Unit of competency
Modification History
Release |
Comments |
Release 1 |
This version released with FWP Forest and Wood Products Training Package Version 6.0. |
Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to use a fuel or battery powered pole saw to trim tree branches within safe height and angle limits.
The unit applies to individuals who operate pole saws to trim tree branches as part of arboriculture, forestry, agriculture, conservation and land management, local government, emergency services and other government agency operations.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, according to state/territory health and safety regulations, legislation and standards that apply to the workplace.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Pre-requisite Unit
Nil
Unit Sector
Common Technical (COT)
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements |
Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare for trimming |
1.1 Determine job requirements from work order or instruction and, where required, seek clarification from appropriate personnel 1.2 Confirm safety and environmental requirements for the task according to workplace procedures 1.3 Identify, assess and take actions to mitigate risks and hazards associated with using pole saw to trim branches 1.4 Plan trimming activities according to workplace procedures 1.5 Consult with team members and other appropriate personnel to ensure that work is coordinated effectively with others in the workplace 1.6 Obtain pole saw and other support equipment needed for the work 1.7 Select, fit and use personal protective equipment 1.8 Conduct pre-start-up checks of pole saw to determine serviceability according to manufacturer instructions |
2. Assess trees |
2.1 Identify and assess tree type, location and stability for safe working conditions 2.2 Plan trim of tree according to workplace procedures and environmental conditions 2.3 Identify trees unsafe to be trimmed, and refer to supervisor 2.4 Identify hazards in immediate vicinity of the tree to be trimmed, and refer to supervisor 2.5 Determine whether the height of branches to be trimmed is within safe reach and safe working angle when using the pole saw 2.6 Establish general falling direction of branches to be trimmed, and identify clear escape routes |
3. Trim trees |
3.1 Trim accessible branches within safe height and angle limits according to work order or instructions and manufacturer recommendations 3.2 Monitor location and movement of people in work area to ensure work site is safe 3.3 Undertake sequence of cuts to trim tree branches 3.4 Operate pole saw according to workplace procedures and manufacturer instructions, adjusting technique in response to condition of the tree 3.5 Identify unexpected tree characteristics 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 according to workplace procedures and environmental requirements |
4. Conduct operator maintenance |
4.1 Follow workplace safety procedures and manufacturer instructions to lock out equipment 4.2 Inspect condition of pole saw and other equipment on completion of trimming activities 4.3 Clear pole saw of dust, shavings and debris, and check for serviceability 4.4 Remove, sharpen, adjust or replace chain and other components according to manufacturer recommendations 4.5 Recycle, re-use or dispose of blunt or damaged chain and other components according to workplace procedures and environmental requirements 4.6 Record and report equipment faults and maintenance activity |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill |
Description |
Reading |
|
Writing |
|
Oral communication |
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Unit Mapping Information
Code and title current version |
Code and title previous version |
Comments |
Equivalence status |
FWPCOT3301 Trim trees using a pole saw |
FWPCOT3238 Operate a pole saw |
Retitled Minor updates to Application, Performance Criteria and Knowledge Evidence Added new Performance Criteria Updated Foundation Skills, Performance Evidence and Assessment Conditions |
Equivalent |
Links
Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet: - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=0d96fe23-5747-4c01-9d6f-3509ff8d3d47