Prepare Manufacture And Erect Roof Trusses Training

Objectives:
• Understand the role of roof trusses in building construction.
• Identify different types of roof trusses and their applications.
• Recognize relevant safety regulations and personal protective equipment.
• Demonstrate awareness of workplace hazards and emergency procedures.

Topics:
• Overview of roof truss systems
• Types of trusses: king post, queen post, fink, howe, etc.
• Building regulations and standards (SANS 10400)
• Occupational Health and Safety Act requirements
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe work practices
• Hazard identification and risk assessment

Objectives:
• Interpret truss design drawings and specifications.
• Identify key dimensions, angles, and member labels.
• Understand symbols and notations used in truss plans.
• Apply blueprint reading to material take-offs.

Topics:
• Types of drawings: layout, elevation, connection details
• Scale, dimensions, and tolerances
• Truss member identification: chords, webs, gussets
• Load paths and bearing points
• Material schedules and cutting lists
• Practical exercise: reading a sample truss drawing

Objectives:
• Select appropriate timber species and grades for truss manufacturing.
• Assess timber for defects and moisture content.
• Apply quality control measures for incoming materials.
• Understand stress grading and its importance.

Topics:
• Softwood vs hardwood; common species in SA (pine, gum)
• Stress grading (SANS 6133) and visual grading
• Moisture content and its effect on truss performance
• Common defects: knots, splits, wane, twist
• Storage and handling of timber
• Practical: moisture meter usage and grading

Objectives:
• Operate cutting tools safely and accurately.
• Cut timber to specified lengths and angles.
• Prepare birdsmouth and other joint cuts.
• Check cut components for dimensional accuracy.

Topics:
• Safe use of circular saws, mitre saws, and band saws
• Cutting techniques for plumb, seat, and birdsmouth cuts
• Jig setup for repetitive cutting
• Measuring and marking out
• Tolerances and quality checks
• Practical: cutting a set of truss members

Objectives:
• Set up assembly jigs for different truss types.
• Assemble truss components accurately on the jig.
• Apply temporary bracing during assembly.
• Verify alignment and geometry before fastening.

Topics:
• Types of jigs: fixed, adjustable, and dedicated
• Jig setup: locating stops, squaring, and leveling
• Component placement and sequencing
• Temporary bracing and clamping
• Check for squareness, plumb, and twist
• Practical: assemble a simple truss on jig

Objectives:
• Select appropriate fasteners for truss connections.
• Apply correct nailing patterns and techniques.
• Install bolted connections and gusset plates.
• Understand the use of metal connector plates.

Topics:
• Nail types, sizes, and spacing (SANS 10163)
• Nailing patterns for truss joints
• Bolting: hole drilling, bolt grades, torque
• Metal connector plates: installation and embedment
• Quality checks on fasteners
• Practical: fastening a truss joint

Objectives:
• Plan safe lifting and handling of trusses.
• Select appropriate lifting equipment and slings.
• Apply rigging techniques for truss installation.
• Communicate effectively with crane operators.

Topics:
• Manual handling vs mechanical lifting
• Lifting points and sling angles
• Crane signals and communication
• Spreader bars and lifting beams
• Safety precautions during lifting
• Practical: rigging and lifting a truss

Objectives:
• Plan the erection sequence for roof trusses.
• Install temporary bracing to ensure stability.
• Align and plumb trusses during erection.
• Work safely at heights using fall protection.

Topics:
• Erection sequence: end trusses first, then intermediates
• Temporary bracing: lateral, longitudinal, and diagonal
• Fall protection: harnesses, lanyards, anchor points
• Scaffolding and access platforms
• Alignment techniques: string lines, levels
• Practical: erecting a small roof section

Objectives:
• Install permanent bracing as per design.
• Integrate trusses with roof purlins and battens.
• Understand load transfer from roof covering to trusses.
• Coordinate with other trades (roofing, electrical).

Topics:
• Types of permanent bracing: wind bracing, cross bracing
• Connection to walls and roof structure
• Purlins and battens: fixing and spacing
• Roof covering materials and attachment
• Service penetrations: flues, vents, skylights
• Practical: installing bracing and purlins

Objectives:
• Conduct inspections at key stages of installation.
• Check truss alignment, plumb, and level.
• Verify fastener compliance with specifications.
• Document inspection results and non-conformances.

Topics:
• Inspection checklists: pre-erection, during erection, post-erection
• Measuring tolerances: span, camber, verticality
• Fastener inspection: nailing patterns, bolt torque
• Common defects: misalignment, overloading, damage
• Reporting and corrective actions
• Practical: inspecting an installed truss system

Objectives:
• Identify advanced truss types (scissor, attic, hip).
• Understand design considerations for complex roofs.
• Fabricate and erect non-standard trusses.
• Solve on-site challenges for complex installations.

Topics:
• Scissor trusses: geometry and applications
• Attic trusses: storage and living space
• Hip and valley trusses
• Dormer trusses and irregular shapes
• Design and fabrication challenges
• Practical: assemble a scissor truss

Objectives:
• Complete a full truss manufacturing and erection project.
• Demonstrate competence in all unit standard outcomes.
• Understand quality assurance and documentation.
• Explore career opportunities and further learning.

Topics:
• Integrated project: from drawing to erected truss
• Time management and teamwork
• Final inspection and sign-off
• Portfolio of evidence requirements
• SAQA unit standard assessment
• Career paths: truss technician, supervisor, estimator
• Course evaluation and feedback