Assessment Requirements for FWPFGM3216 Fell trees manually (intermediate)

Release: 1

Assessment Requirements for FWPFGM3216 Fell trees manually (intermediate)

Modification History

Release	Comments
Release 1	This version released with FWP Forest and Wood Products Training Package Version 6.0.

Performance Evidence

An individual demonstrating competency must satisfy all of the elements and performance criteria in this unit.

There must be evidence that the individual has assessed, planned and conducted the felling of six intermediate trees. This must include demonstration of:

two different scarf cutting techniques

two different back cutting techniques, which must be for either forward leaning, side leaning or back leaning trees

applying, on one occasion, an industry approved technique, such as the use of wedges, to ensure that the tree falls in the direction of the scarf cut.

The scarfing methods must be selected from the following:

Standard

Humboldt

90 degree scarf

V scarf.

In performing all cuts, the individual must have complied with the following criteria:

direction – the scarf must be in the direction of the desired fell

depth – the depth of the scarf is ¼ to 1/3 of the diameter of the tree

size (width) of opening – 2/3 across the front of the tree

top and bottom scarf cuts – the two cuts should meet without overcutting or undercutting, the scarf line is level and the scarf line is at 90 degrees to the intended direction of fall

back cut height – the back cut is level and above the scarf line by about 1/10 of the tree diameter

hinge wood thickness is about 1/10 of the tree diameter.

In completing this work, the individual must demonstrate that, for each tree, the felling technique was consistent with current Australian Standards and industry codes of practice applicable to tree felling operations.

There must also be evidence that the individual has inspected and carried out routine maintenance on one occasion on one chainsaw and its cutting attachments according to manufacturer requirements.

This work must comply with workplace policy and procedures and current workplace health and safety legislation and regulations.

Knowledge Evidence

An individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge required to perform the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit. This includes knowledge of:

Australian Standards and codes of practice applicable to tree felling operations

hazards and risks related to felling trees with chainsaws, and methods to minimise associated risks:

physical conditions of the site

unsafe/hazardous trees

fire and other emergency situations

overhead and underground services

nearby structures

standing vegetation in the intended direction of fall

falling branches

weather conditions

impediments of escape routes

vehicle and traffic access

people on or near worksite

machinery on or near worksite

carrying and transporting a chainsaw

user fatigue

hazards related to maintaining chainsaws, and methods to minimise associated risks

features of unsafe/hazardous intermediate trees and defects of trees and how they affect tree felling activities

types and purposes of cuts to fell intermediate trees:

scarf cuts

back cuts using different methods to provide hinge wood and wedges to maintain control of tree

characteristics of intermediate trees

methods used to identify intermediate trees:

that contain hazards and are deemed unsafe to fell

that are considered outside own skill level

where cuts made may lead to loss of control of tree in felling

methods used to remove trees that are hung up, and procedures for removal

methods for assessing chain condition

types, safe use, operation and maintenance of chainsaws, support tools and attachments

workplace procedures specific to felling trees with chainsaws:

workplace health and safety, with particular emphasis on equipment lock-out, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe manual handling and fire prevention measures

communication reporting lines

recording and reporting repairs, maintenance activities and equipment faults

environmental protection measures that meet legal obligations and requirements of the industry, state and local standards and/or codes of practice for felling trees with chainsaws:

protection of natural and cultural assets

cleaning plant, tools and equipment

disposing of, recycling and reusing materials

disposing of hazardous substances.

Assessment Conditions

Assessment of the skills in this unit of competency must take place under the following conditions:

physical conditions:

skills must be demonstrated in the workplace or an environment that accurately represents workplace conditions

resources, equipment and materials:

chainsaw and accessories

suitable trees to fell

tools and equipment to fell trees

PPE required in tree felling operations

communication system

specifications:

access to workplace safety and environmental policies and procedures applicable to tree felling and chainsaw operations

access to workplace standard operating procedures or operator manual for chainsaws.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.

Links

Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet: - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=0d96fe23-5747-4c01-9d6f-3509ff8d3d47