1 IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF LANDS CUBIC SCALING HANDBOOK INTRODUCTION SCOPE OF THE HANDBOOK Timber products include a broad array of commodities derived from trees. To carry out the harvesting and marketing of these products in a satisfactory manner, there must be some degree of standardization as to quantity and quality. To this end, various experts have developed generally accepted methods and units of measurement over the years. It is with these methods and these units that this handbook is concerned, with major emphasis on the measurement of sawlogs, pulp, cedar products, and poles. An appendix, glossary and index are included at the back of the book for convenience in locating material on specific subjects and referenced tables. DEFINITION OF LOG SCALING USING CUBIC SCALING RULES Cubic foot log scaling is the determination of the quantity of gross and net cubic foot volume of forest products manufactured from trees and expressed in cubic foot volume. These various forest products could include logs, pieces of logs (slabs), pulp, sawn and split cedar products, poles, decks or piles of logs, chips, firewood, fiber, or sawdust. Scaling does not consider the quality of the produces being produced. Log grading addresses product quality. Scaling is not guessing: it is an art founded on the application of specific rules in a consistent manner, based on experienced judgment as to how serious are certain external and internal indicators of defect in a specific locality. 2 DEFINITION OF CUBIC FOOT The dimensions of a cubic foot are 12inches high by 12 inches wide by 12 inches long. Cubic foot volume is determined by using the Smalian formula as the standard. Frustum of a Paraboloid (A + B) = V V = x L 2 3.1416 D2 3.1416 d 2 + = V = 4 x 144 4 x 144 x L 2 ( 0.002727 = V = 0.002727 ( D2 + d 2 ) L Where: V = Volume in cubic feet (ft3) A = Large end cross-section area (ft2) B = Small end cross-section area (ft2) D = Large end diameter (inches) d = Small end diameter (inches) L = Length (feet) Figure 1-1 3 REASONS FOR LOG SCALING 1. Scaling serves as a measure of timber products bought or sold. Almost without exception, final settlement of timber sales is based on log scale volume. 2. Scaling serves as a measure of work accomplished in each phase of the operation. 3. Scaling serves as a check on the accuracy of a cruise. If a tract of timber has been appraised and sold on the basis of values and volumes derived from cruise information, the log scale is used to determine the accuracy of the cruise and the consequent profit or loss on the transaction after the timber is cut. 4. Scaling serves as a measure of inventory. Log scale is the basis of log inventory and aid in planning operations and calculation risks. 5. Scaling serves as a means of identifying logs. Accepted scaling practice includes the proper identification of each log and its assigned classification. These identifying marks assist in routing logs to the proper destination and, in some instances, determining ownership. HISTORY OF LOG SCALING The Scaler No history of log scaling would be complete without some recognition of the scaler himself. The early-day scaler was the “aristocrat”-the “professor” of the logging camp. He was a man in whom the lumbermen placed their special trust. Lumberjacks and others relied on him to protect their interests and arbitrate and settle disputes. His character and honesty were above question. The scaler was first, last and always a woodsman. He was recognized throughout the industry as a specialist, skilled through many years of experience and association with the logging industry. At the business of log scale and defect deduction, he was an expert who prided himself on the accuracy of his work. The legislative act of 1968, The Standard Scaling Law, made it mandatory that all persons practicing scaling in Idaho must pass an examination and be licensed in order to maintain this high level of accuracy. Specific standards are available regarding the licensing for log scalers in Idaho. 4 CHAPTER I GENERAL SCALING REQUIREMENTS SAFETY PRACTICES Log scaling has long been considered a hazardous occupation. In recent years, however, accident frequency and severity have been greatly reduced. Through an awareness of existing dangers and a careful observance of safe practices, we may reduce the hazards even further. Management has helped to establish safety-conscious attitudes among workers by providing adequate training, and by encouraging all scalers to participate in safety meetings. In the end, however, each scaler is accountable for his own safety, and should accept the responsibility of observing safety practices. The rules and regulations included in the Occupational Safety and Health Act that cover safety practices should supplement the information in this handbook. In some instances, it may supersede certain recommended safety procedures. Because of the variations in equipment and locations where the actual scaling is performed, no one set of safety rules will apply to all scaling operations. Nevertheless, some general rules for promoting safe practices and some specific rules for certain situations are listed below. General Rules for Safe Practices in Scaling The log scaler should: 1. Be aware of job hazards before starting work. 2. Report to the proper person all potentially hazardous equipment and/or unsafe practices. 3. Wear a hard hat (where required). 4. Wear clothing suited to the job and the location. 5. Inform all workers in the vicinity as to where he will be working, but do not depend on them for safety. 6. Stay clear of logs until all equipment is out of the way and the logs have stopped rolling and sliding. 7. Stay clear of running lines, moving chokers, swinging logs and rigging, jammers and cranes, rubber-tired log loaders and other pieces of equipment in operation. 8. Refrain from engaging in horseplay on the job. General Safety Rules for Truck Scaling The truck scaler should: 1. Under no circumstances scale or measure a load without binders securely in place. 2. Watch for slivers on all logs. 3. Stay clear of moving trucks. 5 METHODS OF PRESENTING LOGS FOR SCALING A suitable place to scale logs is one that: 1. Enables the scaler to safely, accurately, and efficiently measure gross and net volumes; check ends and sides for defects; and determine species. 2. Provides opportunities for check scaling without the scaler's knowledge. These conditions can best be met by employing the following methods: A. The log yard landing method offers adequate room to allow suitable spreading of logs. One disadvantage of yard scaling is that the scaler must often evaluate a long multiple segment log before it is bucked, based on inspection of the sides and exposed ends only. B. The mill deck method offers an opportunity to measure for accurate diameters and to see the exposed ends when a multiple segment log is cut into its separate lengths, although it does not generally provide for check scaling without the scaler's knowledge. C. Scaling logs onboard trucks may be necessary in rare instances. Truck scaling is less safe and provides less accuracy and less efficiency than scaling using the methods listed above. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SCALER According to the scaler’s employer’s situation, requirements, and methods of operation, the responsibilities of the scaler will vary to some extent. Essentially, the scaler’s job is to provide the most accurate and unbiased scale possible. Generally, the scaler is responsible for: 1. Identifying log by species. 2. Identifying log defects. 3. Accurately determine log gross and net scale. 4. Classifying forest products such as: Sawlog, Pulp, Pole, Cedar Products, and Useable Fiber. 5. Recording and reporting as required. 6. Notifying the supervisor of poor bucking habits, felling, or other operations that may affect the quantity and/or quality of harvested forest products. 7. Scaling each log on its own merits regardless of stumpage value, mill overrun or underrun, previous log scale, or any factors that might possibly influence the scaler’s judgment. 8. Differentiating between dead and green logs and between logs that were harvested green and have seasoned checked after having been felled. 6 QUALIFICATIONS OF THE SCALER The scaler makes the final determination of volume, which is the basis of payment for commercial purposes. The success or failure of a sawmill or logging operation may depend upon the scaler. Therefore, it is mandatory in the state of Idaho that when scaling for commercial purposes, a scaler be licensed by the Idaho Board of Scaling Practices. The scaler’s work is checked periodically by an experienced scaler known as a “check scaler.” If possible, these checks are made after the totals have been completed so that the scaler did not have previous knowledge of the impending check scale. This is referred to as a “blind” or “remote” check scale. The check scaler’s volume is the standard of accuracy and a scaler must be within the specified limits of this volume as defined my Idaho state law. The preceding information explains the importance of well-trained scalers. Each individual scaler must also: 1. Be honest and unbiased. 2. Understand and follow the laws and rules of log scaling. 3. Be physically fit. 4. Be punctual and dependable. 5. Be able to work and get along with people. 6. Have good vision. 7. Possess an aptitude for arithmetic. 8. Be able to write legibly in the English language. 9. Be of good moral character. 10. Have good communication skills. A competent scaler should also acquire the following qualifications through on-the-job experience and self-study: 1.