Modification History
Not Applicable
Unit Descriptor
Unit descriptor |
This unit describes the outcomes required to trim high branches reachable with a mechanical pole saw and to promote tree growth by trimming excess branches. The unit includes equipment maintenance General workplace legislative and regulatory requirements apply to this unit; however there are no specific licensing or certification requirements at the time of publication This unit replaces FPICOT3238A Operate a pole saw |
Application of the Unit
Application of the unit |
The unit involves operating a pole saw in a forest environment The skills and knowledge required for competent workplace performance are to be used within the scope of the person's job and authority |
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Refer to Unit Descriptor
Pre-Requisites
Not Applicable
Employability Skills Information
Employability skills |
This unit contains employability skills |
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Prepare for trimming |
1.1. Applicable occupational health and safety (OHS), environmental , legislative and organisational requirements relevant to operating a pole saw are identified and followed 1.2. Work plan is reviewed and clarified with appropriate personnel 1.3. Type and quantity of trees to be trimmed are identified and assessed for safe working conditions 1.4. Equipment is selected appropriate to work requirements and checked for operational effectiveness in line with manufacturer recommendations 1.5. Pre -startup checks are carried out on equipment in line with site requirements 1.6. Trimming activities are planned in line with site procedures and environmental requirements 1.7. Communication with others is established and maintained in line with OHS requirements |
2. Assess trees |
2.1. Environmental conditions are assessed and used to plan the trimming of each tree 2.2. Movement and whereabouts of other personnel are monitored and work is modified in line with OHS regulations 2.3. Tree, location and stability are assessed for conditions likely to affect safety of trimming activities 2.4. Trees unable to be trimmed safely are identified and referred to appropriate personnel |
3. Trim trees |
3.1. Accessible branches and knots are trimmed to specifications in line with maximum height allowances and manufacturer recommendations 3.2. Pole saw is operated to trim tree in line with safety regulations and cutting technique is adjusted in response to condition of the tree 3.3. Unexpected characteristics of a tree are diagnosed and planning is reviewed 3.4. Cut is completed once initiated, minimising splitting and in line with the work plan 3.5. Cut branches are cleared from the site in line with standard operating procedures and environmental requirements 3.6. Trimming processes and equipment faults are recorded and reported to the appropriate personnel |
4. Conduct operator maintenance |
4.1. Equipment lock-out procedures are followed in line with OHS legislation and site procedures 4.2. Chain is checked for blunt or damaged condition 4.3. Chain and other components are removed, sharpened, maintained, adjusted and replaced in line with manufacturer recommendations 4.4. Chain and other components that need replacing are dealt with in line with site procedures, manufacturer recommendations and environmental requirements 4.5. Pole saw setup is assessed and adjusted to suit cutting conditions 4.6. Pole saw is kept clear of dust, shavings and debris and checked to make sure it meets relevant standards |
Required Skills and Knowledge
REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE |
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit. |
Required skills |
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Required knowledge |
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Evidence Guide
EVIDENCE GUIDE |
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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. |
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Overview of assessment |
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence that they can safely and efficiently operate a pole saw in line with organisational requirements |
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, and satisfy, all of the requirements of the elements of this unit and include demonstration of:
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Context of and specific resources for assessment |
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Method of assessment |
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Range Statement
RANGE STATEMENT |
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The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included. |
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OHS requirements : |
are to be in line with applicable commonwealth, state or territory legislation and regulations, and organisational safety policies and procedures, and may include:
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Environmental requirements may include : |
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Legislative requirements : |
are to be in line with applicable commonwealth, state or territory legislation, regulations, certification requirements and codes of practice and may include:
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Organisational requirements may include: |
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Work plan is to include: |
and may include:
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Appropriate personnel may include: |
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Trees may include: |
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Trimming is to include: |
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Equipment is to include: |
and may include:
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Pre-startup checks |
are conducted to ensure:
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Communication may include: |
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Environmental conditions may include: |
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Conditions may include: |
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Pole saw is to include: |
and may also include:
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Splitting is |
the branch tearing away part of the tree bark beneath the branch, once the branch releases from the result of cutting |
Clearing may include: |
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Records and reports may include: |
and may be:
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Chain |
is the fast moving component surrounding the pole saw blade, containing many linked teeth |
Dealing with may include: |
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Unit Sector(s)
Not Applicable
Competency field
Competency field |
Common Technical |