Log Yard Receiving, Grading and Segregation Procedure

Purpose. This procedure describes how logs are received, measured, graded, marked and segregated at the Heyfield log yard so the right log goes to the right saw line and certified material stays traceable.

1.Scope

This procedure applies to all logs arriving at the Heyfield log yard from Timberline coupes and from external suppliers, and to all log yard staff, loader operators and truck drivers on site.

2.Truck arrival and unloading

The driver must report to the weighbridge, present the load docket and remain in the truck cabin or the marked safe zone while the load is unloaded. The loader operator must confirm the docket matches the load and the batch identifier before unloading into the receiving bay. Logs with loose bark, embedded metal or contamination must be placed in the quarantine bay.

3.Measuring and tallying

Each log or batch must be measured for small end diameter and length and tallied by count and volume in the log yard register against the docket. Discrepancies of more than 3 percent must be reported to the Log Yard Supervisor before the docket is accepted.

4.Grading and marking

Graders must assess each log for species, sweep, taper, knots, end splits, rot, borer damage and metal, and assign a log grade from the current grade rules. The grade, batch and destination saw line must be marked on the log end with the colour code in the grading guide.

• Blue: structural sawlog, main breakdown line
• Green: appearance grade hardwood, band mill
• Yellow: fencing and pallet, re-saw line
• Red: reject or chip
• White cross: quarantine, metal or contamination

5.Segregation

Logs must be stacked in the bay that matches their species, grade and certification status. Certified and non-certified logs must never share a bay. Bay signs must be updated when a bay changes use and the log yard register must show the bay for every batch.

6.Safety in the yard

Pedestrians must stay on the marked walkways and make eye contact with the loader operator before approaching a stack. Log stacks must not exceed the height on the bay sign and must be stacked on level ground with logs of similar length. Anyone entering the yard must wear a helmet, high visibility clothing and steel-capped boots.

7.Records

The log yard register must be updated within the shift for every batch received, graded, moved and issued to the mill. Weekly stock counts must be reconciled with the register and differences investigated.