This unit applies to cross-cutting fallen timber using safe cutting techniques.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Recognise and apply workplace safety procedures

1.1. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) procedures relevant to the maintenance and operation of chainsaws are recognised and applied.

1.2. OHS hazards are identified, risks assessed and risk controls are implemented.

1.3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is selected and used.

1.4. Relevant licensing and legislative requirements with regard to the operation of chainsaws are recognised, accessed and applied.

2. Check and maintain chainsaw

2.1. Tools and materials required for maintenance procedures are selected, checked and confirmed against maintenance plan.

2.2. Routine checks and maintenance procedures are conducted prior to operation and according to manufacturer's specifications and maintenance plan.

2.3. Chainsaw faults or malfunctions are identified, tagged and reported for repair according to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise requirements.

2.4. Completed chainsaw maintenance procedures are detailed and recorded.

3. Operate chainsaw

3.1. Sawing materials are identified and positioned for operation according to documented low risk work procedures.

3.2. Cutting methods are determined appropriate to type of material and risk controls implemented.

3.3. Chainsaw is operated according to manufacturer's specifications and operator's manual.

3.4. Effective worksite communication is maintained to ensure efficient workflow and address immediate problems.

3.5. Environmental implications associated with chainsaw operation are identified, assessed and controlled according to documented requirements.

4. Complete and check chainsaw operation

4.1. Chainsaw damage, malfunctions or irregular performance are recorded and reported according to enterprise requirements.

4.2. Chainsaw is cleaned, maintained and stored according to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise requirements.

4.3. Relevant reports are maintained to industry standards according to enterprise requirements.

Required skills

identify hazards and implement safe operating procedures

safely cross-cut fallen timber using compression and tension cuts with a hand held chainsaw

maximise volume and quality of recovery

demonstrate safe and environmentally responsible workplace practices

obtain relevant licenses and permits

read and interpret manufacturer's specifications, work and maintenance plans, and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs).

effectively communicate information, interpret and apply task instructions, and maintain records and reports

estimate and measure dimensions, and calculate volumes

recognise caution or hazard signs and symbols

interpret tasks or information from labels, manuals or written instructions

record information accurately or verbally report information

use literacy skills to follow sequenced written instructions and record information accurately and legibly

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

relevant State/Territory legislation and regulations with regard to the operation of chainsaws

OHS legislative requirements and Codes of Practice

hazards and risks when using chainsaws

operating principles and operating methods

various types of chainsaws and respective functions

effects of timber defects on recovery

environment Codes of Practice with regard to chainsaw operation.

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

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 workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

select, use, maintain and store suitable personal protective equipment

carry out routine checks and maintenance on chainsaw

apply appropriate chainsaw technique and cutting methods according to manufacturer's specifications and documented low risk work procedures

assess and minimise environmental impacts of chainsaw use

maintain records of chainsaw training and certification, risk assessment and use.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Chainsaws may include:

all types and models of hand-held chainsaws in a work environment.

Unit sector

Arboriculture

This unit contains employability skills.