Release 

Comments 

Release 2

This version released with FWP Forest and Wood Products Training Package Version 3.0.

Release 1

This version released with FWP Forest and Wood Products Training Package Version 2.0.

Element 

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance Criteria 

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions.

1. Prepare for trimming

1.1 Identify and follow WHS, environmental, legal and organisational requirements for operating a pole saw.

1.2 Review work order and clarify with appropriate personnel.

1.3 Select equipment appropriate to work requirements and check for serviceable condition in line with manufacturer recommendations.

1.4 Carry out pre-startup checks of pole saw in line with site requirements.

1.5 Establish and maintain communication with others to ensure safety.

2. Assess trees

2.1 Identify and assess tree type, location and stability for safe working conditions.

2.2 Plan the trim of a tree in line with site procedures and environmental conditions.

2.3 Identify trees unable to be trimmed safely and refer to appropriate personnel.

2.4 Determine whether the height of the branch is within safe reach when using the pole saw

2.5 Establish general falling direction of branches and limbs to be trimmed and identify clear escape route.

3. Trim trees

3.1 Trim accessible branches and knots to specifications in line with manufacturer recommendations and organisational safe work practices for angle and height allowances.

3.2 Monitor movement and whereabouts of other personnel to ensure work site is safe.

3.3 Undertake sequence of cuts to trim tree branches.

3.4 Operate pole saw in line with safety regulations, adjusting technique in response to condition of the tree.

3.5 Diagnose unexpected characteristics of a tree during trimming operations and review tree assessment if required.

3.6 Complete cutting once initiated, to minimise splitting.

3.7 Clear cut branches from the site in line with standard operating procedures and environmental requirements.

3.8 Record and report trimming activity.

4. Conduct operator maintenance

4.1 Follow lock-out procedures in line with WHS legislation and site procedures.

4.2 Inspect condition of saw and other equipment on completion of trimming activities.

4.3 Remove, sharpen, adjust or replace chain and other components, in line with manufacturer recommendations.

4.4 Recycle, re-use or dispose of blunt or damaged chain and other components in line with environmental requirements.

4.5 Clear pole saw of dust, shavings and debris and check to make sure it meets relevant operational standards.

4.6 Record and report equipment faults and maintenance activity.

This section describes those core and employment skills that are essential to performance and are not explicit in the performance criteria.

Numeracy skills to:

• sharpen chain with files set to correct angles.

Writing skills to:

• record trimming activity and maintenance records.

Problem solving skills to:

• to identify problems and equipment faults and select treatments
• identify appropriate branches to be trimmed
• assess the capacity and suitability of equipment to the task of trimming trees.

Code and title current version 

Code and title previous version 

Comments 

Equivalence status 

FWPCOT3238 Operate a pole saw Release 2

FWPCOT3238 Operate a pole saw Release 1

Minor typographical errors corrected.

Equivalent unit

Release 

Comments 

Release 2

This version released with FWP Forest and Wood Products Training Package Version 3.0.

Release 1

This version released with FWP Forest and Wood Products Training Package Version 2.0.