PROWT7              Research effects of new or traditional products on wood or wood-based materials

Overview

This standard covers the skills and knowledge required to be able to identify the effect of new or traditional products on the ultra-structure, gross features, properties and characteristics of wood and wood-based materials.  This may include using hand lens, microscope or electron microscope to carry out detailed examination of wood at different stages during research and identifying the implications of any changes. To do this you will need to be able to recognise the normal appearance of different cell types and gross features of wood and identify any changes or abnormalities.

This standard is most suitable to those working in wood science and technology.

 

Outcomes

Performance Criteria

You must be able to:      

1.            comply with health and safety requirements and procedures at all times

2.            examine ultra-structures and gross features of wood at relevant stages during your research

3.            use hand lens, microscope or electron microscope as appropriate to carry out examinations and species identification

4.            refer to others research where relevant

5.            identify effect of products on ultra-structure, gross features, characteristics and properties of wood

6.            test findings to ensure results are valid

7.            balance findings to enable comparison with alternative products

8.            demonstrate how the ultra-structure, gross features, characteristics and properties of wood are affected when presenting your research

9.            ensure your knowledge of ultra-structure, gross features, characteristics and properties of wood remains current

 

Knowledge & Understanding

You need to know and understand:

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.            cell types found in hardwood and softwood including tracheid’s, rays, parenchyma, fibres and vessels and how to recognise them

5.            ultra-structure of wood

6.            significance in terms of properties and performance of gross features including heartwood, sapwood, density, grain, permeability

7.            how water in wood, free water and bound water affect moisture related movement

8.            effects of dimensional movement due to variations in relative humidity

9.            how to recognise abnormal woods and extractives

10.          what is meant by durability, the differing levels of durability, how they are categorised and the woods listed within each category

11.          ways to improve woods ability to resist weathering, decay or infestation and mechanical durability or performance

12.          effect that moisture content has and the reasons for drying wood

13.          recommended moisture content for wood for its intended use

14.          effect of wood properties and characteristics on tools and machinery

15.          regulations and codes of practice that you need to comply with when working with wood

16.          appropriate equipment used to examine wood

17.          sources of existing research

18.          where to obtain information keep your knowledge up to date