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Title / Grade wooden poles
Level / 3 / Credits / 5
Purpose / People credited with this unit standard are able to demonstrate knowledge of wooden pole product grades and grade wooden poles.
Classification / Solid Wood Manufacturing > Pole and Post Manufacturing
Available grade / Achieved
Explanatory notes
1All work practices must meet recognised codes of practice and worksite procedures for personal and worksite safety, and for environmental protection, and must meet the requirements of current legislation.
2Legislation relevant to this unit standard includes but is not limited to the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992.
3Competence in this unit standard requires knowledge of NZS 3605: 2001 Timber piles and poles for use in building, which is available at The abbreviation ‘NZS 3605’ is used to refer to this New Zealand standard for the remainder of this document.
4All work practices must meet documented worksite quality management requirements. These include documentation of activities, events, and decisions.
5Definitions
Large-end diameter(LED) refers to the measurement of the longest diameter through the geometric centre of the log at the large end;
Pole refers to a naturally round tree stem used to support wiring or used in construction;
Roundwood refers to round, and part-round, wooden posts and poles that are shorter than 3.6 metres;
Small end diameter (SED) refers to the smallest diameter along a pole or roundwood product, usually found at one end;
Sweep refers to the largest deviation from straightness determined using a logger tape or other straight edge along the length of the log;
Worksite policies and procedures refer to documented policies and to documented or other directions provided to staff. These include, but are not limited to, ways of managing health and safety, environmental considerations, quality, and production, and must conform to legislation. Examples include standard operating procedures, company health and safety plans, on-site briefings, and supervisor’s instructions.
Outcomes and evidence requirements
Outcome 1
Demonstrate knowledge of wooden pole product grades.
Evidence requirements
1.1Wooden pole grades are identified and their specifications are explained in accordance with worksite policies and procedures.
Outcome 2
Grade wooden poles in accordance with worksite policies and procedures.
Evidence requirements
2.1Product diameters and lengths are identified, and directed to the next processing stage.
2.2Pole products containing defects are identified and handled.
Rangedefects include but are not limited to – physical imperfections, mechanical markings, biological defects, sweep, dimensional variations.
2.3Pole products are visually graded.
Rangegrading of product includes but is not limited to – length, physical imperfections, diameter (LED and SED), knot diameters, knot whorls, straightness, sweep, physical and mechanical defects, NZS 3605 requirements.
2.4The grading decisions made are explained in terms of options, and the outcome of each decision.
2.5Calibrated measuring equipment is used to ensure accuracy of grading of poles.
2.6Correct product identification markings are applied to meet customer requirements.
2.7Communication requirements, and production, maintenance, and quality records are explained and completed.
Planned review date / 31 December 2016Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process / Version / Date / Last Date for AssessmentRegistration / 1 / 28 April 2003 / 31 December 2012
Review / 2 / 18 December 2006 / 31 December 2012
Review / 3 / 20 October 2011 / N/A
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference / 0173
This CMR can be accessed at
Please note
Providers must be granted consent to assess against standards (accredited) by NZQA, before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be granted consent to assess against standards by NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.
Providers and Industry Training Organisations, which have been granted consent and which are assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that applies to those standards.
Requirements for consent to assess and an outline of the moderation system that applies to this standard are outlined in the Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR). The CMR also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors and assessors, and special resource requirements.
Comments on this unit standard
Please contact the Competenz at if you wish to suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.
CompetenzSSB Code 101571 / New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2018