Assessor Resource

FWPHAR3217
Conduct skidder operations

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to conduct skidder operations to haul timber over rough terrain, from the forest to the landing. It includes planning and preparation for work, conducting operational checks, the safe and effective operation of the skidder for a range of mandatory tasks, the use of attachments and operator maintenance activities.

The unit applies to those who conduct skidder operations 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 skidder operations

1.1 Review work order and clarify with appropriate personnel.

1.2 Assess type and quantity of material to be processed with skidder.

1.3 Select equipment appropriate to work requirements and check for operational effectiveness.

1.4 Plan skidder operations in line with site procedures and environmental and heritage concerns.

2. Operate skidder and attachments

2.1 Establish and maintain communication with relevant personnel.

2.2 Carry out pre-operational checks on skidder.

2.3 Detect site hazards associated with skidder operations and plan safe operating techniques to minimise risk.

2.4 Establish method to keep logs balanced and controlled during haul.

2.5 Select lifting or towing gear, attach and use in line with safe working load requirements and site conditions.

2.6 Use controls effectively and adjust operating techniques to achieve optimum efficiency in moving load.

2.7 Haul logs to landing site safely and effectively, using hand and audible signals in line with site procedures.

3. Carry out machine operator maintenance

3.1 Park and shut-down skidder in line with site procedures.

3.2 Conduct visual inspection to identify issues and faults.

3.3 Remove and replace defective parts in line with manufacturer's recommendations.

3.4 Clean, check and carry out routine maintenance tasks on skidder and attachments.

3.5 Clean work area and dispose of, or recycle waste materials, in line with site environmental management plan.

3.6 Record and report skidder operations and maintenance activities, 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:

safely operate a skidder with attachments to move timber to a designated site

use lifting or towing gear including grapples, cables and winches

follow organisational policies and procedures for effectively operating a skidder

communicate effectively with others in the work area

carry out routine maintenance on skidder

record and report skidder operations and maintenance activities.

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

workplace requirements and standards for operating a skidder

environmental protection requirements

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

equipment processes, technical capability and limitations

skidder attachments and capabilities

established communication channels and protocols to maintain safety

processes for managing risks and hazards associated with hauling operations:

uneven/unstable terrain

trees

fires

overhead and underground services

bridges

buildings

excavations

traffic

embankments

cuttings

structures and hazardous materials

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

procedures for recording and reporting workplace records and information.

The following resources must be made available:

cable or grapple skidder

trees to be moved

personal protective equipment required for conducting skidder operations

work order, workplace requirements and site standards for conducting skidder 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 skidder operations

1.1 Review work order and clarify with appropriate personnel.

1.2 Assess type and quantity of material to be processed with skidder.

1.3 Select equipment appropriate to work requirements and check for operational effectiveness.

1.4 Plan skidder operations in line with site procedures and environmental and heritage concerns.

2. Operate skidder and attachments

2.1 Establish and maintain communication with relevant personnel.

2.2 Carry out pre-operational checks on skidder.

2.3 Detect site hazards associated with skidder operations and plan safe operating techniques to minimise risk.

2.4 Establish method to keep logs balanced and controlled during haul.

2.5 Select lifting or towing gear, attach and use in line with safe working load requirements and site conditions.

2.6 Use controls effectively and adjust operating techniques to achieve optimum efficiency in moving load.

2.7 Haul logs to landing site safely and effectively, using hand and audible signals in line with site procedures.

3. Carry out machine operator maintenance

3.1 Park and shut-down skidder in line with site procedures.

3.2 Conduct visual inspection to identify issues and faults.

3.3 Remove and replace defective parts in line with manufacturer's recommendations.

3.4 Clean, check and carry out routine maintenance tasks on skidder and attachments.

3.5 Clean work area and dispose of, or recycle waste materials, in line with site environmental management plan.

3.6 Record and report skidder operations and maintenance activities, 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:

safely operate a skidder with attachments to move timber to a designated site

use lifting or towing gear including grapples, cables and winches

follow organisational policies and procedures for effectively operating a skidder

communicate effectively with others in the work area

carry out routine maintenance on skidder

record and report skidder operations and maintenance activities.

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

workplace requirements and standards for operating a skidder

environmental protection requirements

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

equipment processes, technical capability and limitations

skidder attachments and capabilities

established communication channels and protocols to maintain safety

processes for managing risks and hazards associated with hauling operations:

uneven/unstable terrain

trees

fires

overhead and underground services

bridges

buildings

excavations

traffic

embankments

cuttings

structures and hazardous materials

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

procedures for recording and reporting workplace records and information.

The following resources must be made available:

cable or grapple skidder

trees to be moved

personal protective equipment required for conducting skidder operations

work order, workplace requirements and site standards for conducting skidder 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
Review work order and clarify with appropriate personnel. 
Assess type and quantity of material to be processed with skidder. 
Select equipment appropriate to work requirements and check for operational effectiveness. 
Plan skidder operations in line with site procedures and environmental and heritage concerns. 
Establish and maintain communication with relevant personnel. 
Carry out pre-operational checks on skidder. 
Detect site hazards associated with skidder operations and plan safe operating techniques to minimise risk. 
Establish method to keep logs balanced and controlled during haul. 
Select lifting or towing gear, attach and use in line with safe working load requirements and site conditions. 
Use controls effectively and adjust operating techniques to achieve optimum efficiency in moving load. 
Haul logs to landing site safely and effectively, using hand and audible signals in line with site procedures. 
Park and shut-down skidder in line with site procedures. 
Conduct visual inspection to identify issues and faults. 
Remove and replace defective parts in line with manufacturer's recommendations. 
Clean, check and carry out routine maintenance tasks on skidder and attachments. 
Clean work area and dispose of, or recycle waste materials, in line with site environmental management plan. 
Record and report skidder operations and maintenance activities, in line with site procedures. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

FWPHAR3217 - Conduct skidder 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

FWPHAR3217 - Conduct skidder 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: