Application
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to cut materials at a distance reachable with manual blade and power driven pole-mounted chain saws to unblock components of machinery.
The unit applies to those who operate a pole saw in a saw mill or timber processing 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 to cut and unblock materials | 1.1 Review work order and clarify with appropriate personnel. 1.2 Select pole saw, and check for operational effectiveness. 1.3 Select and use personal protective and safety equipment appropriate to work requirements. 1.4 Carry out pre start-up checks, equipment set-up and adjustments in line with site requirements and to suit cutting conditions. 1.5 Apply and follow equipment lock-out procedures. |
2. Assess materials | 2.1 Establish and maintain communication with others in work area to ensure safety. 2.2 Assess location and stability of materials for conditions likely to affect safety of cutting activities. 2.3 Identify materials unable to be cut safely and refer to appropriate personnel. |
3. Use pole saw to cut and unblock materials | 3.1 Operate pole saw to safely cut and remove materials. 3.2 Adjust cutting technique in response to equipment requirements and allowances. 3.3 Ensure blockage is removed whilst complying with safe work practices. 3.4 Clear waste and debris from the site in line with standard operating procedures and environmental requirements. |
4. Maintain equipment | 4.1 Clear pole saw of dust, shavings and debris. 4.2 Check chain for serviceability, including worn or damaged condition. 4.3 Remove, sharpen, tension, adjust, replace and lubricate chain and other components in line with manufacturer recommendations. 4.4 Recycle, reuse or dispose of chain and other components in line with environmental requirements. 4.5 Record and report cutting operations, equipment faults and 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 effectively operate manual blade and power driven pole-mounted chain saws to cut and unblock materials from timber processing machinery
assess materials to be cut for safe working conditions
follow work order for cutting and unblocking materials
adjust operating techniques in response to materials and processing conditions
follow workplace procedures, site standards and safe work practices for cutting and unblocking materials with a pole saw
conduct pre-operational checks and adjustments of pole saw
carry out routine maintenance including cleaning, lubrication, chain tensioning and replacement
record and report cutting activities and maintenance.
Evidence of Knowledge
A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
workplace requirements and site standards and safe work practices for carrying out pole saw operations
environmental risks and hazards associated with using a pole saw to cut and unblock materials
characteristics of trees and timber defects
methods for assessing condition of pole saw chain
pole saw types, including manual blade and power driven pole-mounted chain saws
pole saw components including blades, conveyors, chains, roller drums, pulleys.
established communication channels and protocols
problem identification and resolution strategies, and common fault finding techniques
procedures for recording and reporting workplace information.
Assessment Conditions
The following resources must be made available:
manual blade and power driven pole-mounted chain saws
worksite with machinery to demonstrate cutting and unblocking materials with a pole saw
personal protective and safety equipment required for safely operating a pole saw
work order, workplace procedures and site standards for conducting pole saw operations.
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. | |
Writing skills to: | record cutting and unblocking activity and maintenance log. |
Problem solving skills to: | identify problems and equipment faults and select treatments. |
Range Statement
Not Applicable
Sectors
Sawmilling and Processing
Timber Manufactured Products
Wood Panel Products