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

FPICOT2236 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Fall trees manually (basic)

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency FPICOT2236 - Fall trees manually (basic)
Description This unit describes the outcomes required to assess, plan and safely carry out manual tree-felling operations using a chainsaw. It is an introductory or base-level unit that covers the felling procedures for relatively small trees with a low level of complexity.Techniques for trees with a diameter greater than the bar length, while not excluded, would generally be regarded as techniques beyond the scope of this unit.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit involves tree felling in a variety of work settings, which may include a forest, agricultural, domestic, local council, and emergency services and other government agency environment. With the exception of minor forest produce, it is not considered a suitable level for commercial harvesting operations.These skills and knowledge are to be used within the scope of the person’s job and authority.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable
Competency Field n/a
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 felling
  • Identify and adhere to work specifications and site environmental protection measures relevant to felling basic trees in line with organisational requirements and relevant regulations
  • Review and check job requirements as required with appropriate personnel
  • Select and check tools and equipment appropriate to work requirements for operational effectiveness according to manufacturer recommendations
  • Identify trees to be retained and felled
  • Establish general falling direction
  • Determine and progressively plan tree felling sequence for individual trees
  • Establish and maintain communication with others according to occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements
       
Element: Visually assess site conditions and surroundings
  • Review location and stability for conditions likely to affect felling activities
  • Monitor movement and location of activity in the work area and modify plan for felling activity according to OHS regulations
  • Identify and report site environmental conditions to appropriate personnel
  • Identify and control potential and existing risks and hazards
  • Identify and monitor other personnel working on the site
       
Element: Assess tree and plan felling
  • Identify trees considered outside own skill level and seek assistance from appropriate personnel
  • Visually assess tree for felling characteristics, defects and stresses
  • Determine and check required falling direction and possible deviation
  • Plan sequence of cuts to fell tree according to standard felling procedures
  • Select suitable escape route
  • Clear work site and escape route of debris and growth according to environmental care principles and statutory requirements
       
Element: Apply tree felling techniques
  • Fell individual trees using selected cutting techniques according to OHS and job requirements
  • Adjust cutting technique in response to movement and condition of tree
  • Use planned escape route when tree starts to fall
  • Monitor fall and movement of tree on ground until determined stable
  • Identify and implement procedures for removal of trees that are hung-up
  • Dispose of waste materials in line with environmental and operational requirements
       
Element: Maintain equipment
  • Inspect equipment on completion of trimming and cutting activities
  • Identify damaged saws and cutting attachments for repair or replacement according to organisational requirements and manufacturer recommendations
  • Remove, clean, adjust or replace chain and other components according to manufacturer recommendations
  • Maintain tools and equipment according to OHS requirements and manufacturer recommendations
       


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.

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Overview of assessment

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence that they can safely and efficiently fell trees manually according to organisational requirements

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements of this unit and include demonstration of:

compliance with applicable federal, state or territory legislative and regulatory requirements and codes of practice relevant to felling trees manually

compliance with organisational policies and procedures relevant to felling trees manually

compliance with applicable licensing or certification requirements relevant to felling trees manually

communicating effectively and working safely with others in the work area

Identifying key features of structural defects and stresses in trees and the impact on felling trees at the basic levelcontributing to a tree and conditions assessment, and planning for and felling trees within the range of variables for trees and conditions

planning felling sequence of basic trees and prepare surroundings including escape route

felling a range of basic trees using a range of cuts safely without damage to personnel, equipment and surrounding environment

selecting, using and maintaining appropriate tools and equipment for felling basic trees manually, and recognising faults, problems and malfunctions

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a realistically simulated workplace

Assessment is to occur under standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints

Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge, other than confirmatory questions, will usually be conducted in an off-site context

Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory requirements and Australian standards

The following resources should be made available:

workplace location or simulated workplace

materials and equipment relevant to undertaking work applicable to this unit

specifications and work instructions

Method of assessment

Assessment methods must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the FPI11 Training Package

Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with application of underpinning knowledge

Assessment must be by direct observation of tasks, with questioning on underpinning knowledge and it must also reinforce the integration of employability skills

Assessment methods must confirm the ability to access, interpret and apply the essential underpinning knowledge

Assessment may be applied under project-related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process

Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is able not only to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances

Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency

The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate

Assessment practices should take into account any relevant language or cultural issues related to Aboriginality, gender or language backgrounds other than English

Where the participant has a disability, reasonable adjustment may be applied during assessment

Language and literacy demands of the assessment task should not be higher than those of the work role

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.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required skills:

Awareness of legislation, regulations, standards, codes of practice and established safe practices and procedures for felling trees manually

Technical skills to:

use and maintain relevant tools and equipment

safely operate and maintain a chainsaw

assess, plan and carry out tree-felling operations appropriate to site conditions

Communication skills to:

use appropriate communication and interpersonal techniques and methods with colleagues and others

use hand signals with other operators to maintain effective and safe tree felling

Literacy skills to:

locate and report information

interpret, apply and convey information in written, diagrammatic and verbal form

Numeracy skills to:

estimate tree height

calculate product mass and determine tree fall zone

measure tree length and diameter

Problem-solving skills to:

review and identify work requirements

identify appropriate trees to be felled at basic level: small in size and low in complexity

recognise own limitations given the conditions and trees for felling

assess that capacity of equipment is appropriate to tree being felled

identify equipment faults and problems and demonstrate appropriate response procedures

apply safe work practices, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and control of hazards

Required knowledge:

Basic knowledge of applicable federal, state or territory legislation, regulations, standards and codes of practice relevant to the full range of processes for felling trees manually

Key characteristics of trees that are considered to be in the basic, intermediate and advanced categories

Environmental protection requirements, including the safe disposal of waste material

Organisational and site standards, requirements, policies and procedures for felling trees manually

Types of tools and equipment used when felling trees manually, and the procedures for their safe use, operation and maintenance

Problem identification and resolution strategies and common fault-finding techniques applicable to tree felling

Established communication channels and protocols

Key features of structural defects and stresses in trees to enable their identification and evaluation

Types and purposes of a range of cuts to fell trees

Operational principles and limitations of a chainsaw

Procedures for recording and reporting workplace information

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Environmental protection measures may include:

action to limit the impact to:

native vegetation

soil and water

heritage and archeological artefacts

flora and fauna

geomorphologic features

landscape

external site pollution

recreational opportunities

regeneration opportunities

Basic trees typical to the scope of this unit may include the following characteristics:

lean and distribution of the crown weight does not create a complex situation to assess or fell

small dimensions relative to local forest size distribution

no excessive lean

no visible damage or defect

species that are not prone to free splitting and adverse reactions during felling

a crown that is free of hazards, entanglement or malformation, and is fully visible for assessment and monitoring

single stem or non-complex multi-stems

diameter of tree is less than chainsaw bar length

grown on terrain and slope that does not add significant complexity to the operation

Organisational requirements may include:

legal compliance documentation

organisational and site guidelines

policies and procedures relating to own role and responsibility

procedural manuals

quality and continuous improvement processes and standards

OHS requirements, that are in accordance with applicable federal, state or territory legislation and regulations, and organisational safety policies and procedures, including:

PPE and clothing

safety equipment

first aid equipment

firefighting equipment

hazard and risk control

fatigue management

appropriate signage

elimination of hazardous materials and substances

safe forest practices, including required actions relating to forest fire

techniques for manual handling, including shifting, lifting and carrying

legislative requirements that are to be in accordance with applicable federal, state or territory legislation, regulations, certification requirements and codes of practice, including:

award and organisational agreements

industrial relations

Australian standards

confidentiality and privacy

OHS

the environment

native vegetation

equal employment opportunity

anti-discrimination

relevant industry codes of practice

duty of care

OHS, emergency and evacuation procedures

ethical standards

recording and reporting requirements

equipment use, maintenance and storage requirements

environmental management requirements, including waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines

Job requirements may include:

information and instructions relevant to tree-felling operations, including:

processing location details

trees to be felled and retained

general environmental requirements, including site plan and environmental features

Appropriate personnel may include:

supervisors

clients

colleagues

managers

Tools and equipment may include:

warning signs

chainsaw and components

PPE and clothing

first aid equipment

maintenance requirements

support tools

Communication may include:

verbal and non-verbal language

hand or other agreed signals

eye contact with other operators or personnel

active listening and questioning to clarify and confirm understanding

electronic communication devices

Environmental conditions may relate to:

ground growth

canopy

general forest lean

ground slope

ground hazards

wind speed and direction

Hazards may include:

uneven/unstable terrain

unsafe trees

fires

overhead and underground services

excavations

traffic

structures

hazardous materials

insects and animals

other personnel and machinery

Trees considered outside own skill level may include:

trees that contain hazards and are deemed unsafe

trees where cuts made may lead to loss of control of tree in felling

trees that are considered to be in the intermediate or advanced categories

Cutting techniques:

will be suited to small non-complex felling situations and will include:

scarf cutting

back cutting to provide hinge-wood and maintain control of tree

and may include:

use of wedges to assist in controlling falling direction

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
Identify and adhere to work specifications and site environmental protection measures relevant to felling basic trees in line with organisational requirements and relevant regulations 
Review and check job requirements as required with appropriate personnel 
Select and check tools and equipment appropriate to work requirements for operational effectiveness according to manufacturer recommendations 
Identify trees to be retained and felled 
Establish general falling direction 
Determine and progressively plan tree felling sequence for individual trees 
Establish and maintain communication with others according to occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements 
Review location and stability for conditions likely to affect felling activities 
Monitor movement and location of activity in the work area and modify plan for felling activity according to OHS regulations 
Identify and report site environmental conditions to appropriate personnel 
Identify and control potential and existing risks and hazards 
Identify and monitor other personnel working on the site 
Identify trees considered outside own skill level and seek assistance from appropriate personnel 
Visually assess tree for felling characteristics, defects and stresses 
Determine and check required falling direction and possible deviation 
Plan sequence of cuts to fell tree according to standard felling procedures 
Select suitable escape route 
Clear work site and escape route of debris and growth according to environmental care principles and statutory requirements 
Fell individual trees using selected cutting techniques according to OHS and job requirements 
Adjust cutting technique in response to movement and condition of tree 
Use planned escape route when tree starts to fall 
Monitor fall and movement of tree on ground until determined stable 
Identify and implement procedures for removal of trees that are hung-up 
Dispose of waste materials in line with environmental and operational requirements 
Inspect equipment on completion of trimming and cutting activities 
Identify damaged saws and cutting attachments for repair or replacement according to organisational requirements and manufacturer recommendations 
Remove, clean, adjust or replace chain and other components according to manufacturer recommendations 
Maintain tools and equipment according to OHS requirements and manufacturer recommendations 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

FPICOT2236 - Fall trees manually (basic)
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

FPICOT2236 - Fall trees manually (basic)

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: