Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of maintaining, preparing and operating hand-held chainsaws in a work environment and defines the standard required to: select, use, maintain and store suitable personal protective equipment; carry out routine checks and maintenance on chainsaw; apply appropriate chainsaw technique and cutting methods according to manufacturer's specifications and documented low risk work procedures; assess and minimise environmental impacts of chainsaw use; maintain records of chainsaw training and certification, risk assessment and use.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to cross-cutting fallen timber using safe cutting techniques.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Recognise and apply workplace safety procedures

1.1. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) procedures relevant to the maintenance and operation of chainsaws are recognised and applied.

1.2. OHS hazards are identified, risks assessed and risk controls are implemented.

1.3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is selected and used.

1.4. Relevant licensing and legislative requirements with regard to the operation of chainsaws are recognised, accessed and applied.

2. Check and maintain chainsaw

2.1. Tools and materials required for maintenance procedures are selected, checked and confirmed against maintenance plan.

2.2. Routine checks and maintenance procedures are conducted prior to operation and according to manufacturer's specifications and maintenance plan.

2.3. Chainsaw faults or malfunctions are identified, tagged and reported for repair according to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise requirements.

2.4. Completed chainsaw maintenance procedures are detailed and recorded.

3. Operate chainsaw

3.1. Sawing materials are identified and positioned for operation according to documented low risk work procedures.

3.2. Cutting methods are determined appropriate to type of material and risk controls implemented.

3.3. Chainsaw is operated according to manufacturer's specifications and operator's manual.

3.4. Effective worksite communication is maintained to ensure efficient workflow and address immediate problems.

3.5. Environmental implications associated with chainsaw operation are identified, assessed and controlled according to documented requirements.

4. Complete and check chainsaw operation

4.1. Chainsaw damage, malfunctions or irregular performance are recorded and reported according to enterprise requirements.

4.2. Chainsaw is cleaned, maintained and stored according to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise requirements.

4.3. Relevant reports are maintained to industry standards according to enterprise requirements.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• identify hazards and implement safe operating procedures
• safely cross-cut fallen timber using compression and tension cuts with a hand held chainsaw
• maximise volume and quality of recovery
• demonstrate safe and environmentally responsible workplace practices
• obtain relevant licenses and permits
• read and interpret manufacturer's specifications, work and maintenance plans, and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs).
• effectively communicate information, interpret and apply task instructions, and maintain records and reports
• estimate and measure dimensions, and calculate volumes
• recognise caution or hazard signs and symbols
• interpret tasks or information from labels, manuals or written instructions
• record information accurately or verbally report information
• use literacy skills to follow sequenced written instructions and record information accurately and legibly
• use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor
• use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures
• use interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge 

• relevant State/Territory legislation and regulations with regard to the operation of chainsaws
• OHS legislative requirements and Codes of Practice
• hazards and risks when using chainsaws
• operating principles and operating methods
• various types of chainsaws and respective functions
• effects of timber defects on recovery
• environment Codes of Practice with regard to chainsaw operation.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

• select, use, maintain and store suitable personal protective equipment
• carry out routine checks and maintenance on chainsaw
• apply appropriate chainsaw technique and cutting methods according to manufacturer's specifications and documented low risk work procedures
• assess and minimise environmental impacts of chainsaw use
• maintain records of chainsaw training and certification, risk assessment and use.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Chainsaws may include:

• all types and models of hand-held chainsaws in a work environment.

Unit sector 

Arboriculture

Co-requisite units 

Competency field