Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to safely operate a hand-held chainsaw and maintain it in working condition.
This unit applies to cross-cutting fallen timber using safe cutting techniques.
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 and to comply with Safe Work Method Statement documentation.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Assist in preparation of work site | 1.1 Determine location of worksite and correct tree from scope of works 1.2 Identify site hazards, assess risks and report to supervisor 1.3 Confirm work zone with work crew and monitor site 1.4 Confirm first aid and emergency personnel, equipment and procedures 1.5 Record and implement work health, safety, site, environmental and traffic control measures |
2. Recognise and apply workplace safety procedures | 2.1 Identify hazards relevant to the maintenance and operation of chainsaws, assess risks and implement risk controls 2.2 Select and use personal protective equipment 2.3 Confirm relevant licensing and legislative requirements with regard to the operation of chainsaws with supervisor 2.4 Transport chainsaw and fuel appropriately |
3. Check and prepare chainsaw | 3.1 Select appropriate tools and materials required for maintenance 3.2 Conduct routine checks and maintenance procedures before operation 3.3 Calculate fuel oil ratios before mixing 3.4 Identify, tag, record and report chainsaw faults or malfunctions and organise repair |
4. Operate chainsaw | 4.1 Communicate with work team during operations using voice, hand and whistle signals 4.2 Place supports appropriately to ensure a stable base 4.3 Identify materials to be cut and position them for operation 4.4 Assess material to be cut visually for defects 4.5 Determine cutting methods appropriate to material type and implement risk controls 4.6 Select and use appropriate tools associated with chainsaw use 4.7 Operate chainsaw to cross cut timber using documented low risk work methods 4.8 Maintain effective worksite communication to ensure efficient workflow and address problems 4.9 Identify, assess and control environmental implications associated with chainsaw operation |
5. Complete and check chainsaw operation | 5.1 Record and report chainsaw damage, malfunction and irregular performance 5.2 Clean and store chainsaw 5.3 Dispose of debris from operation in accordance with environmental requirements 5.4 Maintain relevant reports |
Evidence of Performance
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 that they can:
apply chainsaw use and operation risk assessment and implementation of controls
clean and store chainsaw
confirm first aid and emergency personnel, equipment and procedures
confirm work zone with work crew and monitor site
determine site location and work details and clarify with supervisor
identify site hazards, assess risks and report to supervisor
identify, tag and report chainsaw faults and malfunctions
record and implement work health, safety, site, environmental and traffic control measures
use appropriate personal protective equipment
safely cross-cut fallen timber using compression and tension cuts with a hand held chainsaw
use appropriate tools and materials to maintain chainsaw
use environmentally responsible workplace practices
use low risk work practices including stopping, disengaging quickly and dealing with foreign matter
use safe work procedures relevant to operating a chainsaw
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
the principles and practice for operating chainsaws
safe operating procedures
relevant Australian Standards concerning chainsaw operation
components of chainsaws and their respective functions
common defects in woody materials
cutting methods and techniques, patterns and sequence of cuts
how to estimate and measure dimensions and calculate volumes
work health and safety requirements for the operation of a chainsaw including caution and hazard signs and symbols
hazards and risks when operating a chainsaw
environmental Codes of Practice regarding chainsaw operation
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Machinery operation and maintenance (MOM)