Assessor Resource

FPIHAR2207A
Trim and cut harvested trees

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


The unit involves trimming and cutting harvested (felled) trees with a chainsaw for commercial production, in a variety of work settings including a forest environment, as applicable to the unit

The skills and knowledge required for competent workplace performance are to be used within the scope of the person's job and authority

This unit describes the outcomes required to trim and cut harvested (felled) trees with a chainsaw for commercial production. The unit also includes equipment maintenance

General legislative, regulatory and workplace requirements apply to this unit; in some jurisdictions there may be licensing requirements related to the application of this unit

This unit replaces FPIHAR2201B Trim and cross cut harvested trees

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

Prerequisites

Not Applicable


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills




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.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence that they can safely trim and cut harvested trees and conduct operator maintenance within organisational requirements

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements of this unit and include demonstration of:

following applicable Commonwealth, State or Territory legislative and regulatory requirements and codes of practice, including OHS and environmental, relevant to trimming and cutting harvested trees

following organisational policies and procedures relevant to trimming and cutting harvested trees

compliance with applicable licensing or certification requirements

effective communication and safe working practices

planning cutting to optimise volume, quality and recovery

trimming and cutting of harvested trees in line with the job requirements and within prescribed organisational tolerances

maintenance on a chainsaw

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or realistically simulated workplace

Assessment is to occur under standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints

Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge, other than confirmatory questions, will usually be conducted in an off-site context

Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian Standards requirements

The following resources should be made available:

workplace location or simulated workplace

materials and equipment relevant to undertaking work applicable to this unit

specifications and work instructions

Method of assessment

Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the FPI11 Training Package

Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with application of underpinning knowledge

Assessment must be by direct observation of tasks, with questioning on underpinning knowledge and it must also reinforce the integration of employability skills

Assessment methods must confirm the ability to access and correctly interpret and apply the essential underpinning knowledge

Assessment may be applied under project-related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process

Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is able not only to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances

Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency

The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate

Assessment practices should take into account any relevant language or cultural issues related to Aboriginality, gender or language backgrounds other than English

Where the participant has a disability, reasonable adjustment may be applied during assessment

Language and literacy demands of the assessment task should not be higher than those of the work role


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.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Required skills

Technical skills sufficient to use and maintain relevant tools and equipment and safely trim and cut harvested trees with a chainsaw

Assessment skills sufficient to visually assess tree defects, grade and recovery status

Communication skills and interpersonal techniques sufficient to interact appropriately with colleagues and others in the workplace

Literacy skills sufficient to review and accurately identify work requirements and to locate, record and report information

Numeracy skills sufficient to estimate and measure tolerances and minimum diameter; and to calculate time required to complete a task

Problem solving skills sufficient to identify problems and equipment faults and appropriate response procedures

Required knowledge

Applicable Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation, regulations, standards, codes of practice and established safe practices relevant to the full range of processes for trimming and cutting harvested trees

Environmental protection requirements including the safe disposal of waste

Organisational and site standards, requirements, policies and procedures for trimming and cutting harvested trees; organisational communication channels and protocols; and the recording and reporting of workplace information

Characteristics of trees and types of timber defects that may affect cutting

Cutting patterns, sequences and techniques

Chainsaw operation, safety and maintenance procedures

Chainsaw chain condition assessment

Industry standard lengths and tolerances

Log grades for timber grading

Extraction methods

Types of tools and equipment and procedures for their safe operation and maintenance

Problem identification and resolution strategies

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

OHS requirements:

are to be in line with applicable Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation and regulations, and organisational safety policies and procedures, and may include:

personal protective equipment and clothing

safety equipment

first aid equipment

fire fighting equipment

communication systems

hazard and risk control

fatigue management

elimination of hazardous materials and substances

safe forest practices including required actions relating to forest fire

awareness of danger zone for kickback

manual handling including shifting, lifting and carrying

erection of warning signs

potential falling objects

procedures for cutting on slopes

location of other workers

Legislative requirements:

are to be in line with applicable Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation, regulations, certification requirements and codes of practice and may include:

Australian Standards

OHS

the environment

equal opportunity

relevant industry codes of practice

award and enterprise agreements

industrial relations

confidentiality and privacy

duty of care

heritage and traditional land owner issues

Organisational requirements may include:

legal

organisational and site guidelines

policies and procedures relating to own role and responsibility

quality assurance

procedural manuals

quality and continuous improvement processes and standards

OHS

emergency and evacuation procedures

fire prevention procedures

communication systems

recording and reporting requirements

equipment use and maintenance and storage requirements

environmental management requirements (waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines)

access and equity principles and practices

Trees may include:

hardwood trees

softwood trees

for production purposes

Environmental protection measures may include:

action to limit the impact of noise, wind speed and direction, fallen trees, ground slope, ground hazards and obstacles, general forest lean

action to limit the impact to ground growth, canopy, density of trees

and may relate to:

soil and water protection, contingencies for modifying operations during wet or other adverse weather conditions

the safe disposal of waste material

Job requirements:

may be determined by a coupe plan, operation plan or cutting schedules and may include:

environmental and safety

silviculture

instructions for the trimming, cutting and despatch of harvested trees from the work site

type, size, length, quantity and grade of product

planned standard tolerances for length and angle relative to the log centre line

minimum diameter, damage, shape and known length requirements

maintenance of sharpened equipment

Trimming may relate to:

branches

burls and other small growths

delimbing

Tools and equipment may include:

chainsaws

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

maintenance tools

fuel and oil containers

chainsaw maintenance kit

and may include ancillary equipment such as:

hammer

axe

wedges

cant hook or breaking bar

first aid kit

fire control equipment

tool belt

loggers tape

warning signs

chainsaw maintenance kit

Communication may include:

verbal and non-verbal language

hand or other agreed signals

eye contact with other operators or personnel

use of electronic devices

Environmental requirements

may be assessed in relation to:

ground growth

ground slope

ground hazards and obstacles

Defects may include:

shakes

insect defects

knots and resin pockets

pipe

branches

lumps

bumps

drysides

Grade may include:

an evaluation of the log for defects, quality and size of log return

Extraction refers to:

methods of removing the log from the worksite with mechanical equipment and cables, considering site conditions and specific log location

Cutting pattern refers to:

the plan of cuts to optimise time and recovery of product from the tree

Sequence of cuts refers to:

the order in which individual cuts are made to address issues of compression and tension and product quality and may include single or multiple cuts

Pre start-up checks

may include checking:

equipment has been set up correctly

the systems are performing accurately

equipment is operating to optimum performance

Cutting technique may include:

bridging cuts

swinging cuts

side bind cuts

delimbing

boring

wedge cut

use of wedges

Capping and splitting refers to:

defects caused by cutting activities

Head of tree refers to:

the waste section of the tree containing the smaller branches and heavy foliage

Records may include:

quality outcomes; hazards, incident reports, equipment malfunctions and damage

may be compiled using a computer-based system or other appropriate organisational communication system to record and report

Maintenance must include:

sharpening

and may include:

refuelling

inspection, identification and replacement of bar, chain, drive sprockets

bar oil checks and top up

air filter check, clean and replacement

cleaning of saw body, air intake vents and cooling fans

fitting spare chain and tension chain

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
Applicable Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), environmental, legislative, organisationalrequirements and manufacturer's specifications relevant to trimming and cutting harvested trees are identified and followed 
Site environmental protection measures and enterprise environmental management systems are identified and adhered to in line with relevant legislation and regulations 
Job requirements are reviewed and checked with appropriate personnel 
Trimming and cutting activities are planned in line with site procedures 
Cutting procedures to achieve optimum utilisation of tree to be cut are identified 
Tools and equipment are selected appropriate to job requirements and checked for operational effectiveness in line with organisational procedures and manufacturer's recommendations 
Communication with others is established and maintained in line with OHS and organisational requirements 
Environmentalrequirements are identified and used to plan the cutting of each tree 
Tree, location and stability are assessed for conditions likely to affect safety of trimming and cutting activities 
Tree is visually assessed for defects, grade and recovery status 
Trees are assessed for extraction and transport method suitability 
Trees unable to be cut safely are identified and referred to appropriate personnel 
Tree is moved or stabilised for safe cutting in line with site standards and regulations 
Cutting pattern is selected to optimise time, maximise volume and quality of recovery in line with assessment and finished tree specifications 
Sequence of cuts is planned to maintain control of cut sections and minimise cutting problems 
Cutting positions selected are measured and marked in line with job requirements and industry standard lengths 
Debris is cleared from the work area to allow safe access and prevent saw damage or injury in line with OHS requirements 
Pre start-up checks are carried out on equipment in line with site requirements 
Movement and whereabouts of other personnel is monitored and work is modified to be in line with OHS regulations 
Tree section on each side of planned cut is secured and potential movement is assessed and planned 
Saw is operated to cut tree and cutting technique is adjusted in response to movement and condition of the tree 
Cut is completed once initiated, minimising capping and splitting, in line with job requirements 
Butts are square cut, accessible branches and knots trimmed, and head of tree removed in line with job requirements 
Logs are prepared for extraction in line with site requirements 
Trimming and cutting records are prepared and problems reported to the appropriate personnel 
Equipment is inspected on completion of trimming and cutting activities 
Damaged saws and cutting attachments are identified and dealt with according to site procedures and manufacturer's recommendations 
Chain and other components are removed, cleaned, maintained, adjusted or replaced in line with manufacturer's recommendations 
Tools and equipment are maintained in line with OHS requirements and manufacturer's recommendations 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

FPIHAR2207A - Trim and cut harvested trees
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

FPIHAR2207A - Trim and cut harvested trees

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: