Observing procedures, specifications and manuals of instruction

WEB SCRIPT Construction
Sector:
Qualification: Carpentry NC II
Unit of Competency:
Module Title: Observe procedures, specifications and manuals of instruction
Learning Outcomes:
Developer/s: Observing procedures, specifications and manuals of instruction

TITLE This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes on identifying, interpreting,
applying services to specifications and manuals and storing manuals.
OBJECTIVES Jeanelle A. Samson

INTRODUCTION Observe procedures, specifications and manuals of instruction
LESSON 1
TOPIC 1 At the end of this module you must be able to:
1. Identify and access specification/ manuals
2. Interpret manuals
3. Apply information in manual
4. Store manuals

This module covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes on identifying, interpreting,
applying services to specifications and manuals and storing manuals

Identify, access, and interpret specification/manuals

Types of Manuals in Construction Sector

A. Policy Manuals
• Documents the rule governing an organization.
• Can be set out the board, organization, department, work group, or other
levels.
• Can be short and general, or long and detailed.
• It’s usually the highest manual in the document hierarchy, since other manuals,
such as department procedures manuals, typically must comply with those
policies.
• Policies and procedures are often found in the same manual.
• Usually organized by business function or department.

B. Procedure manuals
• Documents how things are done such as processing invoice, and often serve to
implement policies.
• Step by step procedures and flow diagrams and frequently used.
• The reader is usually assumed to be familiar to the topic, but not has
performed the procedure often enough to have to memorized it.
• Usually organized by work task, with procedures grouped according to
business function or by department.

C. Standards manuals
• Set standard for product, services, or other work activities.
• Common in engineering, manufacturing and construction where they are used
to specify materials or manufacturing standards.
• But standards are also found in procedure manuals to set out how frequently,
how fast, or how accurate things will be done.

D. Guidebooks
• Give reader more latitude than policy and procedure manuals.
• Contain guidelines for dealing with different situation.
• Usually non-mandatory suggestion rather than strict rules or clearly defined
procedures.
• Sometimes they simply establish the bound within which employees may act
at their own discretion.
• Usually organized by work task, business, function or department.

E. User manuals
• Contain instruction for installing and using software or hardware and should
be organized around user tasks.
• They don’t describe the software in the detailed way that a reference manual
might they describe how the software is used usually with lots of step by step
procedures.
• The user manuals is the primary manuals for all users but particularly for
novices.

F. Reference manuals
• Usually provide detailed information on hardware or software organized for
quick reference.
• May also include other type of information such as code lists or lists of
names and contact information.
• For software, they often systematically describe each field in each dialog
box, in each menu.
• They are not organized around user tasks but may be alphabetized by
keyword or sequenced according to the spatial arrangement of the software
interface.
• Readers are assumed to be familiar with the software but need quick
information on some aspect of the system. This is not the kind of manual to
give to novice.

G. Training manuals
• Designed to teach readers something new.
• They may be self- paced, or they may be designed for used with a training
course.
• They seldom try to teach everything but just to try to provide a basic
foundation-on which readers can build.
• Usually start with basic skills and progress to move advanced skills as
readers gain experience and confidence.

H. Operator manuals
• Provide detailed instruction for operating instruments or equipment and
may include installation and troubleshooting instruction.
• If it’s complex equipment separate installation and maintenance manuals
may be produced.
• The reader is often an engineer or a technician.
• Similar to software user manuals, operator manuals are usually organized
around work tasks.

I. Service manuals

TOPIC 2 • Used by service technician or engineers to perform route maintenance or to
troubleshoot and fix problems or breakdowns.

• Often describe the theory of how equipment works and operating
principles, and instruction on how to disassemble and reassemble
components.

• Often organized by system, such as “electrical system” or by components.

J. Field guides
• Designed for use away from a desk often outdoors.
• Commonly used to help identify plants or animals or to describe field tests.
• Field guide are often small enough to fit into pocket and are sometimes
printed on waterproof paper.
• Often organized alphabetically by keyword to quick reference or by work
tasks.

K. Combination manuals
Often two or more types of manuals are combined

• policy and procedure
• standards and guidelines
• operation and service
• user and reference

Manuals symbols and terminology
A. SAFETY SYMBOLS AND TERMS

The manuals use the following symbols and term to identify important
information related to the correct and safe operation of tools and equipment. The
symbols and description are as follows.

TOPIC 3 Contents of User Guide/Manuals

A used guide also commonly known as a manual, is a technical communication
documents intended to give assistance to people using particular system.

User guide are most commonly associated with electronics, electric goods,
computer hardware and software.

Most user guides contain both a written guide and associated images. The
language used is matched to the intended audience, with jargon to a minimum or
explained thoroughly.

The sections of a user manual often include:

Front Page - includes a cover page, table of content and a preface.

Cover and Title Page - If the user guide is copyrighted, a copyright notice is
included.

The Name of the Company – the copyright notice on the cover

Disclaimer – A standard disclaimer inside the front cover that outlines the
Terms and Conditions for using this guide.

Preface- Used this section to reference other related documents. Refer to the
correct release number that are refer to. If necessary, a section on “How
to use this Guide” as an introduction.

Contents- Table of content are included. If the guide is less than ten pages
in which case you should probably refer to it a Getting Standard Guide
or Reference Guide. If this user guide is more than twenty pages an
index at the end of the documents in included.

Body of the Guide – This is the heart of the guide, In the main body
separates the procedures from reference materials. This will help the

user navigate their way through the guide much faster.
Procedures – Procedures help the user perform specific tasks. They are also

known as instructions or tasks. Diagrams are used to illustrate more
complicated procedures.

Reference Materials – User turn to reference materials when they need the
detailed information on a specific topic.

Back Matter – A glossary of Terms and an index towards the end of the
documents.

Glossary – The glossary cover all acronyms and industry terms used in the
documents. It helps the user understand the materials.

• A short glossary appear at the front before the table of
contents

• A larger glossary appear at the back matter

Index – Any guide larger than 20 pages benefits from an index. An index help users
locate specific items very fast without having to search

through the entire documents manually. Large documents without an
index are possible to use efficiently.

LESSON 2 Interpret manuals
TOPIC 1
Accessing information and data
Industry practice - safe and sound trade practices generally accepted by competent

persons within the mechanical engineering industry.

Interpretation - the explanation in practical terms of features shown graphically in
the drawing.

Worksite procedures - operational procedures put in place by the candidate's
employer.
Assessment Information- this unit standard covers the production and
interpretation of drawings using isometric, oblique, and orthographic projection,
including hidden detail and single plane sectional views.

These include site safety procedures, equipment operating procedures, job
procedures, quality assurance, and procedures for the handling and disposal of
materials and waste.

Management for Safe Construction Work
Codes of practice are conscientiously implemented and evaluated. Costs of

injury and illness are calculated and performance is measured; those that do well are
rewarded, those that do not are penalized. Safety is an integral part of contracts and
subcontracts. Inexperienced workers receive on-the-job training from experienced
workers.

Preventing Accidents and Injuries
Entities in the industry with lower injury rates share several common

characteristics: they have a clearly defined policy statement that applies throughout the
organization, from top management to the project site.. Responsibilities are clearly
assigned, and standards of performance are stated. Failures to meet these standards
are investigated and penalties imposed as appropriate.

Main Thing of Manuals
1) Reading

• Read project specifications to understand what is required for a project.
• Read specification books and notes on blueprints.
• Read and understand first aid and safety reports.
• Read and understand safety inspection manuals.
• Read and interpret building codes, regulations and standards to comply with

regulations.
• Read installation manuals.
2) Document Use
• Interpret signs for information about directions, cautions and safety

procedures.
• Complete time cards to record work hours.
• Interpret shop drawings and specifications for the sizes, locations and types of

materials required for a job.
• Prepare lists of materials.
• Make sketches of drawings or plans to use on job sites.
• Interpret blueprints to verify measurements, determine the integrity of plans

and to report mistakes.
3) Writing

• Record information on work activities such as problems encountered and
resolved and hours of work.

• Write change orders to recommend blueprint modifications.
• Write reports for project meetings.
4) Oral Communication
• Interact with other carpenters to discuss work schedules, safety concerns and

to share ideas.
• Communicate with a foreperson to report on work progress and troubleshoot

LESSON 3 problems.
TOPIC 1 • Talk to manufacturer representatives to discuss problems with equipment and

materials.
• Interact with owner(s) to discuss new ideas and potential changes.
5) Working with Others
• Work frequently in pairs.
• Lead construction teams while working with other tradespersons, forepersons,

suppliers and engineers.
• Work as a team to promote safety.
6) Thinking
• Adapt routine tasks when working in a confined space.
• Consult other carpenters to share knowledge and experience.
• Refer to blueprints and specifications to obtain detailed project information.
• Analyze blueprints and actual measurements to identify errors.

Apply Information in Manual

Manual/ Specification Application

A used guide also commonly known as a manual, is a technical communication
documents intended to give assistance to people using system. It is usually written by a
technical writer, although user guide is written by programmers’ product or project
manager or other technical staff particularly in smaller companies.

User guide are most commonly associated with electronics, electric goods,
computer hardware and software.

Most user guides contain both a written guide and associated images. The
language used is matched to the intended audience, with jargon to a minimum or
explained thoroughly.

Some Common Manual Data
There are common manuals data are as:

• Understand how the structure of wood and its mechanical and physical
properties relate to the quality and performance of wood products.

• Safely use basic hand tools, and portable power tools.
• Safely set-up and operate a wide range of production machinery and

equipment used in wood products manufacturing.
• Perform the skills of basic sharpening and maintenance of hand tools.
• Design, construct and use jigs and patterns for machining, and assembly

operations.
• Perform a variety of industrial wood finishing techniques.
• Describe the variety, grades and uses of materials commonly used in the trade,

including lumber, veneer, particleboard, fiber board, plastic laminates,
adhesives, abrasives and preservatives.
• Construct and finish a variety of furniture and cabinetry projects applying the
appropriate production techniques.

Woodworking is rewarding work. The following list sets out to build a piece of
furniture.

• Read the plans

LESSON 4 Familiarize yourself with the plans and procedures before you buy or cut any
TOPIC 1 wood.
• Check and double-Check the Materials-list
Organize the list so that you can efficiently get the supplies you need before
you cut a board
• Plan your cut list.
Go through all your wood and lay out where each cut is going to go. For
instance, choose matching table tops pieces for gain patterns and color
consistency.
• Pre-mill all the boards to get straight and flat pieces
• Mill the boars to their final dimensions
• Cut the joints.
• Dry fit the assemblies to make sure everything fits properly.
• Glue the assembly and clamp it.
• Square the parts.
• Clean up.
Store Manual

• Manual Handling
These are the most effective and user-friendly method for organizing your
instructional manuals

• Filing Cabinet Method
• Binder Method
• Additional Tip and Advice

FILING CABINET METHOD

1. Gather all your instruction manuals from wherever they may be and
place them in file at your workstation along with your supplies.

2. Decide how you want to divide up your instruction manuals, you can sort them
by room, alphabetically or by type. Choose whatever method work best for you.

3. Label your file folders with the stick-on plastic label tabs according to the
categories you’ve chosen.

4. Divide the manuals into the appropriate folders according to the category. If
an item comes with an instruction manual plus other information rubber band the
related items together before filling them into the appropriate folder.

5. Place your hanging file folder into the filing cabinet or box and label
the cabinet drawer with the large label and marker as “Instruction
Manuals”.

BINDER METHOD

1. Gather all your instruction manuals from wherever they may be and place
them in file at your workstation along with your supplies.

2. Decide how you want to divide up your instruction manuals, you can sort them
by room, alphabetically or by type.

3. Divide your binder into section and label them according to the categories you
have decided upon.

4. Place protective plastic sleeves in between each divider.

5. Place the manual in the plastic sleeves. Place the information into the plastic
along with the particular instruction manual.

6. Mark the large label as “Instruction Manuals” and stick it to the front of the
binder.

7. Store the binder in a safe and convenient location.

ADDITIONAL TIPS AND ADVICE

• If you are using the binder method, purchase a binder that is bigger than you
need at the time to allow for additions later on as you buy other items or find more
manuals.

• If you have a larger number of instruction manuals and are using the binding
method, you may want to use more than one binder so that it doesn’t get so full that it
can’t be used properly.

• Keep extra folder, labels, dividers or plastics sleeves together with your
instruction manuals so that you can easily add more manuals as they come into your
home.

• Periodically clean out your instruction manuals file or binder. If you no longer
own a particular item, then there is no need to keep the instruction manuals. This will
help to keep your binder or file from getting overstuffed.