly methods and procedures to be used, and the importance of adhering to these procedures
- how to mark out the necessary datum lines for the assembly operations
- how the components are to be aligned and positioned prior to securing them, and the tools and equipment that are used
- why some types of assembly require the use of jigs, fixtures and gauges to aid the assembly
- the various mechanical fasteners that will be used to secure the components, and their method of installation (including pins, nails, screws and special securing devices)
- the application of adhesives within the assembly activities, and the precautions that must be taken when working with them
- the quality control procedures that need to be followed during the assembly operations
- how to conduct any necessary checks to ensure the accuracy and quality of the assembly produced
- how to recognise defects, blemishes, poor alignment, ineffective fasteners and damaged components within the assembly
- how to check that the tools and equipment to be used are in a safe and serviceable condition
- the importance of ensuring that all tools are used correctly and within their permitted operating range
- why it is important to keep the tools and equipment clean and free from damage, to practice good housekeeping of tools and equipment, and to maintain a clean and unobstructed working area
- the extent of your own responsibility and whom you should report to if you have problems that you cannot resolve
Scope/range
Scope Performance
Scope Knowledge
Values
Behaviours
You will be able to apply the appropriate behaviours required in the workplace to meet the job profile and overall company objectives, such as:
- strong work ethic
- positive attitude
- team player
- dependability
- responsibility
- honesty
- integrity
- motivation
- commitment