Health & safety and working environment

how to comply with health & safety legislation and regulations in the work environment (in particular those relating to working at height, heavy lifting and noise abatement); the safe handling of materials and work processes that ensure the safety of self and others; the safe and sustainable disposal of waste materials.

Materials

the properties, uses and limitations of materials used in organ building (including the respective advantages and disadvantages of softwoods and hardwoods, the purposes of different grades of leather, and the tonal qualities of pipes made from different metal alloys); techniques for protecting, moving, handling and storing resources.

Tools

the key hand and machine tools and equipment used; the principles of how they work, are prepared, maintained and safely used (including how to sharpen chisels and hand planes; the different cutting actions of band-, cross-cut and rip-saws and how the material must be presented to them in each case; the importance of using the right combination of guards when creating mouldings using hand-held and fixed routers).

Quality

the application and monitoring of the employer’s quality standards including methods of recording work.

Design and history of the pipe organ

the elements and principles applicable to the design of pipe organs; the historical and contemporary context of organ building, including the development & application of different forms of action & mechanisms; the key differences between rebuilding, restoration, conservation and reconstruction (and their respective advantages and disadvantages).

The   manufacture, tuning and maintenance of pipe organs

how to diagnose, analyse and assess for manufacturing and maintenance options; relevant applied mathematics & science (for example metric & imperial dimensions and measurements, geometry, lever law, musical theory, acoustics and electric circuitry); anticipation of risks and resolution of problems; when it is appropriate to seek advice from other craft specialists and experts. 

 Health & safety and working environment

maintain good standards of health and safety for self and for others, using safe working practices (e.g. when handling heavy components); prepare and maintain materials, tools and equipment appropriately and safely, always fitting guards to machines as required; identify and minimise hazards and risks in the working environment, for instance when casting and soldering, or when treating timber with volatile compounds.

Technical interpretation and  understanding

create and interpret technical specifications, drawings, and other written and verbal instructions (such as cutting lists, rollerboard layouts and soundboard plantings); identify and respond to problems appropriately (including testing and adjustment); seek advice and guidance when appropriate.

The manufacture of pipe organs

The tuning and maintenance of pipe organs

Quality focused

follow policies and procedures; have a consistent attention to detail; apply quality assurance checks throughout the organ building process.

Professionalism

have a strong professional work ethic and pride in work; plan and manage time efficiently; communicate and work effectively with others; promote and represent organ building.

Self-development

keep up to date with best practice and emerging technologies within the organ building sector; respond positively to instruction and constructive criticism; offer constructive feedback to others; develop and maintain professional relationships.

Ethical awareness

apply an understanding of relevant sustainability and ethical issues to work; respect specific requirements and the cultural and ethical norms of different working environments.