Unit of competency
Modification History
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Release |
Comments |
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Release 1 |
This version released with FWP Forest and Wood Products Training Package Version 8.0. |
Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assess, plan and safely carry out manual felling of trees with advanced characteristics using a chainsaw. This unit covers the felling procedures for advanced trees with a level of complexity that requires significant tree assessment and advanced practical felling skills.
Individuals who seek to undertake this unit should have prior experience in operating a chainsaw for the purpose of felling trees in order to ensure their safety while completing this work.
Individuals competent in this unit should be able to effectively fell trees of any size, species and condition, including those with significant defects and characteristics that cause excessive felling complexity, that are deemed safe to fell.
Trees typical to the scope of this unit may have some of the following characteristics:
- lean and with weight distribution that adds significant complexity yet can be assessed and adapted to site requirements
- large diameter trees, but not exclusively, that can be safely felled with complex felling techniques
- heavy forward lean
- lean in a direction away from the fall zone or side-leaning to the available fall zone
- damage or defect that requires complex felling techniques, including trees with visible lightning damage, burnt out trees and those with fire damaged butts
- hung up trees that can be removed safely
- multi-legged, hollow butts, culls and stags
- species prone to free splitting and adverse reactions during felling
- complex multi-stems
- terrain, slope and environment that can add significant complexity to the operation.
The unit applies to individuals who fell advanced trees as part of arboriculture, forestry, agriculture, conservation and land management, local government, emergency services and other government agency operations. With the exception of minor forest produce, this unit does not apply to commercial harvesting 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
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Elements |
Performance Criteria |
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Elements describe the essential outcomes. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
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1. Prepare for felling |
1.1 Determine job requirements from work order or instruction and, where required, seek clarification from appropriate personnel 1.2 Confirm workplace health and safety and environmental protection practices and/or procedures for task 1.3 Identify, assess and take actions to mitigate risks and hazards associated with felling advanced trees 1.4 Identify, assess and determine felling requirements of trees to fell according to work order or instruction 1.5 Consult and maintain communication with team members and other appropriate personnel to ensure that work is coordinated effectively with others in the workplace 1.6 Select, fit and use personal protective equipment 1.7 Obtain tools and equipment needed for the work, and check for correct operation and safety |
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2. Assess site conditions and surroundings |
2.1 Inspect site for conditions likely to affect safe implementation of felling activities 2.2 Identify and report site environmental conditions to appropriate personnel 2.3 Determine fall zone and implement control measures to minimise risks and hazards in the zone according to safe work procedures 2.4 Monitor location and activity of other personnel on the work site, and implement control measures according to workplace safety procedures |
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3. Assess tree and plan felling |
3.1 Identify trees considered outside own skill level, and seek assistance from appropriate personnel where required 3.2 Assess tree visually to identify felling characteristics 3.3 Assess trees and site to determine complexity of felling requirements 3.4 Confirm tree is safe to fell 3.5 Assess and progressively plan tree-felling sequence for individual trees 3.6 Assess and check required felling direction and possible deviation 3.7 Plan suitable escape routes, and clear routes of growth and other obstacles according to environmental care, workplace and regulatory requirements 3.8 Plan sequence of cuts to fell tree according to standard felling procedures 3.9 Assess need, safety and suitability of an industry approved technique and associated equipment to control tree fall 3.10 Confirm planned escape route according to workplace procedures |
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4. Apply tree-felling techniques |
4.1 Fell individual trees using planned and appropriate techniques according to current Australian Standards and industry codes of practice at a safe distance from other personnel, machinery, infrastructure and other assets in the work area 4.2 Apply an industry approved technique and equipment to ensure that the tree falls in the direction of the scarf 4.3 Adjust cutting technique in response to movement and condition of tree 4.4 Use planned escape route when tree starts to fall, and monitor the fall of the tree until all movement has stopped 4.5 Delay movement back into the felling area until all tree material, including from adjacent tree crowns, has fallen or is stable enough to allow safe access back into the felling area 4.6 Identify procedures for removal of trees that are hung-up if safe to do so 4.7 Dispose of waste materials according to workplace environmental protection and operational practices and/or procedures |
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5. Maintain chainsaw and cutting attachments |
5.1 Follow workplace health and safety procedures and manufacturer instructions to lock out equipment 5.2 Inspect chainsaw on completion of activities 5.3 Inspect for damage to chainsaw and cutting attachments, and tag for repair, service or replacement according to workplace requirements and manufacturer recommendations 5.4 Remove, clean, adjust, sharpen or replace chain and other components according to workplace requirements and manufacturer recommendations |
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.
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Skill |
Description |
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Reading |
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Writing |
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Oral communication |
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Numeracy |
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Unit Mapping Information
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Code and title current version |
Code and title previous version |
Comments |
Equivalence status |
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FWPCOT3348 Fell trees manually (advanced) |
FWPFGM3217 Fell trees manually (advanced) |
Information added to Application Changes to the volume/frequency of Performance Evidence to address industry needs |
Equivalent |
Links
Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet: - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=0d96fe23-5747-4c01-9d6f-3509ff8d3d47
