A

TECHNICAL REPORT ON

THE STUDENT’S INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME (SIWES)

UNDERTAKEN

AT

BY

OYELAMI OLAOLUWA AYOKU

204771

SUBMITTED TO

THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

LADOKE AKINTOLA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, OGBOMOSO

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY (B.TECH) IN AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING

NOVEMBER, 2024
 DEDICATION

I dedicate my report with the utmost gratitude and dedication to the Almighty God, my past

and future helper, for providing me with the nourishment, health, strength, and vigor I

required to complete my SIWES program.

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I am grateful to God Almighty for providing me with the opportunity, strength, and grace I

needed to complete my industrial training. For her constant support and selflessness, I would

like to thank My Parent. I love all of you very much.

I would like to thank the team of particularly the General Manager and other employees for

their parental support and guidance throughout my training there.

 CERTIFICATION

This certifies that the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) report was

completed and put together by OYELAMI OLALUWA AYOKU (Matriculation Number:

204771), in the Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and

Technology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

The program was completed successfully

__________________ __________________

Prof. K.O. Oriola Date

SIWES Coordinator

__________________ __________________

Prof. O.O. Oniya Date

Head of Department
TABLE OF CONTENT
 CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME (SIWES)

BACKGROUND

In the earlier stage of science and technology education in Nigeria, students were graduating

from their respective institutions without any technical knowledge or working experience. It

was in this view that students undergoing science and technology related courses were

mandated for students in different institution in view of widening their horizons so as to

enable them have technical knowledge or working experience before graduating from their

various institutions.

The Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) was established by the Industrial

Training Fund (ITF) in 1973 to enable students of tertiary institution have technical

knowledge of industrial work base on their course of study before the completion of their

program in their respective institutions. The scheme was designed to expose students to

industrial environment and enable them develop occupational competencies so that they can

readily contribute their quota to national economic and technological development a ſter

graduation. The major background behind the embankment of students in SIWES was to

expose them to the industrial environment and enable them develop occupational

competencies so that they can readily contribute their quota to national economic and

technological development aſter graduation.

The major benefit accruing to students who participate conscientiously in Students Industrial

Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) are the skills and competencies they acquire. The
relevant production skills remain a part of the recipients of industrial training as life-long

assets which cannot be taken away from them. This is because the knowledge and skills

acquired through training are internalized and become relevant when required to perform jobs

or functions.

1.2 OBJECTIVES

The Industrial Training Funds policy Document No. 1 of 1973 which established SIWES

outlined the objectives of the scheme. The objectives are to:

1. Provide an avenue for students in higher institutions of learning to acquire industrial skills

and experiences during their course of study.

2. Prepare students for industrial work situations that they are likely to meet aſter graduation.

3. Expose students to work methods and techniques in handling equipment and machinery

that may not be available in their institutions.

4. Make the transition from school to the world of work easier and enhance students’ contacts

for later job placements.

5. Provide students with the opportunities to apply their educational knowledge in real work

situations, thereby bridging the gap between theory and practice.

6. Enlist and strengthen employers’ involvement in the entire educational process and prepare

students for employment in Industry and Commerce

1.3 BODIES INVOLVED IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SIWES

The bodies involved are: The Federal Government, Industrial Training Fund (ITF). Other

supervising agents are: National University Commission (NUC), National Board for

Technical Education (NBTE) and National Council for Colleges of Education (NCE)

The functions of these agencies above include among others to:

 Ensure adequate funding of the scheme;

 Establish SIWES and accredit SIWWES unit in the approved institutions;

 Formulate policies and guideline for participating bodies and institutions as well as

appointing SIWES coordinators and supporting staff;

 Supervise students at their places of attachment and sign their lob-book and IT forms;

 Vet and process student’s log-book and forward same to ITF Area office;

 Ensure payment of allowances for the students and supervisors.

Therefore the success or otherwise of the SIWES depends on the efficiency of the Ministries,

ITF, Institutions, Employers of labour and the general public involved in articulation and

management of the program. Thus the evaluation of SIWES in tertiary institutions in meeting

up with the needs for the establishment of the program is necessary.

1.4 BENEFITS OF SIWES

The SIWES program offers enterprises, educational institutions, industries, and the Nigerian

economy as a whole a number of benefits. Among the primary benefits are:

1. Skill Development: In addition to practical skills, students gain technical knowledge and

soft skills, including communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

2. Industrial Exposure: By learning more about industry operations, best practices, trends,

and technology, students' education is improved.

3. Employability: SIWES increases students' employability by increasing their

competitiveness in the labor market and their chances of finding employment after

graduation.

4. Industry-Academia Collaboration: By encouraging industry-academia cooperation, the

program leads to partnerships for curricular relevance, research, and information sharing.

5. Career Exploration: To help them make well-informed career options, students can

learn about a variety of industries and job duties.

6. Economic Impact: SIWES encourages the development of a skilled labor force, which is

necessary for industrialization, innovation, and economic expansion.

 CHAPTER TWO

2.0 INTRODUCTION

Wood is a natural and versatile materials that comes from trees. It has been a popular

building materials for thousands of years, and still used today for many different purposes

such as constructions, furniture, flooring, transportation and many more. Wood is renewable,

recyclable and biodegraded, making it one of the most sustainable materials available.

Also, Woodwork is a craft that involve creating various wooden objects such as

cabinets, furniture and decorating materials. Wood is one of the major material used in

construction and manufacturing industries. Its importance cannot be overemphasized as it

offer numerous advantages.

2.1 TYPES OF WOOD

 Soft wood: This type of wood is found mostly in the colder of the world, where the

summers are short and consequently the tree have adapted themselves to quick growth.

Examples are: Pines, Spruce, Cedars, Redwood, Firs, etc.

 Hard wood: It is mostly found in the temperate and tropical region of the world. Its

leaves are broader than soft wood. Examples are: Oaks, Maple, Walnut, Beech, Araba,

Mahogany, etc.

2.2 MERITS OF WOOD

 Wood is readily available

 It is very cheap

 Wood is durable

 It is easy to work with

 It is very versatile

 It is Renewable and Sustainable.

2.3 DEMERITS OF WOOD

 It is vulnerable to pest infestations.

 It can be expensive at most times.

 It requires maintenance such as sealing and staining.

 It is inflammable if it is not well treated with fire retardants.

 It can be damaged by moisture.

2.4 APPLICATIONS OF WOOD

1. Tool making‫۔‬Wood is extensively used to make handle foe most engineering common

tools. Typical example are handles for Hammers, Axes, Screw drivers, Cutlasses and

many other tools.

2. Medical Application‫۔‬Legs, Arm, Limbs. These artificial means are so useful for those

who had suffered one form of amputation or the other. Wood is also used as a support for

those who had suffered one form of disability or the other.

3. Transport Sector: Train wagons, rail way sleeper and coaches, lorry bodies are all made

of wood.

4. Industrial Building Construction: Most of the industrial building are made wood.

5. Bridges‫ ۔‬Most farm bridges and bridges across small rivers in rural area are made of

wood.

6. Poles- Telephone and electric poles are made of wood

7. Other Application Wood has found extensive application in the following areas։

 Pulp and paper industries

 Clothing and shoe industries

 Furniture

 Packaging

 Housing

2.5 SOURCES OF WOOD

1. Forest Reserves

2. Free Areas

2.6 METHOD OF TRANSPORTING WOOD

Wood can be transported in many ways such as:

 By Road

 By Air
 By Railway

 By Water

2.7 MANUAL WOODWORK TOOLS

1. Cutting Tools: Manual woodwork cutting tools are tools that are used to cut wood

depending on mode or type of work or shape you want to make. For example: File,

Scrapper, Saw, Chisel, Plane, etc.

2. Boring Tools: Boring tools are used to drill or cut holes in wood. Examples are: Center

bits, Ratchet Brace, Wheel Brace, Dowel Bit, Twist Drill, Gimlet, Bradawl, etc.

3. Driving Tools: Driving tools are used to drive nails, screws, and other fasteners into

wood. Examples are: Hammer, Screw Driver, Pneumatic Nail Gun, Punches, etc.

2.8 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WHILE WORKING WITH WOOD

1. Always wear protective gears that can protect you from injuries.

2. Keep the workspace clean and neat.

3. Use sharp tools instead of burred tools that can likely cause injury.

4. Avoid loose clothing that can get caught in the Machinery.

5. Double-check measurement before making cuts.

Stay focused because it demands full attention of the operator.

 CHAPTER THREE

3.0 DATAILS ON NATURE OF WORK

The sawmilling industries throughout developing countries are generally subject to

regulations covering the precautions and conditions necessary for ensuring the safety and

well-being of the personnel involved. For the benefit of all concerned, owners, management

and employees, it is necessary that these regulations are fully understood and put into

practice. Failure to do so can only result in diminished efficiency, accidents, or enforced

official action, all of which are a bad reflection on the management of the sawmill

concerned. Effective machine guards and protective clothing are specified safety

requirements which are often available but not used by sawmill employees. Sawmill

supervisors must accept the responsibility of ensuring that this equipment is used and

maintained in good condition. Although many sawmills throughout the world operate under

conditions which are not criticized, it may well be that they are in serious breach of existing

'regulations' covering sawmilling operations. An accident occurring under such

circumstances could result in heavy financial costs and penalties if strict enforcement of the

regulations were applied. It is therefore advisable for all sawmill owners, management and

employees, to be fully aware of their countries' relevant 'regulations' and to make sure they

comply with them. Some regulations under the Factories Act covering sawmilling and

woodworking machines, which have been drawn up by various countries, are based on

Woodworking Machines Regulations imposed in the United Kingdom. These regulations

are very comprehensive as laid down in the Woodworking Machines Regulations 1974 and

the Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974, and cover the following:

 The Provision and Construction of Guards.

 Adjustment of Machines and Guards.

  Use and Maintenance of Guards, etc.

 Exception from Obligations to Provide Guards, etc.

 Machine Controls.

 Working Space.

 Floors.

 Temperature.

 Training.

 Duties Of Persons Employed.

 Noise.

 Lighting.

3.1 MACHINE MAINTENANCE

Introduction

Periodic checks on all machines are essential if efficient and trouble free performance are to

be maintained. The recommended servicing and lubrication routines specified by the

manufacturers of the various machines should always be strictly adhered to and the various

specified lubricants and spares always available. Likewise, it is essential that during the

actual working operations the machines are not operated by anyone who is not fully aware of

their designed capacity and competent to work that particular machine. A priority

requirement for successful machine operation and maintenance is therefore to ensure that the

operational manual and maintenance manual of the machine manufactures are always

available and that personnel who are to operate and maintain the machines are properly

trained and fully competent to carry out these duties. Another essential requirement which is

also a priority is a detailed illustrated spare parts list and the stock holding of any parts that
may need replacing within a specified time as recommended by the various machine

manufacturers Sawmill machinery and equipment work under conditions which necessitate a

strict. Well-organized routine check with the appropriate remedial action and adjustments

being carried out as necessary. Periodic maintenance checks are dealt with under the

individual machine headings but it must always be borne in mind that good housekeeping is a

very important requirement to minimize wear and unnecessary machine damage. Likewise,

daily lost time records are essential for the reasons already dealt with under that heading but

should also be regarded as an early warning system against potential breakdowns which

could be avoided. Modern materials and machine design have resulted in simplified

maintenance, particularly in methods of lubrication where automatic oiling systems and

sealed bearings are fitted. These attachments do not, in any way, reduce the need for a well-

organized constant housekeeping programme whereby all machines are cleaned down at the

end of each working shift. Operators on all machines must be fully aware of the importance

of it and responsible for making sure it is properly carried out. The following maintenance

programmes together with good housekeeping should result in minimizing lost production

time if they are carried out efficiently with everyone cooperating. Management must ensure,

however, that the essential lubricants and spares are always available and appropriate records

kept relevant to the stocks held and their usage over a period of time. These records will also

serve as an indicator that things are going wrong and need checking when a sudden increase

in their demand occurs.

Daily checks

Daily maintenance checks on carriages without centralized lubrication should cover the

lubrication of axle wheel bearings, head blocks, set works and offset operating mechanism.

1. Checking the engine oil: Before each use, check the oil level and change it if necessary.
2. Inspecting the bunks and track rails: Ensure the sawmill head can move freely across

the track.

3. Inspecting the band wheel bearings: Ensure they are not worn.

4. Inspecting the blade guide bearings: Check for excessive grooves or scoring in the

bearing case.

5. Inspecting the saw head lifting cables: Check for wear or kinks and ensure they are in

good condition.

6. Oiling the coiled part of the cable: Prevent premature wear by oiling the coiled part of

the cables.

Weekly Checks

Weekly maintenance for sawmill machines can include routine checks on the equipment and

machines. A planned maintenance program can help prevent breakdowns by allowing for

major overhauls to be performed at predetermined times.

Here are some other things to consider when maintaining a saw mill:

 Production performance

Major overhauls can reduce the saw mill's production performance. When planning

production, it's important to calculate and adjust daily operational targets to account for

reduced working hours.

 Lost production time

Lost production time is a major problem for sawmills, especially when there's a high

volume of logs and sawn timber.

 Staff awareness

It's important to ensure that all staff and employees are aware of the importance of lost

production time.

Monthly Checks

Sawmill machine maintenance can include routine checks and planned overhauls:

 Routine checks: These can be performed on weekends.

 Planned overhauls: These should be scheduled at predetermined times to reduce the risk

of breakdowns.

 Production program: A planned production program can help you calculate and adjust

daily operational targets to account for machine downtime.

Sawmill maintenance can help prevent lost production time, which can be especially

problematic when sawmill is operating at a high volume.

TYPES OF EQUIPMENT USED IN A SAW MILL

1. Edge Saw: In woodworking, an "edge saw" is used specifically for trimming or

shaping the edges of wooden boards or panels. This could be a fine-toothed saw or a

panel saw, often used for precise, clean cuts along the edges of wood.
2. Frame Saws: In traditional woodworking, frame saws are used to make straight,

controlled cuts through larger pieces of wood. They are especially useful for re-

sawing (cutting boards from logs) or making fine, delicate cuts.

3. Crosscut saws: A crosscut saw is a type of handsaw specifically designed for cutting

across the grain of wood, as opposed to a rip saw, which is made for cutting with the

grain. The teeth of a crosscut saw are designed differently to produce smooth,

efficient cuts when working against the direction of the wood fibres.

4. Circular headrigs: A circular headrig is a type of sawmill equipment that uses a

circular saw blade to cut logs into lumber, typically in the initial stages of a sawmill

operation. The term "headrig" refers to the part of the sawmill where the initial cutting

of logs occurs, and the "circular" designation refers to the specific type of saw blade

that is used to cut the logs into boards or planks.

5. Band resaw: A band resaw is a specialized type of sawmill that uses a band saw

blade to make precise, straight cuts, typically used for resawing lumber. Resawing

refers to the process of slicing large boards or slabs into thinner, narrower pieces.

Band resaws are commonly used in wood processing, particularly in sawmills, to

produce dimensional lumber, veneer, and other specialized wood products.

 PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

Sawmills, like any industrial operation, face a variety of challenges that can affect

productivity, safety, quality, and efficiency. Here are some common problems related to saw

mills and their possible solutions:

Saw Blade Wear and Dulling

Saw blades, whether they are circular or band saw blades, can quickly become dull,

especially when cutting hard or resinous woods. This results in slower cutting speeds,

rougher cuts, and increased wear on the machine, leading to decreased productivity and

increased costs for blade replacement and maintenance.

Solution:

 Regular maintenance and sharpening: Implement a regular schedule for sharpening

and maintaining blades. For band saws, this means checking tension and making sure the
 teeth are correctly set. For circular blades, ensure they are properly aligned and

sharpened.

 Using high-quality blades: Invest in high-quality blades designed for specific materials

to extend their lifespan.

 Proper cooling and lubrication: Ensure that the cutting area is well-lubricated (e.g.,

using coolant systems) to reduce heat buildup, which accelerates blade wear.

Log Jamming or Blockages

Logs can get stuck or jammed on the saw mill's log carriage or other moving parts during

processing. This can happen due to irregular log shapes, uneven surfaces, or misalignment of

the machinery.

Solution:

 Regular maintenance of the carriage: Ensure that the log carriage and the rollers are

properly maintained and free of debris. Also, check that the logs are properly positioned

before cutting.

 Using log debarkers: A debarker is used to remove the outer bark before the log enters

the sawmill, which can help reduce friction and prevent jams.

 Automation: Modern sawmills often have automated log positioning systems that

ensure logs are aligned and moved correctly through the mill, reducing human error and

blockages.
Blade Binding or Snapping

Blade binding or snapping can occur when a saw blade (especially a band saw blade) gets

caught in the material or experiences excessive pressure. This can happen due to improper

tensioning, incorrect feed speed, or cutting into knots and hard spots in the wood.

Solution:

 Proper blade tensioning: Ensure that the blade is properly tensioned according to

manufacturer specifications. Too much or too little tension can cause binding or breakage.

 Slow down feed speed: If the saw blade is binding, reduce the feed speed to avoid

putting too much pressure on the blade.

 Inspect logs for defects: Prior to cutting, inspect logs for large knots, stones, or other

debris that might damage the blade. Some mills use automatic log scanning systems that

detect defects in logs before they are cut.

Sawdust Accumulation and Dust Management

Excessive sawdust accumulation can create a fire hazard, reduce visibility, and cause

machinery to overheat. Sawdust in the air also poses health risks to workers, especially if

inhaled over time, and can reduce air quality.

Solution:

 Dust collection systems: Install industrial dust collectors to capture sawdust and wood

chips. These systems should be regularly cleaned and maintained to ensure proper

function.
 Air filtration: Use air filtration systems or spray nozzles to reduce airborne dust. In

addition, make sure workers are provided with proper personal protective equipment

(PPE), such as respirators.

 Sawdust handling: Establish an effective sawdust disposal or recycling system, such as

pneumatic systems that move sawdust to a storage area or transport it to a pellet mill or

biomass energy facility.

Log Quality and Yield Loss

Logs that are crooked, contain defects, or have irregular grain patterns can lead to yield loss

and poor-quality lumber. This not only reduces the overall profitability of the sawmill but

also results in wasted material.

Solution:

 Log scanning and sorting technology: Modern sawmills use laser scanning or x-ray

systems to assess log quality and predict the most efficient cutting patterns to maximize

yield. These systems can identify defects such as knots, twists, or unevenness before the

log is processed.

 Optimizing cutting patterns: Implement software solutions that can optimize the

cutting plan to minimize waste. This can help identify the best way to saw logs for

maximum lumber yield.

Alignment Issues and Poor Cuts

Misalignment of the saw blade or other components (like the log carriage) can cause uneven

cuts, leading to waste and the need for reworking the lumber. This can result from worn-out

parts or lack of calibration.

Solution:

 Regular calibration and alignment checks: Perform routine inspections and

adjustments on critical sawmill components, such as the saw blade, log carriage, and feed

systems, to ensure proper alignment.

 Automated control systems: Use computerized control systems to monitor alignment

and automatically adjust machine settings to keep everything within tolerances.

Overheating of Equipment

Sawmill machines, especially those that run at high speeds or under heavy loads (like saw

blades, motors, and conveyors), are at risk of overheating, which can lead to equipment

failure and downtime.

Solution:

 Cooling systems: Ensure that the saw mill's cooling systems are properly maintained.

This could include liquid cooling for the motors or blowers for cooling the blades and

reducing friction.

 Regular lubrication: Make sure moving parts are regularly lubricated to reduce friction

and prevent overheating. Poor lubrication can lead to increased wear and overheating of

the machinery.
 CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

4.1 CONCLUSION

During the six-month industrial assignment, I gained first-hand knowledge of the distinction

between academic theory and real-world implementation. This experience allowed me to

fully immerse myself in the business world while also learning creative and practical skills in

engineering and agriculture.

4.2 RECOMMENDATION

The SIWES program capitalizes on the fact that students are usually taught that the education

system is incapable of assisting them in obtaining full technical knowledge or job training. It

is recommended that Nigerian university students investigate SIWES' legality in order to

improve their future work opportunities and consider starting their own employment

marketplace. The organization's staff will comprise officials from the educational institutions

from where the students are coming, as well as ITF, who will be on the ground to guarantee

the students' hosts provide them with the necessary exposure and training.

Additionally, I suggest that the INDUSTRIAL TRAINING FUND (I.T.F.) supply enterprises

with SIWES allowances and stipends during the attachment period rather than after the study

course.