Application
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to maintain engine or electrically operated hand-held chainsaws. It includes sharpening chains and completing routine and frequently required service requirements as well as periodic servicing. Work is completed in a variety of work settings including a forest environment, agricultural, workshop, arboretum and horticultural settings.
The unit applies to chainsaw operators.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions. |
1. Prepare for chainsaw maintenance | 1.1 Select appropriate personal protective, maintenance and repair equipment and check for operational effectiveness in line with manufacturer's recommendations. 1.2 Plan repair and maintenance activities in line with manufacturer's instructions and recommendations and organisational requirements |
2. Complete chainsaw maintenance | 2.1 Follow organisational safety procedures to lock out equipment. 2.2 Complete routine and frequently required service requirements on chainsaws in line with manufacturer's instructions and organisational requirements 2.3 Complete periodic service requirements on chainsaws in line with manufacturer's recommendations and organisational requirements 2.4 Check chain for bluntness or damage. 2.5 Remove, sharpen, adjust and replace chain and other components in line with manufacturer's recommendations. 2.6 Identify, diagnose, tag and report chainsaw faults, malfunctions or irregular operation for repair or replacement. 2.7 Reassemble serviced chainsaw components, check for operational effectiveness, tag and store. |
3. Complete maintenance records and clean up | 3.1 Complete, process and maintain records and reports in line with organisational procedures. 3.2 Clear and clean work area and tools, and dispose of and recycle waste materials in line with environmental protection practices. |
Evidence of Performance
A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy all of the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit.
complete these routine and frequently required service requirements on chainsaws in line with manufacturer's instructions:
removing, checking and cleaning air filter for damage and penetration of foreign material
cleaning saw body, air intake vents and cooling fins
cleaning chain brake
inspecting chain and guide bar
checking screws and nuts for tightness
checking safety devices
filling fuel tanks and chain oil tanks
complete these types of periodic service requirements on chainsaws in line with manufacturer's instructions:
replacing drive sprocket
cleaning or replacing and setting spark plug
checking and replacing fuel filter
checking chain brake, oil system, flywheel assembly, anti-vibration system, muffler and spark arrestor
inspecting and replacing starter cord and starter spring
matching pitches and gauges of cutting components
dressing and cleaning cutter bar
cleaning fly wheel
removing and cleaning exhaust and fire screen
complete these activities to check and sharpen chain saw chains in line with manufacturer's instructions:
inspecting and adjusting chain
inspecting and replacing chain that is worn, damaged or incorrectly sharpened
sharpening chain types and setting of depth gauges.
Evidence of Knowledge
A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
types, purpose, features and operation of chainsaws for which repairs are completed
features and names of different parts of chainsaws
purpose, features and operation of tools and equipment used to repair and maintain chainsaws
specifications and types of bars, chains and sprockets
differences between frequent and periodic chainsaw maintenance requirements
techniques for:
removing chains and other chainsaw components
assessing chain condition
sharpening chains to specified requirements
reassembling chainsaw components
hazards for maintaining chainsaws and methods to minimise associated risks:
loud noise and exhaust fumes
mechanical vibration
handling hazardous substances
cuts and hot surfaces
rotating parts
organisational procedures specific to repairing and maintaining chainsaws:
workplace health and safety with particular emphasis on equipment lock out and use of personal protective equipment
communication reporting lines
recording and reporting repairs, maintenance activities and equipment faults
environmental protection practices for repairing and maintaining chainsaws:
cleaning plant, tools and equipment
disposing of, recycling and reusing materials
disposing of hazardous substances.
Assessment Conditions
The following resources must be made available:
engine or electrically operated hand-held chainsaws
tools and equipment used to repair and maintain chainsaws
consumable chainsaw parts, oil and fuel
personal protective equipment suitable for repairing and maintaining chainsaws including:
Safety boots
Safety helmet
Cut resistant leg protection
First aid kit
Hearing protection
High visibility clothing
Eye protection
Apron
Chain mesh gloves
manufacturers’ instructions and recommendations for repair and maintenance of chainsaws
template documents for recording repairs, maintenance activities and equipment faults.
organisational procedures for repairing and maintaining chainsaws.
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.
Assessor requirements
Assessors must:
hold the appropriate assessor competency standards as outlined in regulations; and
be able to demonstrate vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed; and
be able to demonstrate how they are continuing to develop their VET knowledge and skills as well as maintaining their industry currency and assessor competence.
Foundation Skills
This section describes those core and employment skills that are essential to performance and are not explicit in the performance criteria. | |
Numeracy skills to: | calculate ratios and measure quantities of oils and fuels. |
Reading skills to: | interpret: workplace health and safety procedures work orders manufacturer’s instructions and maintenance recommendations. |
Writing skills to: | complete basic accurate records of repairs, maintenance activities and equipment faults. |
Planning and organising skills to: | efficiently and logically sequence stages of repair and maintenance work. |
Range Statement
Not Applicable
Sectors
Common Technical