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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare for tree pushing or pulling
   • Review work plan and clarify with appropriate personnel.
   • Identify type and quantity of trees to be pushed or pulled and assess for safe working conditions.
   • Select appropriate cutting equipment and pushing or pulling equipment for work and check for operational effectiveness.
2. Assess and plan tree pushing or pulling
   • Plan tree pushing or pulling activities are in line with site procedures, taking into consideration environmental requirements and conditions.
   • Assess tree location and stability for conditions likely to affect safety of tree pushing or pulling activities.
   • Visually assess tree for defects, grade and recovery status.
   • Mark trees too dangerous to be felled safely refer to appropriate personnel.
   • Clear growth around tree and clear either manually or mechanically.
   • Plan cutting sequence to control direction of the fall and minimise damage to the tree, hang ups and surrounding environment.
   • Plan and clear an escape route.
   • Establish and maintain communication with other personnel to ensure safety.
3. Push or pull trees
   • Pre start-up checks are carried out on equipment in line with site requirements.
   • Monitor movement and whereabouts of other personnel to ensure safety.
   • Remove and clear leaders in line with the tree pushing or pulling plan.
   • Unexpected characteristics of a tree are diagnosed and planning is reviewed.
   • Secure and tension winches, cables or machinery and make scarf cut in line with planned falling direction and safety requirements.
   • Make appropriate cuts below the scarf cut to assist the fall angle of the tree.
   • Use planned escape route once the tree begins to fall.
   • Monitor movement of the tree on the ground until stable and immediately flag and clear trees that hang up.
   • Clear the work site of refuse created by tree falling, following workplace guidelines, safe waste disposal and environmental care requirements.
4. Conduct operator maintenance
   • Inspect condition of tools and equipment on completion of felling activities.
   • Identify blunt or damaged chain or equipment for repair or replacement.
   • Remove, sharpen, maintain, adjust and refit chain and other components in line with manufacturer's recommendations.
   • Follow equipment lock-out procedures in line with safety and site procedures.
   • Record and report tree pushing or pulling activities and maintenance information according to workplace procedures.

Range Statement

Not Applicable

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Performance Evidence

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:

prepare, plan, carry out mechanically assisted pushing and pulling operations to fall trees

assess site and tree conditions and plan to work safely

follow work plan for conducting mechanically assisted tree felling operations

use cutting equipment safely including saws and chainsaws along with procedures for chainsaw lock-out

use pulling or pushing equipment safely including excavators, winches and grabs

plan cutting sequence to control the direction that trees fall and minimise damage to tree, equipment and surrounding environment

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

use and maintain pushing and pulling tools, machinery and equipment

conduct operator maintenance on a chainsaw.

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Knowledge Evidence

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

workplace requirements and site standards for carrying out mechanically assisted tree falling operations

environmental protection requirements

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

established communication channels and protocols to maintain safety

tree pushing and pulling methods

processes for managing risks and hazards associated with tree falling operations

knowledge of defects in trees that can effect processing and cause risk

chainsaw operation, cutting sequences and safety

chainsaw chain and tree pushing or pulling equipment condition assessment and maintenance

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

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