FWPCOT3238 Operate a pole saw

Release: 2

FWPCOT3238 Operate a pole saw

Modification History

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.

Application

This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to trim high branches reachable with a power driven pole saw and to promote tree growth by trimming and felling excess branches.

Power driven pole saw in this unit refers to professional standard pole-mounted chain saws that are typically fuel types, but may be battery powered, and generally telescopic.

It applies to those who operate a pole saw in a forest environment and includes equipment maintenance.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Pre-requisite Unit

Nil

Unit Sector

Forest Growing and Management

Harvesting and Haulage

Elements and Performance Criteria

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.

Foundation Skills

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.

Unit Mapping Information

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

Links

Companion Volume implementation guides are found in VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=0d96fe23-5747-4c01-9d6f-3509ff8d3d47