Elements and Performance Criteria
- Prepare for cutting
- Identify as within safe working limits type and quantity of material to be cut
- Select equipment appropriate to work requirements and check for operational effectiveness in line with manufacturer recommendations
- Carry out pre start-up checks on equipment in line with site requirements
- Assess pole saw set-up and adjust to suit cutting conditions
- Establish and maintain communication with others in line with occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements
- Assess materials
- Assess type and quantity of material to be cut and environmental conditions to plan cutting activities consistent with site procedures and environmental requirements
- Monitor movement and location of other personnel and modify work in line with OHS regulations, where required
- Assess location and stability of materials for conditions likely to affect safety of cutting activities
- Identify materials unable to be cut safely and refer them to appropriate personnel
- Use pole saw to cut and unblock materials
- Operate pole saw to cut materials and unblock machinery components in line with safety regulations, job specifications and workplace procedures, and adjust cutting technique in response to equipment requirements and allowances
- Turn motor off before examining any blockages to the pole saw
- Clear waste and debris from the site in line with standard operating procedures and environmental requirements
- Record and report cutting processes and equipment faults to appropriate personnel
- Maintain equipment
- Follow equipment lock-out procedures in line with site procedures
- Check chain for blunt or damaged condition
- Remove, sharpen, maintain, adjust and replace chain and other components in line with manufacturer recommendations
- Deal with chain and other components that need replacing in line with site procedures, manufacturer recommendations and environmental requirements
- Keep pole saw clear of dust, shavings and debris and check it to make sure it meets relevant standards