Application
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to prepare and cut materials with a hand-held chainsaw. This unit includes basic operator maintenance checks. More comprehensive servicing and maintenance procedures are covered in FWPCOT2237 Maintain chainsaws.
The unit applies to those who cut materials with a hand-held chainsaw in a variety of work settings including a construction, saw mill, forest products factory, timber retail yard or horticultural environment.
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 operation | 1.1 Review work order and clarify with appropriate personnel. 1.2 Select equipment appropriate to work requirements and check for operational effectiveness. 1.3 Prepare, check and clear work area, ready for hand-held chainsaw operations. 1.4 Carry out pre-start checks on chainsaw in line with site requirements. 1.5 Establish and maintain communication with others in work area to ensure safety. |
2. Cut material | 2.1 Visually assess materials to be cut for defects that may present unsafe work conditions, and review cutting plan. 2.2 Place cutting supports to ensure a stable base. 2.3 Cut material within site standard tolerances for length and angle relative to centre line. 2.4 Use cutting techniques to industry standard lengths, maximising volume and quality of recovery material. 2.5 Operate chainsaw effectively, in line with manufacturer's recommendations. 2.6 Clear and dispose of debris in line with site procedures and environmental requirements. 2.7 Complete production and quality reports. 2.8 Identify processing problems and equipment faults and report to appropriate personnel. |
3. Conduct chainsaw maintenance | 3.1 Clean, maintain and store chainsaw in line with manufacturer's recommendations and site procedures. 3.2 Identify blunt or damaged saws and replace or sharpen, in line with site procedures and manufacturer's recommendations. 3.3 Record and report maintenance activities to appropriate personnel. |
Evidence of Performance
A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy all of the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit.
safely and efficiently use a hand-held chainsaw to cut materials
follow organisational policies and procedures relevant to operating a hand-held chainsaw
use appropriate methods to cut materials with a hand-held chainsaw
carry out start-up and lock out procedures for a hand-held chainsaw
identify defects and problems with chainsaw operations
identify blunt or damaged saws
effectively maximise volume and quality recovery
communicate effectively with others at the work site
carry out routine maintenance on a hand-held chainsaw.
Evidence of Knowledge
A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
workplace requirements and standards for operating a hand-held chainsaw
environmental protection requirements and safe disposal of waste material
operational procedures and checks including start-up and shut-down procedures
equipment processes, technical capability and limitations of a hand-held chainsaw
established communication channels and protocols to maintain safety
processes for managing risks and hazards associated with chainsaw operations
knowledge of defects in timber that can effect processing and cause risk
workplace health and safety requirements, fire protocols and emergency evacuation procedures
procedures for recording and reporting workplace records and information.
Assessment Conditions
The following resources must be made available:
a hand-held chainsaw
material to be cut
personal protective equipment required for cutting materials with a hand held chain saw
work order, workplace requirements and site standards for cutting materials with a hand-held chainsaw.
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. | |
Problem solving skills to: | identify defects in materials and problems with equipment, and rectify. |
Range Statement
Not Applicable
Sectors
Sawmilling and Processing
Timber Merchandising