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

FPIHAR3207C Mapping and Delivery Guide
Conduct feller buncher operations

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency FPIHAR3207C - Conduct feller buncher operations
Description This unit describes the outcomes required to operate a wheeled or tracked feller buncher in a forest environment. It requires the mandatory functions of mechanically falling trees and pre-bunching logs and stems. It may also require functions of segregating and stacking logs, snigging and skidding logs, loading and unloading logs and shovel loggingCompliance with licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may be required in various jurisdictionsThis unit replaces FPIHAR3207B Conduct feller buncher operations
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills
Learning Outcomes and Application The unit involves conducting feller buncher operations in a forest environmentThe skills and knowledge required for competent workplace performance 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 Harvesting and Haulage
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: Plan and prepare for operations
  • Applicable Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), environmental, legislative and organisational requirements relevant to conducting feller buncher operations are identified and followed
  • Site environmental protection measures are adhered to in line with relevant legislation and regulations
  • Work order is reviewed and checked with appropriate personnel
  • Equipment is selected appropriate to work requirements and checked for operational effectiveness in line with manufacturer's recommendations
  • Tree or log extraction, placement and access requirements are identified and assessed for safe working conditions
  • Level and/or suitable surface for stability of equipment to be used is determined and confirmed
  • Feller buncher operations are planned in line with site procedures and environmental and heritage concerns
  • Communication with others is established and maintained in line with OHS requirements
       
Element: Operate equipment
  • All work is conducted in line with work order, environmental and OHS requirements
  • Feller buncher is operated within equipment capabilities and limitations and manoeuvred to ensure safe and efficient operations
  • Pre-operational checks are carried out on equipment and attachments in line with manufacturer's recommendations and site procedures
  • Site hazards associated with feller buncher operations are detected and safe operating techniques are used to minimise risk
  • Operating techniques are selected and adjusted as required to meet work requirements and site conditions
  • Feller buncher performance is systematically monitored to ensure and maintain efficient operations
  • Emergency plan procedures are follow in line with OHS, environmental, legal and site requirements
       
Element: Fall individual trees mechanically
  • Movement and whereabouts of other personnel is monitored and work modified to be in line with OHS requirements
  • Falling sequence for individual trees is progressively planned to minimise tree damage and maximise falling and extraction efficiency
  • Cutting sequence is planned and communicated to control direction of the fall and minimise damage to the tree and surrounding environment
  • Equipment is positioned for stable and safe access to tree and operated to clamp and cut tree in line with industry and site standards
  • Clamping and cutting techniques are adjusted as required in response to movement and condition of tree
  • Trees too dangerous to be felled safely are marked and referred to appropriate personnel
  • Unexpected characteristics of a tree are diagnosed and planning is reviewed
  • Controlled manipulation with equipment is used to free tree hang ups to ensure personnel safety and minimise damage to tree and surrounding environment
  • Equipment is operated to stack pre-bunched logs and stems to facilitate subsequent extraction operations
  • Personnel safety and minimal damage to the timber and surrounding environment are ensured through method used to move timber and stems to pre-bunching site
  • Equipment is moved over pre-arranged routes with minimal damage to the environment
       
Element: Carry out machine operator maintenance
  • Equipment lock-out procedures are followed in line with OHS requirements and site procedures
  • Visual inspection and fault finding procedures are conducted in line with manufacturer's recommendations and site procedures
  • Routine operational servicing is conducted to maintain optimum operational performance of equipment
  • Equipment, attachments and other ancillary equipment are cleaned and stored in line with manufacturer's recommendations and site procedures
  • Faults, malfunctions or problems with equipment are diagnosed and reported in line with site procedures
  • Feller buncher operation results are recorded and reported in line with site procedures
       


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, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the 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 conduct feller buncher operations in line with 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:

following applicable Commonwealth, State or Territory legislative and regulatory requirements and codes of practice relevant to conducting feller buncher operations

following organisational policies and procedures relevant to conducting feller buncher operations

following applicable licensing or certification requirements

communicating effectively and working safely with others in the work area

planning, preparing and carrying out feller buncher operations to safely and efficiently fall trees mechanically and pre-bunch logs and stems

conducting pre-operational checks and routine operational servicing of equipment

Context of and specific resources for assessment

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

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

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

Assessment is to follow relevant regulatory or Australian Standards requirements

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 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 required knowledge

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

Assessment methods must confirm the ability to access and correctly interpret and apply the required 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

Technical skills sufficient to use and maintain relevant tools, machinery and equipment and efficiently and safely operate a feller buncher

Communication skills and interpersonal techniques sufficient to interact appropriately with colleagues and others in the workplace

Literacy skills sufficient to accurately record and report workplace information, and maintain documentation and interpret, apply and convey information in written, diagrammatic and/or verbal form

Numeracy skills sufficient to estimate, measure and calculate time required to complete a task

Problem solving skills sufficient to identify problems and equipment faults and demonstrate appropriate response procedures

Required knowledge

Applicable Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation, regulations, standards, codes of practice and established safe practices relevant to the full range of processes for conducting feller buncher operations

Environmental protection requirements, including the safe disposal of waste material and the cleaning of plant, tools and equipment

Organisational and site standards, requirements, policies and procedures for conducting feller buncher operations

Equipment processes, technical capability and limitations

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

Established communication channels and protocols

Problem identification and resolution strategies and common fault finding techniques

Types of tools and equipment and procedures for their safe use and maintenance including equipment safety requirements

Appropriate mathematical procedures for estimating and measuring, including calculating time to complete tasks

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.

Feller buncher may be:

wheeled

tracked

OHS requirements:

are to be in line with applicable Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation and regulations, and organisational safety policies and procedures, and may include:

personal protective equipment and clothing

safety equipment

first aid equipment

fire fighting equipment

hazard and risk control

fatigue management

elimination of hazardous materials and substances

safe forest practices including required actions relating to forest fire location of other people, and potential falling objects

manual handling including shifting, lifting and carrying

Environmental requirements may include:

legislation

organisational policies and procedures

workplace practices

Legislative requirements:

are to be in line with applicable Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation, regulations, certification requirements and codes of practice and may include:

award and enterprise agreements

industrial relations

Australian Standards

confidentiality and privacy

OHS

the environment

equal opportunity

anti-discrimination

relevant industry codes of practice

duty of care

heritage and traditional land owner issues

Organisational requirements may include:

legal

organisational and site guidelines

policies and procedures relating to own role and responsibility

quality assurance

procedural manuals

quality and continuous improvement processes and standards

OHS, emergency and evacuation procedures

ethical standards

recording and reporting requirements

equipment use and maintenance and storage requirements

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

Environmental protection measures

may include action to limit the impact to:

ground growth and canopy

soil and water

may include action to limit the impact of:

general forest lean

wind speed and direction

fallen trees

density of trees

ground slope

ground hazards

obstacles

Work order is to include:

instructions for feller buncher operations including trees to be felled and retained, and logs to be bunched

and may include:

information about tree markings, site plans, forest operational plans

emergency procedures in case of fire and/or accident

instructions for the environmental monitoring of work and procedures

environmental care requirements relevant to the work

Appropriate personnel may include:

supervisors

suppliers

clients

colleagues

managers

Logs may include:

range of species

size

conditions to be encountered in local harvesting operations

softwood or hardwood

Safe working conditions

may include identification of:

risks and hazards

unsafe ground

fences

holes, pot holes

materials

vehicles

abandoned equipment

personnel

adverse weather conditions (electrical storms, floods)

fires

Feller buncher operations

must include:

the mechanical felling of trees and pre-bunching of logs and stems

and may include:

segregating and stacking logs

snigging and skidding logs

loading and unloading logs

shovel logging

Planning

requires ensuring minimal equipment and log movement during operations including verifying level and stable surfaces for safely relocating logs on equipment

Environmental and heritage concerns may include:

dust

noise

water

flora and fauna

heritage legislation

culturally sensitive sites and artefacts

plantations

native forest

Communication may include:

verbal and non-verbal language

hand or other agreed signals

eye contact with other operators or personnel

active listening

questioning to clarify and confirm understanding

use of electronic communication devices

Capabilities of equipment and/or attachments may include:

efficient and safe operating speed

duration of operation

type of activities performed

weight and/or load limitations

operating limitations

Pre-operational checks

are conducted to ensure equipment and attachments have been set-up correctly, the systems are performing accurately and operating to optimum performance

and may relate to:

visual and audio warning devices and lights

engine and stop engine lights

fluid levels

cab display instrumentation and gauges

on-board computer systems

start-up, park and shutdown procedures including safety mechanisms operation (horn, operating lights)

correct location of equipment

vehicle security

Attachments may include:

hydraulic chainsaws

hydraulic sheer knives

Hazards may include:

uneven/unstable terrain

trees

fires

overhead and underground services

bridges

buildings

excavations

traffic

embankment

cuttings

structures and hazardous materials

Site conditions may include:

wet/dry

day/night

stability of ground

broken ground

slope of working surface

location of water table

Emergency plan may include:

notification of authorities

evacuation procedures

isolation procedures

equipment shutdown procedures

clean up

first aid

use of personal protective equipment and clothing

guarding

access and exit

Cutting sequence is to include:

the best direction or angle for making cuts to facilitate achieving the fall direction

Visual inspection and fault finding procedures may include:

vehicle number

danger tags

personnel proximity

tyres and rim condition

wheel nuts and studs

light positioning and cleanliness

radiator top up tank

oil leaks, fuel leaks

water leaks

no combustible material around exhaust

damage to equipment

portable fire extinguisher

fire suppression system

cab mounts

windows

engine oil to be checked before starting engine

grease lines

cab conditions

Routine operational servicing may include:

checking fluid levels

greasing

tightening loose fittings

filter changing

Cleaning methods may include:

water

steam

degreasing

vacuum

forced air

Records and reports may include:

end of shift documentation

work log

supplies

log and computer readings

and may be:

manual

using a computer-based system or another appropriate organisational communication system

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
Applicable Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), environmental, legislative and organisational requirements relevant to conducting feller buncher operations are identified and followed 
Site environmental protection measures are adhered to in line with relevant legislation and regulations 
Work order is reviewed and checked with appropriate personnel 
Equipment is selected appropriate to work requirements and checked for operational effectiveness in line with manufacturer's recommendations 
Tree or log extraction, placement and access requirements are identified and assessed for safe working conditions 
Level and/or suitable surface for stability of equipment to be used is determined and confirmed 
Feller buncher operations are planned in line with site procedures and environmental and heritage concerns 
Communication with others is established and maintained in line with OHS requirements 
All work is conducted in line with work order, environmental and OHS requirements 
Feller buncher is operated within equipment capabilities and limitations and manoeuvred to ensure safe and efficient operations 
Pre-operational checks are carried out on equipment and attachments in line with manufacturer's recommendations and site procedures 
Site hazards associated with feller buncher operations are detected and safe operating techniques are used to minimise risk 
Operating techniques are selected and adjusted as required to meet work requirements and site conditions 
Feller buncher performance is systematically monitored to ensure and maintain efficient operations 
Emergency plan procedures are follow in line with OHS, environmental, legal and site requirements 
Movement and whereabouts of other personnel is monitored and work modified to be in line with OHS requirements 
Falling sequence for individual trees is progressively planned to minimise tree damage and maximise falling and extraction efficiency 
Cutting sequence is planned and communicated to control direction of the fall and minimise damage to the tree and surrounding environment 
Equipment is positioned for stable and safe access to tree and operated to clamp and cut tree in line with industry and site standards 
Clamping and cutting techniques are adjusted as required in response to movement and condition of tree 
Trees too dangerous to be felled safely are marked and referred to appropriate personnel 
Unexpected characteristics of a tree are diagnosed and planning is reviewed 
Controlled manipulation with equipment is used to free tree hang ups to ensure personnel safety and minimise damage to tree and surrounding environment 
Equipment is operated to stack pre-bunched logs and stems to facilitate subsequent extraction operations 
Personnel safety and minimal damage to the timber and surrounding environment are ensured through method used to move timber and stems to pre-bunching site 
Equipment is moved over pre-arranged routes with minimal damage to the environment 
Equipment lock-out procedures are followed in line with OHS requirements and site procedures 
Visual inspection and fault finding procedures are conducted in line with manufacturer's recommendations and site procedures 
Routine operational servicing is conducted to maintain optimum operational performance of equipment 
Equipment, attachments and other ancillary equipment are cleaned and stored in line with manufacturer's recommendations and site procedures 
Faults, malfunctions or problems with equipment are diagnosed and reported in line with site procedures 
Feller buncher operation results are recorded and reported in line with site procedures 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

FPIHAR3207C - Conduct feller buncher operations
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

FPIHAR3207C - Conduct feller buncher operations

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: