This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to operate a forwarder for log production and use optimised production processes in a commercial forest harvesting environment. The main job functions are to load logs at felling or pre-bunching sites, transport and unload logs at a mill or landing area. Activities are to be conducted safely and efficiently.
The unit applies to individuals who work as forwarder operators in small to large harvesting crews. Operators generally work under broad direction to complete routine activities related to forwarding 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:
(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.
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 type, size and quantity of logs to be moved with forwarder to ensure that the load and the machine are in line with safe working requirements and industry standards for operation
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 plan to identify entry points to the coupe, extraction routes and directions to the landing or other locations for efficient extraction of logs, minimum environmental impact and interference with other forestry operations
Assess terrain characteristics to establish machine stability
Carry out pre-operational checks on machine 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
Drive and position forwarder for stability, safe access to logs and within reach of the crane and adjust the technique in response to terrain conditions
Use cabin controls to operate the crane to load the rear bunk by aligning and grappling logs to create a stable load
Systematically load logs into the bunk by using handling techniques to avoid log damage in line with the production plan requirements
Use techniques to maintain product separation in the bunk when multiple product grades are loaded or in line with the production plan requirements
Use techniques and appropriate equipment to restrain load in line with positioning and stability requirements for transportation
Line up the crane behind the forwarder and drive to the mill or landing site efficiently and safely to avoid damage to logs and equipment
Unload logs into safe and stable stacks at landing area or directly onto a truck
Recover all merchantable product from site in line with the production plan requirements
Visually assess logs for size, species and quality characteristics during loading at the felling site and unloading at the landing bay to ensure they are placed in the appropriate stack and in line with the production plan requirements
Mark and report logs that cannot be clearly and safely assessed in line with the production plan requirements
Position and construct log stacks to avoid log damage, provide stability, restrict height and facilitate safe access and conduct of other landing and equipment operations in line with planned worksite layout
Maintain stack separation and identification to ensure products are presented for an optimum transport and logistics cycle time and are in line with industry standards and production plan requirements
Clean area of all debris resulting from loading and unloading operations in line with resource management policies
Park, shut-down, de-energise and isolate forwarder in line with workplace procedures or manufacturers' recommendations
Clean, check and carry out routine maintenance tasks on forwarder and equipment to maintain optimum operational performance
Identify and report machine and equipment faults, malfunctions or problems in line with workplace procedures or manufacturers' recommendations
Clean work area and dispose of or recycle waste materials in line with site environmental management plan
Record forwarder operations and maintenance activities
Forms
Assessment Cover Sheet
FWPHAR3227 - Operate forwarder
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
FWPHAR3227 - Operate forwarder
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