Common Competencies UC2: Observing procedures, specifications and manuals of instructions

COMPETENCY-BASED
LEARNING MATERIAL

Sector : CONSTRUCTION
Qualification Title
Unit of Competency : CARPENTRY NC II
: OBSERVE PROCEDURES, SPECIFICATIONS AND
Module Title
MANUALS OF INSTRUCTIONS
: OBSERVING PROCEDURES, SPECIFICATIONS AND

MANUALS OF INSTRUCTIONS

Technical Education & Skills Development Authority
CABUGAO SCHOOL OF HANDICRAFT AND COTTAGE INDUSTRIES

Cabugao, Bato, Catanduanes

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

HOW TO USE THIS COMPETENCY-BASED LEARNING MATERIAL ...............................3

LIST OF COMMON COMPETENCIES .................................................................................4

MODULE CONTENT ............................................................................................................5

LEARNING OUTCOME 1. IDENTIFY AND ACCESS SPECIFICATION/MANUALS ..........6

LEARNING EXPERIENCES...............................................................................................7
INFORMATION SHEET 1.1-1 Identify and Access Specification/Manuals ....... 8
SELF-CHECK 2.1-1 ..................................................................................... 11
ANSWER KEY 2.1-1 ..................................................................................... 12
INFORMATION SHEET 2.1-1 SIGNS AND SYMBOLS COMMONLY USED IN
MANUALS.................................................................................................... 13
SELF-CHECK 2.1-2 ..................................................................................... 16
ANSWER KEY 2.1-2 ..................................................................................... 17

LEARNING OUTCOME 2. INTERPRET MANUALS ......................................................... 18
INFORMATION SHEET 2.2-1 Interpreting Manuals ...................................... 19

LEARNING OUTCOME 3. APPLY INFORMATION IN MANUAL ..................................... 23

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HOW TO USE THIS COMPETENCY-BASED LEARNING MATERIAL

Welcome!

The unit of competency, “Observe Procedures, Specifications and Manuals of
Instructions”, is one of the competencies of CARPENTRY NC II, a course which
comprises the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for a TVET trainees to
possess.

The module, Observing Procedures, Specifications and Manuals of
Instructions contains training materials and activities related to the knowledge,
skills and attitudes identifying, requesting and receiving construction (painting)
materials and tools in various workplace settings.

In this module, you are required to go through a series of learning activities
in order to complete each learning outcome. In each learning outcome are
Information Sheets, Self-Checks, Operation Sheets and Task/Job Sheets.
Follow and perform the activities on your own. If you have questions, do not
hesitate to ask for assistance from your facilitator.

Remember to:

 Read information sheets and complete the self-checks.

 Perform the Task Sheets and Job Sheets until you are confident that your
outpots conform to the Performance Criteria Checklist that follows the
sheets.

You need to complete this module.

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Construction Sector
List of Common Competencies

NO. UNIT OF COMPETENCY MODULE TITLE CODE
CON931201
1. Prepare construction Preparing construction
materials and tools materials and tools

Observe procedures, Observing procedures, CON311201
2. specifications and specifications and

manuals of instruction manuals of instruction

3. Perform mensurations Performing CON311203
and calculations mensurations and CON311204
calculations
4. Maintain tools and
equipment Maintaining tools and
equipment

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MODULE CONTENT

UNIT OF COMPETENCY : Observe Procedures, Specifications and Manuals
of Instructions

MODULE TITLE : Observing Procedures, Specifications and
Manuals of Instructions

MODULE DESCRIPTION : This unit covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes

on identifying, interpreting, applying services to
specifications and manuals and storing manuals.

NOMINAL DURATION : 8 hours

LEARNING OUTCOMES :

Upon completion of the module the trainees/students MUST be able to:

1. Identify and Access specification/ manuals
2. Interpret manuals
3. Apply information in manual
4. Store Manual

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:

 Appropriate manuals are identified and accessed as per job requirements
 Version and date of manual are checked to ensure that correct specification

and procedures are identified
 Relevant sections, chapters of specifications/ manuals are located in

relation to the work to be conducted
 Information and procedure in the manual are interpreted in accordance with

industry practices
 Manual is interpreted according to job requirements
 Work steps are correctly identified in accordance with manufacturer's

specification
 Manual data are applied according to the given task
 All correct sequencing and adjustments are interpreted in accordance with

information contained on the manual or specifications
 Manual or specification is stored appropriately to prevent damage, ready

access and updating of information when required in accordance with
company requirements

METHODS OF ASSESSMENT:

 Written and Oral Examination
 Interview
 Practical Demonstration

LEARNING OUTCOME SUMMARY

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Learning Outcome 1.
IDENTIFY AND ACCESS SPECIFICATION/MANUALS

CONTENTS:

 Types of manuals used in construction painting
 Identification of symbols used in the manuals
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:

 Appropriate manuals are identified and accessed as per job requirements
 Version and date of manual are checked to ensure that correct specification

and procedures are identified
ASSESSMENT METHODS:

 Direct observation and
 Questions/Interview

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LEARNING EXPERIENCES

Learning Outcome 1. IDENTIFY AND ACCESS INFORMATION/MANUALS

LEARNING ACTIVITIES SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

1. Read information sheet 4.1-1 on This module covers the knowledge,
Paint defects and its causes skills and attitude in the application
of paints based on the required

performance standard.

2. Answer self-check 3.1-1 Read and understand the information
Compare your answer with the sheet and Check yourself by
Answer Key 3.1-1 answering the Self-Check. You must
answer all questions correctly before
3. Perform Job Sheet 3.1-1 on proceeding to the next activity
Applying Paint Using paint brush, Operational Sheet, Job Sheet and
paint roller and spraying machine Task Sheet will help you practice your
skills.
4. Evaluate your output using the
Performance Criteria Checklist 3.1- The Performance Criteria Checklist
1 will guide and help you evaluate your
work as you are practicing your skills.

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INFORMATION SHEET 1.1-1 Identify and Access
Specification/Manuals

Learning Objectives:

After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU must be able to:

1. Identify manuals and specifications

1.2 Accessing information and data

Construction Manuals provide the key information necessary at all stages of
projects from the drafting of the design to the completion. They include history,
basic principles, technology and a selection of building examples. It is provided for
construction personnel as instruction for fulfilling the objectives, procedures, and
methods for construction administration. It contains instructions depending on
the subject matter and the nature of the work. In one case, where the activity is
the inspection of contract work that is critical from a structural or operational
viewpoint, the instructions prescribe detailed methods and procedures, or detailed
performance measures, designed to assure the objective of a safe and adequate
finished product. In other cases, typically in the areas of documentation and
payment, the instructions are limited to describing the necessary objectives of the
work without specifying the methods or procedures. It is also intended as a
reference book that is consistent with the language and intent of the Standard
Specifications. In order to use this reference effectively, it is essential that the user
has a thorough understanding of the contract, contract plans, contract provisions,
and the Standard Specifications, as well as manual.

TYPES OF MANUALS

OPERATION MANUAL

is also called an owner’s manual, instruction book, handbook or handuchen.
This type of manuals has information on how to safely use the machine. It usually
includes basic maintenance, safety information and specifications. This manual is
usually with the machine when it is packed and delivered.

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PARTS MANUAL

Is also called a parts book, parts catalogue, or spare parts list. This is similarly
used by the representative at your dealers parts counter although most of these
manuals are now in computer database format. Parts manual have exploded views
of all parts, their relationship and location. Usually these manuals also include
the part number and a brief description.

Sample of Parts Manual

SERVICE MANUAL / REPAIR MANUAL
is also called a shop, repair, workshop, technical manual. Service manuals tell

you how to repair the machine, remove parts, rebuild and replace the machine.
One may be very detailed dealer manual while others are short or brief.

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MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATION MANUAL
A manufacturing specification contains all the information that is needed to

make the product. It explains exactly what the product is and how it is made. It
should provide enough information so that anyone could use the specification to

make the product again and again. It ensures that a product is always made in
the same way and each product is identical and made to a set standard.

Reference:
https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/publications/manuals/fulltext/M41-01/Construction

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SELF-CHECK 2.1-1

IDENTIFICATION: Identify the four types of manuals used for Construction.
1. ___________________
2. ___________________
3. ___________________
4. ___________________

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ANSWER KEY 2.1-1

1. Operation Manual

2. Parts Manual

3. Service Manual / Repair Manual

4. Manufacturer’s Specification Manual

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INFORMATION SHEET 2.1-1
SIGNS AND SYMBOLS COMMONLY USED IN MANUALS

Learning Objectives:

After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU must be able to:

1. Identify of symbols used in the manuals; and
2. Describe and check the symbol in the manuals.

Your power tool and its Owner’s Manual may contain "WARNING ICONS" (a
picture symbol intended to alert you to, and/or instruct you how to avoid, a
potentially hazardous condition). Understanding and heeding these symbols will
help you operating your tool better and safer. Shown below are some of the
symbols you may see.

SYMBOLS DESCRIPTION

CAUTION: indicates a potentially
hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, may result in minor or

moderate injury.

The addition of this symbol to a
"Danger" or "Warning" safety label
indicates that an electrical hazard exists
which will result in personal injury if the

instructions are not followed

This is a safety alert symbol. It is used

to alert you to potential personal injury
hazards. Obey all safety messages that

follow this symbol to avoid possible
injury or death.

WARNING: indicates a potentially
hazardous situation which, if not

avoided, could result in death or serious
injury.

DANGER: indicates an imminently

hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious

injury.

NOTICE is used to address practices not
related to physical injury.

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The symbol for CLASS II (double
Insulation)

Switch off when refueling. Do not use
near fuel or chemicals.

Do not use where blasting is in progress.

Use sensibly. Use only in the normal
position as explained in the product

documentation.

Qualified Service
Only qualified personnel may install or

repair this product.

The product is not water resistant. Keep
it dry.

Connecting to Other Devices
When connecting to any other device,
read its user guide for detailed safety

instructions. Do not connect
incompatible products.

Read and understand Instruction
manual

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Wear Eye Protection
Support and Clamp Work

Hold saw with both hands

Keep hands away from blade

General Information Symbols and Terms

States precautions and
restrictions that must be followed.

Provides tips on correct product use or
supplementary information.

Indicates an item with an explanatory
footnote.

Indicates an item's related information.

Indicates an operation procedure. Follow
the numbered steps.

References:

www.powertoolinstitute.com
https://www.hmisource.com/otasuke/files/manual/cameraviewerex/html/prefac
e_mm_notation.htm

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SELF-CHECK 2.1-2

Direction: Fill in the blanks the meaning of the following symbol
1. The product needs ________________.

2. The product is _________________.
3. ______________ when refueling.

4. ___________ hazard exists.

5. ____________ is required.

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ANSWER KEY 2.1-2

1. Repair
2. not water resistance
3. Shut down
4. Electrical
5. Eye Protection

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LEARNING OUTCOME SUMMARY

LEARNING OUTCOME 2.
Interpret Manuals

CONTENTS:
 Interpreting manuals

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
 Relevant sections, chapters of specifications/manuals are located in relation
to the work to be conducted
 Information and procedure in the manual are interpreted in accordance with
industry practices

ASSESSMENT METHOD:
 Direct observation and
 Oral questioning

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INFORMATION SHEET 2.2-1
Interpreting Manuals

Learning Objectives:

After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU must be able to:

1. Describe the characteristic of user manuals; and
2. Identify the guidelines in preparing user manual.

Manual is a small reference book, especially one giving instructions, containing
detailed information on many different aspects of a program, including processes
and major features. It is the most common form of documentation that consist of
more than one chapter built in a fully structured sheet with a table of contents,
numerous sections, and an index at the end. Many now come in electronic forms,
such as documentation stored on a corporate intranet, but in whatever form they
appear, they are used to instruct and guide users on technical procedures,
corporate policies, and many other kinds of information that is not intuitively
obvious or easy to remember. Without them, employees would lose a valuable
reference source and businesses would suffer from a variety of problems, ranging
from untrained workers to liability lawsuits.

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR USER MANUALS

 Provide a real (physical) user manual with the product: don't make people
read a PDF.

 Make sure the instructions actually map on to the product in all respects.

 Include a one-page quick start guide.

 Present instructions as step-by-step procedures.

 Tell the user what functions there are, and what they are for — not just how
to use them...

 ...but avoid marketing waffle (they already bought the product!)

 Write the user manual in synch with the product's development timeline —
not under pressure of shipping deadlines.

 Consider the needs of disabled users (i.e., low vision, colour-blind) and
provide alternative manuals in Braille, large print, audio etc.

 User-test the product and the user manual with real users (including
disabled users).

Creating a great first impression

Many users never actually get as far as the user manual. It is often tossed
aside as being either secondary, or just too difficult to deal with. When this
happens, the user, the product and the writing team all suffer in some way. In
order to get past this point the user manual must make a strong and positive first
impression. These guidelines can help.

 Avoid a text-book look (landscape formatting can be less threatening).

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 Use paper that is commensurate with the quality of the product.

 Make purposeful and effective use of colour.
 The user manual should not be too big or too heavy...

 ...or too small or too flimsy.

 Make effective use of pictures and diagrams.
 Provide lots of white space.

 Use a clean, readable san-serif font.
 Include a help-line number.

 Use a single language.
Enhancing Findability

Users quickly get frustrated when they cannot find what they are looking for in
the user manual. Often this is due to the fact that the key words the writer has
used are not the key words that users may search for. Here are some guidelines
that will help users find what they are looking for.

 Organize information hierarchically.
 Code the hierarchy with tabs, colors etc.

 Divide into sections ordered by:
o Chronology of use.
o Frequency of use.
o Functional categories.
o Expertise level (beginner vs. expert user).

 Denote importance by using contrast, color, shading, emboldening etc.

 Work with real users to identify likely key words (these can be learned
during usability testing).

 Provide a key word index using the terminology of the user.
 Ensure that the index includes likely synonyms.

 Provide a glossary of technical terms.

 Include a (genuinely useful) trouble-shooting section.
 Use color-coding to aid navigation.

 Make the quick start guide readily accessible.
 Avoid unnecessarily cross-referencing to other parts of the user manual.

 Avoid duplicate page numbering in multi-language guides (better still, avoid
multi-language).

 Clearly display the help-line number.

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Giving instructions

Clearly this is the primary role of the user manual. It is critical that the
instructions are easy to read and are understandable by all users. Many user
manuals have instructions that are incomplete, incorrect, or simply have no
bearing on the actual product. Here are some guidelines to help make instructions
easy on the user.

 Provide step-by-step sequences in the correct order.

 Follow the timing and sequencing of the actual operations .

 Provide visual stepping stones (e.g. Step 1, Step 2 etc.)

 Avoid lengthy paragraphs.

 Use everyday words and terms: avoid jargon.

 Explain what a function or feature is for (in basic practical terms) as well as
"How to" instructions.

 Check that the instructions match the actual product.

 Explain symbols, icons and codes early.

 Avoid creating dead-ends.

 Avoid patronizing the user.

 Do not assume the user has prior experience or product knowledge.

 Usability tests the instructions alongside the product using naive users (not
designers or product experts).

 Write in the present tense and the active voice.

 Write the steps to task completion while doing the actual task on a real
product. Have an independent user then follow the steps (literally) with the
product and check that:

 It is easy to work through the task from start to finish.

 It is easy to break out of task and get back in.

 It is easy to jump into the user manual half way through a task.

Designing individual pages in the user manual

In addition to effective instructing, the use of color, the text and fonts used,
and the icons and graphics can all either make for an easy experience or can
derail the user. Here are some suggestions.

 Ensure that font size is adequate (use at least 12 point font).

 Ensure high text-to-background contrast (black on white is best).

 Use san-serif fonts.

 Avoid using multiple font styles.

 Font weight can be used sparingly to denote importance.

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 Use color coding consistently.

 Provide plenty of white space between sections and around images and
paragraphs.

 Provide a section (or margins) for the users to make their own notes.

 Use consistent layout from page to page.

 Test your use of colors to ensure they can be read by color-blind users.

 Avoid using saturated blue for text and small detail, and never use blue on a
red background.

Designing the physical manual
User manuals are used in many different kinds of environments: they may be

used indoors or outdoors, they may be used with good light or with dim light, they
may be used in a comfortable and user friendly setting or in an environment that
is hostile or even dangerous. Here are some basic guidelines to ensure your user
manual will survive actual use.

 Ensure that the user manual can lie flat on a work surface when opened.

 Consider the environment of use and if necessary provide a robust user
manual.

 Consider whether the user needs to hold the user manual and work at the
same time.

 Provide durable covers and pages.

 Consider whether the user manual needs to resist water, oil, dirt, grease etc.

Reference:
https://www.userfocus.co.uk/articles/usermanuals.html

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LEARNING OUTCOME SUMMARY

Learning Outcome 3.
APPLY INFORMATION IN MANUAL

CONTENT:

 Applying Information in Manual
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:

 Manual is interpreted according to job requirements
 Work steps are correctly identified in accordance with manufacturer's

specification
 Manual data are applied according to the given task
 All correct sequencing and adjustments are interpreted in accordance with

information contained on the manual or specifications
ASSESSMENT METHOD:

 Direct observation and
 Oral questioning

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