Assessor Resource

FWPHAR3210
Conduct mechanical processor operations

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to operate a wheeled or tracked mechanical processor. It requires the mandatory functions of processing trees mechanically, and segregating and stacking logs.

The unit applies to those who operate a wheeled or tracked mechanical processor in a forest environment.

Licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit in some states and territories at the time of publication, and may differ according to jurisdiction.

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. Plan and prepare for operations

1.1 Prepare to work safely according to organisation and site requirements.

1.2 Obtain and review environmental, regulatory and legal requirements for conducting mechanical processing operations.

1.3 Review work plan and clarify requirements with appropriate personnel.

1.4 Select equipment appropriate to work requirements and check for operational effectiveness

1.5 Plan mechanical processor operations in line with site procedures, environmental and heritage concerns

1.6 Identify access to tree or log to be extracted and assess working conditions for safety.

1.7 Identify emergency plan procedures to follow in the event of an emergency.

2. Operate equipment

2.1 Conduct pre-operational checks on equipment and attachments in line with manufacturer's recommendations and site procedures.

2.2 Establish and maintain communication with other personnel to ensure safety in line with safety requirements.

2.3 Detect site hazards associated with processor operations and use safe operating techniques to minimise risk.

2.4 Operate mechanical processor within equipment capabilities and limitations, and manoeuvre to ensure safe and efficient operations.

2.5 Adjust operating techniques to meet work requirements and site conditions.

3. Process individual trees

3.1 Monitor movement and whereabouts of other personnel to ensure safety.

3.2 Plan processing to ensure minimal tree damage and maximum recovery.

3.3 Position equipment for stable and safe access to felled tree and to ensure loads are placed within rated load/reach capacity.

3.4 Program or modify processing controller to produce standard length and diameter of logs with optimal grade and length combination in line with work plan requirements.

3.5 Adjust processing techniques in response to unexpected characteristics, movement or condition of tree.

3.6 Move timber/stems to pre-bunching site ensuring personnel safety and minimal damage to the timber and surrounding environment

3.7 Move equipment over pre-arranged routes with minimal damage to the environment.

4. Segregate and stack logs

4.1 Locate stacks to provide appropriate space for the conduct of other landing operations, in line with planned layout and site requirements.

4.2 Position and construct log stacks to provide stability and minimise problems from slippage and falling of logs.

4.3 Carry out maintenance of log stacks in line with planned layout and site requirements.

4.4 Visually assess delivered logs and direct/move to appropriate location for further processing or stacking.

5. Carry out machine operator maintenance

5.1 Follow equipment lock-out procedures in line with WHS requirements and site procedures.

5.2 Conduct visual inspection and fault finding procedures are in line with manufacturer's recommendations and site procedures.

5.3 Conduct routine operational servicing to maintain optimum operational performance of equipment.

5.4 Diagnose faults, malfunctions or problems with equipment and report in line with site procedures.

5.5 Clean and store equipment, attachments and other ancillary equipment.

5.6 Record and report mechanical processor operation results in line with site procedures.

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:

plan, prepare and carry out mechanical processor operations to safely and efficiently process trees mechanically and segregate and stack logs

follow work order for conducting mechanical processing

operate mechanical processor safely and effectively within equipment capabilities and limitations

adjust operating techniques in response to site conditions

maintain log stacks in with consideration given to providing for anticipated stock levels, stock rotation requirements, size, segregation of lengths, species, grades

visually assess delivered logs for characteristics including species type, diameter, length and grade and direct to additional locations for further processing and stacking

monitor trees for unexpected characteristics that may cause danger and refer to appropriate personnel

establish communication with other personnel and monitor their movements to maintain safety on site

conduct pre and post operational checks, routine cleaning and operational servicing of equipment.

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

workplace requirements and site standards for carrying out mechanical processor operations

environmental protection requirements

operational procedures and checks including start-up and shut-down procedures

established communication channels and protocols to maintain safety

processes for managing risks and hazards associated with mechanical processing operations

operating and maintaining feller bunchers, attachments and ancillary equipment, in line with manufacturer’s instructions

workplace health and safety requirements, fire protocols and emergency evacuation procedures.

The following resources must be made available:

a wheeled or tracked mechanical processor

a site with trees or logs to be processed

personal protective equipment required for mechanical processor operations

work order, workplace requirements and site standards for carrying out mechanical processing operations

relevant personnel for the purposes of communicating information

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. Plan and prepare for operations

1.1 Prepare to work safely according to organisation and site requirements.

1.2 Obtain and review environmental, regulatory and legal requirements for conducting mechanical processing operations.

1.3 Review work plan and clarify requirements with appropriate personnel.

1.4 Select equipment appropriate to work requirements and check for operational effectiveness

1.5 Plan mechanical processor operations in line with site procedures, environmental and heritage concerns

1.6 Identify access to tree or log to be extracted and assess working conditions for safety.

1.7 Identify emergency plan procedures to follow in the event of an emergency.

2. Operate equipment

2.1 Conduct pre-operational checks on equipment and attachments in line with manufacturer's recommendations and site procedures.

2.2 Establish and maintain communication with other personnel to ensure safety in line with safety requirements.

2.3 Detect site hazards associated with processor operations and use safe operating techniques to minimise risk.

2.4 Operate mechanical processor within equipment capabilities and limitations, and manoeuvre to ensure safe and efficient operations.

2.5 Adjust operating techniques to meet work requirements and site conditions.

3. Process individual trees

3.1 Monitor movement and whereabouts of other personnel to ensure safety.

3.2 Plan processing to ensure minimal tree damage and maximum recovery.

3.3 Position equipment for stable and safe access to felled tree and to ensure loads are placed within rated load/reach capacity.

3.4 Program or modify processing controller to produce standard length and diameter of logs with optimal grade and length combination in line with work plan requirements.

3.5 Adjust processing techniques in response to unexpected characteristics, movement or condition of tree.

3.6 Move timber/stems to pre-bunching site ensuring personnel safety and minimal damage to the timber and surrounding environment

3.7 Move equipment over pre-arranged routes with minimal damage to the environment.

4. Segregate and stack logs

4.1 Locate stacks to provide appropriate space for the conduct of other landing operations, in line with planned layout and site requirements.

4.2 Position and construct log stacks to provide stability and minimise problems from slippage and falling of logs.

4.3 Carry out maintenance of log stacks in line with planned layout and site requirements.

4.4 Visually assess delivered logs and direct/move to appropriate location for further processing or stacking.

5. Carry out machine operator maintenance

5.1 Follow equipment lock-out procedures in line with WHS requirements and site procedures.

5.2 Conduct visual inspection and fault finding procedures are in line with manufacturer's recommendations and site procedures.

5.3 Conduct routine operational servicing to maintain optimum operational performance of equipment.

5.4 Diagnose faults, malfunctions or problems with equipment and report in line with site procedures.

5.5 Clean and store equipment, attachments and other ancillary equipment.

5.6 Record and report mechanical processor operation results in line with site procedures.

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:

plan, prepare and carry out mechanical processor operations to safely and efficiently process trees mechanically and segregate and stack logs

follow work order for conducting mechanical processing

operate mechanical processor safely and effectively within equipment capabilities and limitations

adjust operating techniques in response to site conditions

maintain log stacks in with consideration given to providing for anticipated stock levels, stock rotation requirements, size, segregation of lengths, species, grades

visually assess delivered logs for characteristics including species type, diameter, length and grade and direct to additional locations for further processing and stacking

monitor trees for unexpected characteristics that may cause danger and refer to appropriate personnel

establish communication with other personnel and monitor their movements to maintain safety on site

conduct pre and post operational checks, routine cleaning and operational servicing of equipment.

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

workplace requirements and site standards for carrying out mechanical processor operations

environmental protection requirements

operational procedures and checks including start-up and shut-down procedures

established communication channels and protocols to maintain safety

processes for managing risks and hazards associated with mechanical processing operations

operating and maintaining feller bunchers, attachments and ancillary equipment, in line with manufacturer’s instructions

workplace health and safety requirements, fire protocols and emergency evacuation procedures.

The following resources must be made available:

a wheeled or tracked mechanical processor

a site with trees or logs to be processed

personal protective equipment required for mechanical processor operations

work order, workplace requirements and site standards for carrying out mechanical processing operations

relevant personnel for the purposes of communicating information

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
Prepare to work safely according to organisation and site requirements. 
Obtain and review environmental, regulatory and legal requirements for conducting mechanical processing operations. 
Review work plan and clarify requirements with appropriate personnel. 
Select equipment appropriate to work requirements and check for operational effectiveness 
Plan mechanical processor operations in line with site procedures, environmental and heritage concerns 
Identify access to tree or log to be extracted and assess working conditions for safety. 
Identify emergency plan procedures to follow in the event of an emergency. 
Conduct pre-operational checks on equipment and attachments in line with manufacturer's recommendations and site procedures. 
Establish and maintain communication with other personnel to ensure safety in line with safety requirements. 
Detect site hazards associated with processor operations and use safe operating techniques to minimise risk. 
Operate mechanical processor within equipment capabilities and limitations, and manoeuvre to ensure safe and efficient operations. 
Adjust operating techniques to meet work requirements and site conditions. 
Monitor movement and whereabouts of other personnel to ensure safety. 
Plan processing to ensure minimal tree damage and maximum recovery. 
Position equipment for stable and safe access to felled tree and to ensure loads are placed within rated load/reach capacity. 
Program or modify processing controller to produce standard length and diameter of logs with optimal grade and length combination in line with work plan requirements. 
Adjust processing techniques in response to unexpected characteristics, movement or condition of tree. 
Move timber/stems to pre-bunching site ensuring personnel safety and minimal damage to the timber and surrounding environment 
Move equipment over pre-arranged routes with minimal damage to the environment. 
Locate stacks to provide appropriate space for the conduct of other landing operations, in line with planned layout and site requirements. 
Position and construct log stacks to provide stability and minimise problems from slippage and falling of logs. 
Carry out maintenance of log stacks in line with planned layout and site requirements. 
Visually assess delivered logs and direct/move to appropriate location for further processing or stacking. 
Follow equipment lock-out procedures in line with WHS requirements and site procedures. 
Conduct visual inspection and fault finding procedures are in line with manufacturer's recommendations and site procedures. 
Conduct routine operational servicing to maintain optimum operational performance of equipment. 
Diagnose faults, malfunctions or problems with equipment and report in line with site procedures. 
Clean and store equipment, attachments and other ancillary equipment. 
Record and report mechanical processor operation results in line with site procedures. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

FWPHAR3210 - Conduct mechanical processor operations
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

FWPHAR3210 - Conduct mechanical processor operations

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: