Assessor Resource

AHCMOM213
Operate and maintain chainsaws

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to safely operate a hand-held chainsaw and maintain it in working condition.

This unit applies to cross-cutting fallen timber using safe cutting techniques.

This unit applies to individuals who undertake defined activities with specialised tools and methods, work in a structured context, apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy and limited judgement, and provide solutions to a limited range of predictable problems.

Work is implemented with low risk work procedures and to comply with Safe Work Method Statement documentation.

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

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Assist in preparation of work site

1.1 Determine location of worksite and correct tree from scope of works

1.2 Identify site hazards, assess risks and report to supervisor

1.3 Confirm work zone with work crew and monitor site

1.4 Confirm first aid and emergency personnel, equipment and procedures

1.5 Record and implement work health, safety, site, environmental and traffic control measures

2. Recognise and apply workplace safety procedures

2.1 Identify hazards relevant to the maintenance and operation of chainsaws, assess risks and implement risk controls

2.2 Select and use personal protective equipment

2.3 Confirm relevant licensing and legislative requirements with regard to the operation of chainsaws with supervisor

2.4 Transport chainsaw and fuel appropriately

3. Check and prepare chainsaw

3.1 Select appropriate tools and materials required for maintenance

3.2 Conduct routine checks and maintenance procedures before operation

3.3 Calculate fuel oil ratios before mixing

3.4 Identify, tag, record and report chainsaw faults or malfunctions and organise repair

4. Operate chainsaw

4.1 Communicate with work team during operations using voice, hand and whistle signals

4.2 Place supports appropriately to ensure a stable base

4.3 Identify materials to be cut and position them for operation

4.4 Assess material to be cut visually for defects

4.5 Determine cutting methods appropriate to material type and implement risk controls

4.6 Select and use appropriate tools associated with chainsaw use

4.7 Operate chainsaw to cross cut timber using documented low risk work methods

4.8 Maintain effective worksite communication to ensure efficient workflow and address problems

4.9 Identify, assess and control environmental implications associated with chainsaw operation

5. Complete and check chainsaw operation

5.1 Record and report chainsaw damage, malfunction and irregular performance

5.2 Clean and store chainsaw

5.3 Dispose of debris from operation in accordance with environmental requirements

5.4 Maintain relevant reports

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

apply chainsaw use and operation risk assessment and implementation of controls

clean and store chainsaw

confirm first aid and emergency personnel, equipment and procedures

confirm work zone with work crew and monitor site

determine site location and work details and clarify with supervisor

identify site hazards, assess risks and report to supervisor

identify, tag and report chainsaw faults and malfunctions

record and implement work health, safety, site, environmental and traffic control measures

use appropriate personal protective equipment

safely cross-cut fallen timber using compression and tension cuts with a hand held chainsaw

use appropriate tools and materials to maintain chainsaw

use environmentally responsible workplace practices

use low risk work practices including stopping, disengaging quickly and dealing with foreign matter

use safe work procedures relevant to operating a chainsaw

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

the principles and practice for operating chainsaws

safe operating procedures

relevant Australian Standards concerning chainsaw operation

components of chainsaws and their respective functions

common defects in woody materials

cutting methods and techniques, patterns and sequence of cuts

how to estimate and measure dimensions and calculate volumes

work health and safety requirements for the operation of a chainsaw including caution and hazard signs and symbols

hazards and risks when operating a chainsaw

environmental Codes of Practice regarding chainsaw operation

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Assist in preparation of work site

1.1 Determine location of worksite and correct tree from scope of works

1.2 Identify site hazards, assess risks and report to supervisor

1.3 Confirm work zone with work crew and monitor site

1.4 Confirm first aid and emergency personnel, equipment and procedures

1.5 Record and implement work health, safety, site, environmental and traffic control measures

2. Recognise and apply workplace safety procedures

2.1 Identify hazards relevant to the maintenance and operation of chainsaws, assess risks and implement risk controls

2.2 Select and use personal protective equipment

2.3 Confirm relevant licensing and legislative requirements with regard to the operation of chainsaws with supervisor

2.4 Transport chainsaw and fuel appropriately

3. Check and prepare chainsaw

3.1 Select appropriate tools and materials required for maintenance

3.2 Conduct routine checks and maintenance procedures before operation

3.3 Calculate fuel oil ratios before mixing

3.4 Identify, tag, record and report chainsaw faults or malfunctions and organise repair

4. Operate chainsaw

4.1 Communicate with work team during operations using voice, hand and whistle signals

4.2 Place supports appropriately to ensure a stable base

4.3 Identify materials to be cut and position them for operation

4.4 Assess material to be cut visually for defects

4.5 Determine cutting methods appropriate to material type and implement risk controls

4.6 Select and use appropriate tools associated with chainsaw use

4.7 Operate chainsaw to cross cut timber using documented low risk work methods

4.8 Maintain effective worksite communication to ensure efficient workflow and address problems

4.9 Identify, assess and control environmental implications associated with chainsaw operation

5. Complete and check chainsaw operation

5.1 Record and report chainsaw damage, malfunction and irregular performance

5.2 Clean and store chainsaw

5.3 Dispose of debris from operation in accordance with environmental requirements

5.4 Maintain relevant reports

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

apply chainsaw use and operation risk assessment and implementation of controls

clean and store chainsaw

confirm first aid and emergency personnel, equipment and procedures

confirm work zone with work crew and monitor site

determine site location and work details and clarify with supervisor

identify site hazards, assess risks and report to supervisor

identify, tag and report chainsaw faults and malfunctions

record and implement work health, safety, site, environmental and traffic control measures

use appropriate personal protective equipment

safely cross-cut fallen timber using compression and tension cuts with a hand held chainsaw

use appropriate tools and materials to maintain chainsaw

use environmentally responsible workplace practices

use low risk work practices including stopping, disengaging quickly and dealing with foreign matter

use safe work procedures relevant to operating a chainsaw

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

the principles and practice for operating chainsaws

safe operating procedures

relevant Australian Standards concerning chainsaw operation

components of chainsaws and their respective functions

common defects in woody materials

cutting methods and techniques, patterns and sequence of cuts

how to estimate and measure dimensions and calculate volumes

work health and safety requirements for the operation of a chainsaw including caution and hazard signs and symbols

hazards and risks when operating a chainsaw

environmental Codes of Practice regarding chainsaw operation

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Determine location of worksite and correct tree from scope of works 
Identify site hazards, assess risks and report to supervisor 
Confirm work zone with work crew and monitor site 
Confirm first aid and emergency personnel, equipment and procedures 
Record and implement work health, safety, site, environmental and traffic control measures 
Identify hazards relevant to the maintenance and operation of chainsaws, assess risks and implement risk controls 
Select and use personal protective equipment 
Confirm relevant licensing and legislative requirements with regard to the operation of chainsaws with supervisor 
Transport chainsaw and fuel appropriately 
Select appropriate tools and materials required for maintenance 
Conduct routine checks and maintenance procedures before operation 
Calculate fuel oil ratios before mixing 
Identify, tag, record and report chainsaw faults or malfunctions and organise repair 
Communicate with work team during operations using voice, hand and whistle signals 
Place supports appropriately to ensure a stable base 
Identify materials to be cut and position them for operation 
Assess material to be cut visually for defects 
Determine cutting methods appropriate to material type and implement risk controls 
Select and use appropriate tools associated with chainsaw use 
Operate chainsaw to cross cut timber using documented low risk work methods 
Maintain effective worksite communication to ensure efficient workflow and address problems 
Identify, assess and control environmental implications associated with chainsaw operation 
Record and report chainsaw damage, malfunction and irregular performance 
Clean and store chainsaw 
Dispose of debris from operation in accordance with environmental requirements 
Maintain relevant reports 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCMOM213 - Operate and maintain chainsaws
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

AHCMOM213 - Operate and maintain chainsaws

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: