This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to operate a feller buncher for log production and use optimised production processes in a commercial forest harvesting environment. The main job functions are to fell trees and pre-bunch stems for further processing. Activities are to be conducted safely and to ensure optimal harvesting production.
The unit applies to individuals who work as feller buncher operators in small or larger harvesting crews. Operators generally work under broad direction to complete routine activities related to harvesting operations and take responsibility for their work.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
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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:
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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.
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
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Comments/feedback
Review production plan, confirm its targets for felling and processing and assess wood flow requirements to ensure efficient machine operation and overall productivity
Confirm, identify and report health, safety, environmental and heritage risks of operation in line with standard operating procedures and site safety and environmental management plans
Apply risk control measures in line with standard operating procedures, site operational plan, legislative requirements and industry standards to eliminate or minimise risks
Identify emergency plan procedures to follow in the event of an emergency
Use production plans to identify entry points to the coupe, access to trees, extraction routes and directions to landings to facilitate an efficient process and minimise interference with other forestry operations
Check work area to ensure there is appropriate space to safely manoeuvre both the machine and stems
Identify cutting sequence and felling directions to minimise damage to the trees and the surrounding environment in line with the production plan
Carry out pre-operational checks on machine and cutting head attachment in line with workplace procedures or manufacturers' recommendations to ensure optimal production performance and operational effectiveness
Use industry-accepted warning signs, vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems and procedures to maintain communication and workplace safety during operation
Assess individual trees to determine the best machine position, fall direction, hazards, placement of cuts and tree quality grade
Drive and position the machine and felling head in response to tree characteristics and terrain conditions to ensure stability
Use cabin controls to clamp and cut stems in line with cutting instructions and/or production plan and value recovery requirements
Adjust clamping and cutting techniques in response to unexpected characteristics, movement or condition of tree
Use controlled manipulation of equipment to free tree hang ups while ensuring safety and minimising damage to the trees, the machine and the environment
Place stems at pre-bunching site and ensure minimal damage to stems and surrounding environment
Move machine over pre-arranged routes to eliminate or minimise environmental impact
Visually assess stems for size species and quality characteristics during stacking at the pre-bunching site to ensure they are placed in the appropriate stack for transport and further processing in line with the production plan requirements
Position and pre-bunch stems to avoid stem damage, provide stability, restrict height for efficient extraction and allow space for the conduct of other operations in line with worksite layout and production plan requirements
Maintain stack separation and identification to ensure products are presented for optimum transport and logistics cycle time in line with industry standards and production plan requirements
Park, shut-down, de-energise and isolate feller buncher in line with workplace procedures or manufacturers' recommendations
Clean, check and carry out routine maintenance tasks on feller buncher to maintain optimum performance
Inspect the machine and cutting head attachment for signs of damage and report faults, malfunctions or problems in line with workplace procedures and manufacturers' recommendations
Clean work area and dispose of or recycle waste materials in line with site environmental management plan
Record feller buncher operations and maintenance activities
Forms
Assessment Cover Sheet
FWPHAR3226 - Operate feller buncher
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
FWPHAR3226 - Operate feller buncher
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