Introduction to SP&B carpentry NVQStructural post and beam (SP&B) carpentry includes a construction technique usually referred to as Oak Framing though it also covers any similar construction method but that uses other forms of timber. In this type of construction carpentry, the timber planks are joined via mortise and tenon joints and any other appropriate structural joints. The joints are secured via wooden pegs. The structural post and beam carpentry NVQ will test for your competence in all major framing and jointing techniques.
Areas of assessment for SP&B carpentry NVQ
The SP&B Carpentry NVQ assessor will check your mastery of pegging. Wooden pegs are a widely used technique in framing which makes expertise in pegging a fundamental skill for this level 2 NVQ. The aspects of pegging you will be tested for include peg holing, peg hole positioning, knowing the different tools used in pegging as well as the different types of pegs i.e. tapered, small vs. large, straight vs. defective grain and round, square, hex cross section pegs.
How well do you understand framing technology? The >Carpenter NVQ assessor will test you on your ability to distinguish technical framing terms and how well you use the terms to clearly communicate with other personnel on site. For instance, can you distinguish between sill, cill, floor, sole, base and bottom plates? If you do not know the precise names of the items and tools at the construction site, you stand the risk of confusing the people around you.
Since SP&B is simply a subset of general carpentry, you will be evaluated for how well you can use the basic hand tools required for general carpentry. The basic tools include rulers, tape measures, dividers, roofing squares, scratch awls, mortise gauge, handsaws, power drills, mallets, chisels and bevels. Core carpentry skills such as tool sharpening, laying out timber, marking joints and accurately cutting along a line must also be demonstrated.
Health and safety in SP&B carpentry NVQ
A professional carpenter is a safety-aware carpenter. In order to attain the level 2 Carpentry NVQ, your ability to perform structural and beam carpentry with distinction must be counter balanced with a demonstrable appreciation of onsite health and safety best practices.
The SP&B Carpentry NVQ assessor will not only observe how you carry yourself and how that impacts on your own safety and that of colleagues, a good grasp of health and safety theory is also key. You may be required to answer some questions that test your knowledge of PUWER 1998 (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations) as well as general Workplace Health and Safety Laws.
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