Application
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to plan, construct and maintain roads and tracks in a forest environment. It includes monitoring road or track conditions and coordinating maintenance work.
The unit applies to Bulldozer operator, Forestry technician, Harvesting technician, Mobile Equipment operator.
Licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit in some states & territories at the time of publication, and may differ according to jurisdiction.
Elements and 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. Plan road or track | 1.1 Obtain topographical map of area and assess details in relation to environmental management considerations. 1.2 Identify and confirm construction requirements with appropriate personnel. 1.3 Plan road or track including drainage and entry points that provide vehicle and equipment access, turning and loading space. 1.4 Prepare forest road or track construction plan that includes timelines, resources and equipment, in line with organisational practices |
2. Construct road or track | 2.1 Establish line of road and remove obstacles in line with plans. 2.2 Establish and maintain communication with others to ensure safe work. 2.3 Remove soil to establish base that has suitable width, slope and stability. 2.4 Construct water crossing points and drains in line with environmental requirements and site procedures. 2.5 Prepare and construct intersection points to provide suitable entry and exit levels and control water flow. 2.6 Place pipes or culverts and backfill and compact, in line with predicted water volume. 2.7 Transfer, spread and compact base and surface material to meet planned road or track design. 2.8 Control and manoeuvre equipment to compact road material and stabilise adjacent soil during construction. 2.9 Prepare road or track surface suitable for moving logs, and for the manoeuvre and traction of equipment. |
3. Maintain road or track | 3.1 Monitor condition of road or track to identify specific damage likely to lead to safety or environmental issues and report to appropriate personnel. 3.2 Redesign and remake areas of consistent damage with assistance from appropriate personnel. 3.3 Plan and carry out maintenance with minimal disruption to other work activities. 3.4 Record and report construction operations and maintenance in line with site procedures. |
Evidence of Performance
A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy all of the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit.
plan, construct and maintain a forest road or track in line with organisational tolerances
operate one or more of the following road construction equipment effectively and safely
dozer
front end loader
skidder using bucket or blade attachments or grader using blade attachments
identify and remove obstacles to construction
establish water crossings and drains, using pipes, cords or culverts
assess road or track for damage and report hazards or areas requiring redesign
plan and carry out maintenance of forest roads and tracks
report on road and track construction and maintenance.
Evidence of Knowledge
A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
applicable regulations, standards, codes of practice and established safe practices for constructing and maintaining forest roads and tracks, including:
data relating to road requirements and restrictions
maximum road loads
likely weather conditions
expected timeframes
survey locations and requirements
water courses
location of log landings
road entry points
crossing or entry points for other roads and tracks
budget.
environmental protection requirements and management considerations including:
roadside conditions and climate
habitat trees
ground growth
canopy
general forest lean
wind speed and direction
fallen trees
density of trees
ground slope
soil and water protection
ground hazards
obstacles
operational procedures, checks and routine maintenance to be carried out on construction equipment
road construction methods
risks and hazards associated with forest road and track construction
logging and harvesting operations
road transport equipment requirements and capabilities in forest operations
ground water behaviour
workplace health and safety requirements, fire protocols and emergency evacuation procedures.
Assessment Conditions
The following resources must be made available:
wheeled or tracked road construction equipment, including one or more of the following: dozer, front end loader, skidder or grader with bucket or blade attachments
forest environment suitable to construct and maintain a track or road
relevant personnel for the purposes of communicating information
workplace requirements and site standards for constructing forest roads and tracks.
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 quantities of required material to construct and maintain tracks and roads. |
Writing skills to: | prepare construction and maintenance plan and report on work activities. |
Planning and organising skills to: | prepare a plan, and the resources and materials for the construction and maintenance of a forest road or track. |
Range Statement
Not Applicable
Sectors
Forest Growing and Management
Harvesting and Haulage