FWPFGM2207
Undertake brushcutting operations


Application

This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to plan for and safely cut vegetation using a professional standard blade type brushcutter. Work is completed in a variety of work settings including forest environments, farms, nurseries and local council environments.

The unit applies to forestry worker, plantation forest officer, arboriculture worker.

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 brushcutting

1.1 Review work order and where required check with appropriate personnel.

1.2 Select personal protective and other equipment and check for operational effectiveness.

1.3 Identify and assess environmental conditions and site hazards in line with organisational procedures.

1.4 Select appropriate cutting methods for identified types of vegetation and to optimise time and safety.

2. Operate brushcutter

2.1 Use equipment in line with organisational safety procedures, manufacturer’s instructions and environmental protection practices.

2.2 Use hand signals with other operators to maintain effective and safe operations.

2.3 Adjust brushcutter safety harness and handles to correct ergonomic position.

2.4 Monitor brushcutter for operational effectiveness and refuel as required.

2.5 Operate brushcutter appropriate to site conditions and at a safe distance from other people present.

2.6 Dispose of cut vegetation in line with environmental protection practices.

3. Complete operator maintenance

3.1 Follow organisational safety procedures to lock out equipment.

3.2 Check brushcutter blades for bluntness or damage.

3.3 Remove and replace brushcutter blades and other operator-replaceable components in line with manufacturer's recommendations.

3.4 Dispose of used blades in line with environmental protection practices.

3.5 Record and report equipment faults and maintenance requirements 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. If a specific volume or frequency is not stated below, then evidence must be provided that the following requirements have been performed on at least one occasion:

assess, plan and safely complete brushcutting jobs in line with work order prescribing areas and types of vegetation to be cut

on completion of each of the above jobs:

dispose of cut vegetation in line with environmental protection practices

complete operator maintenance operator maintenance tasks including oil, fuel, safety checks, cleaning, lubricating, adjustments

compete basic records for equipment faults and maintenance requirements.


Evidence of Knowledge

A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:

typical workplace hazards associated with operating brushcutters and methods of minimising risks:

ground growth

ground slope

ground hazards

noise

weather

kickback

flying objects

safe working distances from other people present

purpose, features and safe operation of brushcutters

the correct ergonomic position in which to conduct brushcutter operations, including using a safety harness and handle adjustments

methods for assessing blade condition, removing and replacing

operator maintenance tasks including oil, fuel, safety checks, cleaning, lubricating, adjustments

different types of vegetation and the appropriate brushcutting methods

environmental protection practices for disposing of cut vegetation:

recycling vegetation where appropriate

sending vegetation to landfill only where it cannot be recycled

redirecting vegetation for energy recovery.

organisational procedures specific to brushcutting operations:

workplace health and safety with particular emphasis on equipment lock out and use of personal protective equipment

communication reporting lines

recording and reporting equipment faults and maintenance requirements.


Assessment Conditions

The following resources must be made available:

brushcutters

maintenance tools and equipment for removing and replacing blades

consumable fuel, brushcutter blades and other components

personal protective equipment suitable for operating brushcutters

manufacturers’ instructions for use and maintenance of equipment

work order with specific instructions for brushcutting operations

template documents for recording equipment faults and maintenance requirements

relevant personnel for the purposes of communicating information

organisational procedures for operating brushcutters.

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:

complete routine measurements of fuel volume.

Oral communication skills to:

ask open and closed probe questions and actively listen to clarify contents of work orders.

Reading skills to:

interpret:

workplace health and safety and other organisational procedures

work orders

manufacturers’ instructions and maintenance recommendations.

Writing skills to:

complete accurate basic records for equipment faults and maintenance requirements.

Planning and organising skills to:

efficiently and logically sequence the stages of preparation and brushcutting activities using work order to guide activities.


Range Statement

Not Applicable


Sectors

Forest Growing and Management