Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

AHCARB206 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Operate and maintain stump grinding machines

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency AHCARB206 - Operate and maintain stump grinding machines
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to operate motorised stump grinding machines to remove tree stumps from the ground.This unit applies to individuals who undertake defined activities with specialised tools and methods, work in a structured context, apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy and limited judgement, and provide solutions to a limited range of predictable problems. Work is implemented with low risk work procedures, in accordance with manufacturers recommendations and to comply with Safe Work Method Statement documentation.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. Specific determination should be sought through the relevant State or Territory. Works involving this unit of competency may be subject to local tree protection and preservation laws, and the relevant content of applicable Australian Standards
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.

It is an industry requirement for competency in this unit that assessment includes a log record, verifying ten (10) hours of operating a stump grinder, and five (5) hours of unloading and loading, setup and pre-operational and safety checks, preparatory work, backfilling and cleaning up, sharpening and basic maintenance, performed by the candidate.

Assessment must be demonstrated consistently over time in a suitable range of contexts and have a productivity-based outcome. No single assessment event or report is sufficient to achieve competency in this unit.

Assessment may be conducted in a simulated or real work environment, however determination of competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions.

The mandatory equipment and materials used to gather evidence for assessment include:

equipment:

stump grinder

sharpening equipment

refuelling kit

spill kit

emergency communication system

personal protective equipment (PPE)

first aid and emergency kit

traffic management kit

signage – work zone

tree stumps

materials:

stump grinder operations form

hazard identification and risk control form

pre-operational and safety check form

emergency preparation form

work communications form

work records form

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs in the assessment of arboriculture units of competency.

Assessment must be conducted only by persons who have:

arboriculture vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed

current arboriculture industry skills directly relevant to the unit of competency being assessed

Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities
Slides
PPT
Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Prepare for stump removal operations
  • Determine site location and details and clarify with supervisor
  • Determine the depth below ground of stump grinding works
  • Determine and confirm location and depth of above-and-below-ground services
  • Unload stump grinder machine
  • Undertake a site-specific risk assessment by identifying work health and safety hazards and assessing risk
       
Element: Carry out pre-operational and safety checks
  • Check maintenance log is complete and up to date
  • Check belts are appropriately tensioned and in good order
  • Check teeth are sharp
  • Check no teeth are missing or loose
  • Check tyre pressure is correct or tracks are appropriately tensioned
  • Check levels of oils and fluids
  • Check hoses
  • Check brakes are operational
  • Check cutter head rotates freely and is not obstructed
       
Element: Check stump grinder safety features
  • Check guards for belt, power take-off (PTO) and grinder head are in place
  • Check kill switch clearly identifiable and working
  • Check that dead-man is working if fitted
  • Check debris curtain present and in good order
  • Check dust suppression system is working if fitted
       
Element: Complete preparations for work
  • Select and use appropriate personal protective equipment
  • Confirm first aid and emergency personnel, equipment and procedures
  • Expose stump surrounds manually and check for and remove foreign bodies
  • Moisten surrounds as required
  • Record and implement work health, safety, site, environmental and traffic control measures
       
Element: Position stump grinder
  • Determine exclusion zone for work operations
  • Isolate exclusion zone with barriers and signs
  • Position machine level within recommended ranges to avoid rollover
  • Avoid holes with machine wheels
  • Position machine to minimise impact from flying debris
  • Position operator in low risk position
  • Position operator to provide a clear view of the stump
  • Locate safety screens as required
       
Element: Undertake removal operations
  • Communicate with work team during operations using voice, hand and whistle signals
  • Confirm work zone cleared prior to starting cutter head
  • Plan to complete a series of grinds across the stump
  • Start cutter head
  • Stop work if exclusion zone is breached and disengage cutter head if required
  • Position cutter head over stump
  • Engage cutter head into stump surface
  • Maintain engine speed in revolutions-per-minute (RPM)
  • Ensure grinding process is accurate, smooth and ergonomic
  • Grind stump to recommended depth of cut on each cutting pass
  • Ensure the cut size of each pass is not excessively deep causing the machine to labour excessively or to stall
  • Grind stump to predetermined spread and depth
  • Operate equipment without damaging underground services and surrounding areas
       
Element: Remove grindings
  • Reposition machine away from ground stump
  • Disengage cutter head
  • Wait and remain clear of cutter head until cutter head stops moving
  • Remove build-up of grindings
       
Element: Perform ongoing grinding operations
  • Make check in calls at prearranged times
  • Inspect grinder as required between stumps and when refuelling
  • Shutdown immediately if abnormal vibration or noise develops
  • Stop the engine before refuelling and allow engine to cool as required
  • Follow Safe Work Method Statement instructions for refuelling
  • Replace and secure fuel cap before restarting
  • Disengage cutter head and ensure a complete stop before moving to a new stump
       
Element: Complete stump removal operation
  • Back-fill stump hole to original ground level
  • Maintain clean and safe work area throughout work and upon completion
  • Collect waste material and dispose of or recycle in a manner causing minimal environmental damage
  • Clean, maintain and store tools and equipment
  • Perform basic maintenance, including sharpening grinder and replacing teeth as required
  • Load grinder in accordance with Safe Work Method Statement
  • Secure grinder for transport
  • Update records of operator usage in log record
  • Update records of maintenance and replacement items
       


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.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Prepare for stump removal operations

1.1 Determine site location and details and clarify with supervisor

1.2 Determine the depth below ground of stump grinding works

1.3 Determine and confirm location and depth of above-and-below-ground services

1.4 Unload stump grinder machine

1.5 Undertake a site-specific risk assessment by identifying work health and safety hazards and assessing risk

2. Carry out pre-operational and safety checks

2.1 Check maintenance log is complete and up to date

2.2 Check belts are appropriately tensioned and in good order

2.3 Check teeth are sharp

2.4 Check no teeth are missing or loose

2.5 Check tyre pressure is correct or tracks are appropriately tensioned

2.6 Check levels of oils and fluids

2.7 Check hoses

2.8 Check brakes are operational

2.9 Check cutter head rotates freely and is not obstructed

3. Check stump grinder safety features

3.1 Check guards for belt, power take-off (PTO) and grinder head are in place

3.2 Check kill switch clearly identifiable and working

3.3 Check that dead-man is working if fitted

3.4 Check debris curtain present and in good order

3.5 Check dust suppression system is working if fitted

4. Complete preparations for work

4.1 Select and use appropriate personal protective equipment

4.2 Confirm first aid and emergency personnel, equipment and procedures

4.3 Expose stump surrounds manually and check for and remove foreign bodies

4.4 Moisten surrounds as required

4.5 Record and implement work health, safety, site, environmental and traffic control measures

5. Position stump grinder

5.1 Determine exclusion zone for work operations

5.2 Isolate exclusion zone with barriers and signs

5.3 Position machine level within recommended ranges to avoid rollover

5.4 Avoid holes with machine wheels

5.5 Position machine to minimise impact from flying debris

5.6 Position operator in low risk position

5.7 Position operator to provide a clear view of the stump

5.8 Locate safety screens as required

6. Undertake removal operations

6.1 Communicate with work team during operations using voice, hand and whistle signals

6.1 Confirm work zone cleared prior to starting cutter head

6.3 Plan to complete a series of grinds across the stump

6.4 Start cutter head

6.5 Stop work if exclusion zone is breached and disengage cutter head if required

6.6 Position cutter head over stump

6.7 Engage cutter head into stump surface

6.8 Maintain engine speed in revolutions-per-minute (RPM)

6.9 Ensure grinding process is accurate, smooth and ergonomic

6.10 Grind stump to recommended depth of cut on each cutting pass

6.11 Ensure the cut size of each pass is not excessively deep causing the machine to labour excessively or to stall

6.12 Grind stump to predetermined spread and depth

6.13 Operate equipment without damaging underground services and surrounding areas

7. Remove grindings

7.1 Reposition machine away from ground stump

7.2 Disengage cutter head

7.3 Wait and remain clear of cutter head until cutter head stops moving

7.4 Remove build-up of grindings

8. Perform ongoing grinding operations

8.1 Make check in calls at prearranged times

8.2 Inspect grinder as required between stumps and when refuelling

8.3 Shutdown immediately if abnormal vibration or noise develops

8.4 Stop the engine before refuelling and allow engine to cool as required

8.5 Follow Safe Work Method Statement instructions for refuelling

8.6 Replace and secure fuel cap before restarting

8.7 Disengage cutter head and ensure a complete stop before moving to a new stump

9. Complete stump removal operation

9.1 Back-fill stump hole to original ground level

9.2 Maintain clean and safe work area throughout work and upon completion

9.3 Collect waste material and dispose of or recycle in a manner causing minimal environmental damage

9.4 Clean, maintain and store tools and equipment

9.5 Perform basic maintenance, including sharpening grinder and replacing teeth as required

9.6 Load grinder in accordance with Safe Work Method Statement

9.7 Secure grinder for transport

9.8 Update records of operator usage in log record

9.9 Update records of maintenance and replacement items

The candidate must be observed removing stumps using a motorised stump grinder using low-risk work procedures. The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence for and demonstrate:

determining site location and details and clarifying with supervisor

determining the depth below ground of stump grinding works

determining and confirm location and depth of above-and-below-ground services

unload stump grinder machine

undertaking a site-specific risk assessment by identifying work health and safety hazards and assessing risk

checking maintenance log complete and up to date

checking belts appropriately tensioned and in good order

checking teeth are sharp

checking no teeth are missing or loose

checking tyre pressure is correct or tracks are appropriately tensioned

checking levels of oils and fluids

checking hoses

checking brakes are operational

checking cutter head rotates freely and is not obstructed

checking guards for belt, power take-off (PTO) and grinder head are in place

checking kill switch clearly identifiable and working

checking that dead-man is working if fitted

checking debris curtain present and in good order

checking dust suppression system is working if fitted

selecting and use appropriate personal protective equipment

confirming first aid and emergency personnel, equipment and procedures

exposing stump surrounds manually and check for and remove foreign bodies

moistening surrounds as required

recording and implementing work health, safety, site, environmental and traffic control measures

determining exclusion zone for work operations

isolating exclusion zone with barriers and signs

positioning machine level within recommended ranges to avoid rollover

avoiding holes with machine wheels

positioning machine to minimise impact from flying debris

positioning operator in low risk position

positioning operator to provide a clear view of the stump

locating safety screens as required

communicating with work team during operations using voice, hand and whistle signals

confirming work zone cleared prior to starting cutter head

planning to complete a series of passes across the stump

starting cutter head

stopping work if exclusion zone is breached and disengage cutter head if required

positioning cutter head over stump

engaging cutter head into stump surface

maintaining engine speed in revolutions-per-minute (rpm)

ensuring grinding process is accurate, smooth and ergonomic

grinding stump to recommended depth of cut on each cutting pass

ensuring the cut size of each pass is not excessively deep causing the machine to labour excessively or to stall

grinding stump to predetermined spread and depth

operating equipment without damaging underground services and surrounding areas

repositioning machine away from ground stump

disengaging cutter head if risk of making unwanted contact

waiting and remaining clear of cutter head until cutter head stops moving

removing build-up of grindings

making check in calls at prearranged times

inspecting grinder as required between stumps and when refueling

shutting down immediately if abnormal vibration and/or noise develops

stopping the engine before refueling and allow engine to cool as required

following safe work method statement instructions for refueling

replacing and securing fuel cap before restarting

disengaging cutter head and ensure a complete stop before moving to a new stump

back-filling stump hole to original ground level

maintaining clean and safe work area throughout work and upon completion

collecting waste material and dispose of or recycle in a manner causing minimal environmental damage

cleaning, maintaining and storing tools and equipment

performing basic maintenance, including sharpening grinder and replacing teeth as required

loading grinder in accordance with safe work method statement

securing grinder for transport

updating records of operator usage in log record

updating records of maintenance and replacement items.

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

site hazard identification methods

site risk assessment systems

control measures for work health, safety, site, environmental and traffic control

personal protective equipment

communication systems using voice, hand and whistle signals

first aid

emergency procedures

methods of locating services

pre-operational checks of stump grinders including:

logs

belts

teeth

tyre pressure

oils and fluids

hoses

brakes

cutter head

guards

safety checks of stump grinders including:

guards for belt, power take-off (PTO) and grinder head

kill switch

dead man

debris curtain

dust suppression

exclusion zones

operation of stump grinders

cutter head engagement and disengagement

positioning of stump grinders and operator

work zone

methods of determining spread and depth of cut

recommended depths of cut

cutting plan

engine speed (rpm)

abnormal vibration

methods of back-filling

environmental implications of removal activities

appropriate methods of collecting waste material and disposal or recycling methods

basic maintenance of stump grinders

methods of sharpening stump grinders

methods of teeth replacement of stump grinders

records of operator usage in log record

methods of maintaining records for basic maintenance and replacement items.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, 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.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Prepare for stump removal operations

1.1 Determine site location and details and clarify with supervisor

1.2 Determine the depth below ground of stump grinding works

1.3 Determine and confirm location and depth of above-and-below-ground services

1.4 Unload stump grinder machine

1.5 Undertake a site-specific risk assessment by identifying work health and safety hazards and assessing risk

2. Carry out pre-operational and safety checks

2.1 Check maintenance log is complete and up to date

2.2 Check belts are appropriately tensioned and in good order

2.3 Check teeth are sharp

2.4 Check no teeth are missing or loose

2.5 Check tyre pressure is correct or tracks are appropriately tensioned

2.6 Check levels of oils and fluids

2.7 Check hoses

2.8 Check brakes are operational

2.9 Check cutter head rotates freely and is not obstructed

3. Check stump grinder safety features

3.1 Check guards for belt, power take-off (PTO) and grinder head are in place

3.2 Check kill switch clearly identifiable and working

3.3 Check that dead-man is working if fitted

3.4 Check debris curtain present and in good order

3.5 Check dust suppression system is working if fitted

4. Complete preparations for work

4.1 Select and use appropriate personal protective equipment

4.2 Confirm first aid and emergency personnel, equipment and procedures

4.3 Expose stump surrounds manually and check for and remove foreign bodies

4.4 Moisten surrounds as required

4.5 Record and implement work health, safety, site, environmental and traffic control measures

5. Position stump grinder

5.1 Determine exclusion zone for work operations

5.2 Isolate exclusion zone with barriers and signs

5.3 Position machine level within recommended ranges to avoid rollover

5.4 Avoid holes with machine wheels

5.5 Position machine to minimise impact from flying debris

5.6 Position operator in low risk position

5.7 Position operator to provide a clear view of the stump

5.8 Locate safety screens as required

6. Undertake removal operations

6.1 Communicate with work team during operations using voice, hand and whistle signals

6.1 Confirm work zone cleared prior to starting cutter head

6.3 Plan to complete a series of grinds across the stump

6.4 Start cutter head

6.5 Stop work if exclusion zone is breached and disengage cutter head if required

6.6 Position cutter head over stump

6.7 Engage cutter head into stump surface

6.8 Maintain engine speed in revolutions-per-minute (RPM)

6.9 Ensure grinding process is accurate, smooth and ergonomic

6.10 Grind stump to recommended depth of cut on each cutting pass

6.11 Ensure the cut size of each pass is not excessively deep causing the machine to labour excessively or to stall

6.12 Grind stump to predetermined spread and depth

6.13 Operate equipment without damaging underground services and surrounding areas

7. Remove grindings

7.1 Reposition machine away from ground stump

7.2 Disengage cutter head

7.3 Wait and remain clear of cutter head until cutter head stops moving

7.4 Remove build-up of grindings

8. Perform ongoing grinding operations

8.1 Make check in calls at prearranged times

8.2 Inspect grinder as required between stumps and when refuelling

8.3 Shutdown immediately if abnormal vibration or noise develops

8.4 Stop the engine before refuelling and allow engine to cool as required

8.5 Follow Safe Work Method Statement instructions for refuelling

8.6 Replace and secure fuel cap before restarting

8.7 Disengage cutter head and ensure a complete stop before moving to a new stump

9. Complete stump removal operation

9.1 Back-fill stump hole to original ground level

9.2 Maintain clean and safe work area throughout work and upon completion

9.3 Collect waste material and dispose of or recycle in a manner causing minimal environmental damage

9.4 Clean, maintain and store tools and equipment

9.5 Perform basic maintenance, including sharpening grinder and replacing teeth as required

9.6 Load grinder in accordance with Safe Work Method Statement

9.7 Secure grinder for transport

9.8 Update records of operator usage in log record

9.9 Update records of maintenance and replacement items

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
Determine site location and details and clarify with supervisor 
Determine the depth below ground of stump grinding works 
Determine and confirm location and depth of above-and-below-ground services 
Unload stump grinder machine 
Undertake a site-specific risk assessment by identifying work health and safety hazards and assessing risk 
Check maintenance log is complete and up to date 
Check belts are appropriately tensioned and in good order 
Check teeth are sharp 
Check no teeth are missing or loose 
Check tyre pressure is correct or tracks are appropriately tensioned 
Check levels of oils and fluids 
Check hoses 
Check brakes are operational 
Check cutter head rotates freely and is not obstructed 
Check guards for belt, power take-off (PTO) and grinder head are in place 
Check kill switch clearly identifiable and working 
Check that dead-man is working if fitted 
Check debris curtain present and in good order 
Check dust suppression system is working if fitted 
Select and use appropriate personal protective equipment 
Confirm first aid and emergency personnel, equipment and procedures 
Expose stump surrounds manually and check for and remove foreign bodies 
Moisten surrounds as required 
Record and implement work health, safety, site, environmental and traffic control measures 
Determine exclusion zone for work operations 
Isolate exclusion zone with barriers and signs 
Position machine level within recommended ranges to avoid rollover 
Avoid holes with machine wheels 
Position machine to minimise impact from flying debris 
Position operator in low risk position 
Position operator to provide a clear view of the stump 
Locate safety screens as required 
Communicate with work team during operations using voice, hand and whistle signals 
Confirm work zone cleared prior to starting cutter head 
Plan to complete a series of grinds across the stump 
Start cutter head 
Stop work if exclusion zone is breached and disengage cutter head if required 
Position cutter head over stump 
Engage cutter head into stump surface 
Maintain engine speed in revolutions-per-minute (RPM) 
Ensure grinding process is accurate, smooth and ergonomic 
Grind stump to recommended depth of cut on each cutting pass 
Ensure the cut size of each pass is not excessively deep causing the machine to labour excessively or to stall 
Grind stump to predetermined spread and depth 
Operate equipment without damaging underground services and surrounding areas 
Reposition machine away from ground stump 
Disengage cutter head 
Wait and remain clear of cutter head until cutter head stops moving 
Remove build-up of grindings 
Make check in calls at prearranged times 
Inspect grinder as required between stumps and when refuelling 
Shutdown immediately if abnormal vibration or noise develops 
Stop the engine before refuelling and allow engine to cool as required 
Follow Safe Work Method Statement instructions for refuelling 
Replace and secure fuel cap before restarting 
Disengage cutter head and ensure a complete stop before moving to a new stump 
Back-fill stump hole to original ground level 
Maintain clean and safe work area throughout work and upon completion 
Collect waste material and dispose of or recycle in a manner causing minimal environmental damage 
Clean, maintain and store tools and equipment 
Perform basic maintenance, including sharpening grinder and replacing teeth as required 
Load grinder in accordance with Safe Work Method Statement 
Secure grinder for transport 
Update records of operator usage in log record 
Update records of maintenance and replacement items 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCARB206 - Operate and maintain stump grinding machines
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

AHCARB206 - Operate and maintain stump grinding machines

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: