Assessor Resource

FWPHAR2203
Hook up felled logs using cables (choker)

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to fasten choker cables around logs for yarding from the cutting area to the landing, and to assist with line shifts. Work is completed in a forest or forest farm setting.

The unit applies to choker setters in a forest or forest farm environment.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements 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.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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 choker setter operations

1.1 Review work order and where required check with appropriate personnel.

1.2 Identify type and quantity of logs to be extracted and assess area for safety and environmental protection practices.

1.3 Select appropriate personal protective and other equipment and check for operational effectiveness.

1.4 Plan choker setter and cable operations in line with work order.

2. Hook up logs

2.1 Identify audible or visual signal system to be used.

2.2 Select specific logs for next return prior to return of butt rigging in line with planned operations

2.3 Assess position of logs to be extracted in line with haul line, hook up point and likely movement.

2.4 Monitor stability of logs to be extracted and take precautions against movement in line with logging code of practice.

2.5 Direct and control positioning of butt rigging using signals and strawlines to facilitate planned hook ups.

2.6 Pull out slack for chokers and grapple ropes to allow safe hook up.

2.7 Set chokers or grapples close to end of logs.

2.8 Vacate area surrounding logs prior to signalling extraction.

2.9 Record and report hook up process and equipment faults to rigging slinger.

3. Assist with line shifts

3.1 Clear all logs to be hauled with existing line position before line shift is initiated.

3.2 Notch stumps in line with code requirements and rigging method to be used.

3.3 Pull slack on all lines prior to release of existing rigging.

3.4 Dismantle rigging components on existing line, check and set up on new line.

3.5 Move obstructions which may cause binding or damage during hauling.

3.6 Assist rigging slinger to rig spars, tail trees and intermediate supports.

A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy all of the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit. If a specific volume or frequency is not stated below, then evidence must be provided that the following requirements have been performed on at least one occasion:

safely and efficiently hook-up felled logs in line with work orders for recovery operations

hook-up logs in varied weather conditions

operate cable systems for felled logs including:

high lead (no skyline)

standing skyline

running skyline

assist in shifting lines in line with the rigging slinger’s instructions

A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:

content and application of applicable state or territory code of practice relevant to log recovery activities

environmental protection practices for forest and forest farm settings:

safe disposal of waste material

cleaning of plant, tools and equipment

key features of these varying environmental conditions and effects on log recovery:

fallen trees

general forest lean

ground growth

ground hazards and obstacles

ground slope

density of trees

wet and adverse weather conditions

wind speed and direction

characteristics of trees and logs can impact on hooking up felled logs with cables

techniques used by choker setters in the log recovery process:

log hook-up methods

cable logging techniques

rigging techniques

key features of these varying signal systems used for log recovery activities:

talk-e-tooter signals

two-way radio

visual signals

whistle signals

typical industry chain of command for communication of log extraction signals

purpose, features and operation of cable logging system components:

rigging components

cable systems:

high lead (no skyline)

standing skyline

running skyline

organisational procedures specific to log recovery activities:

workplace health and safety with particular emphasis on use of equipment

communication reporting lines

recording and reporting hook-up process and equipment faults.

The following resources must be made available:

cable systems:

high lead (no skyline)

standing skyline

running skyline

yarder and anchors

rigging equipment for log recovery:

blocks

bridling

butt rigging

chokers and grapple ropes

intermediate supports

lines

mobile tail anchors

pins

ropes

shackles

sheaves

spars

straps

strawlines

tail rope

signal system equipment

personal protective equipment suitable for log recovery activities

work order with specific instructions for log recovery activities

template documents for recording hook-up process and equipment faults

relevant personnel for the purposes of communicating information

organisational procedures for log recovery activities.

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.

Assessor requirements

Assessors must:

hold the appropriate assessor competency standards as outlined in regulations; and

be able to demonstrate vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed; and

be able to demonstrate how they are continuing to develop their VET knowledge and skills as well as maintaining their industry currency and assessor competence.


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.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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 choker setter operations

1.1 Review work order and where required check with appropriate personnel.

1.2 Identify type and quantity of logs to be extracted and assess area for safety and environmental protection practices.

1.3 Select appropriate personal protective and other equipment and check for operational effectiveness.

1.4 Plan choker setter and cable operations in line with work order.

2. Hook up logs

2.1 Identify audible or visual signal system to be used.

2.2 Select specific logs for next return prior to return of butt rigging in line with planned operations

2.3 Assess position of logs to be extracted in line with haul line, hook up point and likely movement.

2.4 Monitor stability of logs to be extracted and take precautions against movement in line with logging code of practice.

2.5 Direct and control positioning of butt rigging using signals and strawlines to facilitate planned hook ups.

2.6 Pull out slack for chokers and grapple ropes to allow safe hook up.

2.7 Set chokers or grapples close to end of logs.

2.8 Vacate area surrounding logs prior to signalling extraction.

2.9 Record and report hook up process and equipment faults to rigging slinger.

3. Assist with line shifts

3.1 Clear all logs to be hauled with existing line position before line shift is initiated.

3.2 Notch stumps in line with code requirements and rigging method to be used.

3.3 Pull slack on all lines prior to release of existing rigging.

3.4 Dismantle rigging components on existing line, check and set up on new line.

3.5 Move obstructions which may cause binding or damage during hauling.

3.6 Assist rigging slinger to rig spars, tail trees and intermediate supports.

Not Applicable

A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy all of the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit. If a specific volume or frequency is not stated below, then evidence must be provided that the following requirements have been performed on at least one occasion:

safely and efficiently hook-up felled logs in line with work orders for recovery operations

hook-up logs in varied weather conditions

operate cable systems for felled logs including:

high lead (no skyline)

standing skyline

running skyline

assist in shifting lines in line with the rigging slinger’s instructions

A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:

content and application of applicable state or territory code of practice relevant to log recovery activities

environmental protection practices for forest and forest farm settings:

safe disposal of waste material

cleaning of plant, tools and equipment

key features of these varying environmental conditions and effects on log recovery:

fallen trees

general forest lean

ground growth

ground hazards and obstacles

ground slope

density of trees

wet and adverse weather conditions

wind speed and direction

characteristics of trees and logs can impact on hooking up felled logs with cables

techniques used by choker setters in the log recovery process:

log hook-up methods

cable logging techniques

rigging techniques

key features of these varying signal systems used for log recovery activities:

talk-e-tooter signals

two-way radio

visual signals

whistle signals

typical industry chain of command for communication of log extraction signals

purpose, features and operation of cable logging system components:

rigging components

cable systems:

high lead (no skyline)

standing skyline

running skyline

organisational procedures specific to log recovery activities:

workplace health and safety with particular emphasis on use of equipment

communication reporting lines

recording and reporting hook-up process and equipment faults.

The following resources must be made available:

cable systems:

high lead (no skyline)

standing skyline

running skyline

yarder and anchors

rigging equipment for log recovery:

blocks

bridling

butt rigging

chokers and grapple ropes

intermediate supports

lines

mobile tail anchors

pins

ropes

shackles

sheaves

spars

straps

strawlines

tail rope

signal system equipment

personal protective equipment suitable for log recovery activities

work order with specific instructions for log recovery activities

template documents for recording hook-up process and equipment faults

relevant personnel for the purposes of communicating information

organisational procedures for log recovery activities.

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.

Assessor requirements

Assessors must:

hold the appropriate assessor competency standards as outlined in regulations; and

be able to demonstrate vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed; and

be able to demonstrate how they are continuing to develop their VET knowledge and skills as well as maintaining their industry currency and assessor competence.

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
Review work order and where required check with appropriate personnel. 
Identify type and quantity of logs to be extracted and assess area for safety and environmental protection practices. 
Select appropriate personal protective and other equipment and check for operational effectiveness. 
Plan choker setter and cable operations in line with work order. 
Identify audible or visual signal system to be used. 
Select specific logs for next return prior to return of butt rigging in line with planned operations 
Assess position of logs to be extracted in line with haul line, hook up point and likely movement. 
Monitor stability of logs to be extracted and take precautions against movement in line with logging code of practice. 
Direct and control positioning of butt rigging using signals and strawlines to facilitate planned hook ups. 
Pull out slack for chokers and grapple ropes to allow safe hook up. 
Set chokers or grapples close to end of logs. 
Vacate area surrounding logs prior to signalling extraction. 
Record and report hook up process and equipment faults to rigging slinger. 
Clear all logs to be hauled with existing line position before line shift is initiated. 
Notch stumps in line with code requirements and rigging method to be used. 
Pull slack on all lines prior to release of existing rigging. 
Dismantle rigging components on existing line, check and set up on new line. 
Move obstructions which may cause binding or damage during hauling. 
Assist rigging slinger to rig spars, tail trees and intermediate supports. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

FWPHAR2203 - Hook up felled logs using cables (choker)
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

FWPHAR2203 - Hook up felled logs using cables (choker)

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: