Application
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to fasten choker cables around logs for yarding from the cutting area to the landing, and to assist with line shifts. Work is completed in a forest or forest farm setting.
The unit applies to choker setters in a forest or forest farm environment.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
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. Prepare for choker setter operations | 1.1 Review work order and where required check with appropriate personnel. 1.2 Identify type and quantity of logs to be extracted and assess area for safety and environmental protection practices. 1.3 Select appropriate personal protective and other equipment and check for operational effectiveness. 1.4 Plan choker setter and cable operations in line with work order. |
2. Hook up logs | 2.1 Identify audible or visual signal system to be used. 2.2 Select specific logs for next return prior to return of butt rigging in line with planned operations 2.3 Assess position of logs to be extracted in line with haul line, hook up point and likely movement. 2.4 Monitor stability of logs to be extracted and take precautions against movement in line with logging code of practice. 2.5 Direct and control positioning of butt rigging using signals and strawlines to facilitate planned hook ups. 2.6 Pull out slack for chokers and grapple ropes to allow safe hook up. 2.7 Set chokers or grapples close to end of logs. 2.8 Vacate area surrounding logs prior to signalling extraction. 2.9 Record and report hook up process and equipment faults to rigging slinger. |
3. Assist with line shifts | 3.1 Clear all logs to be hauled with existing line position before line shift is initiated. 3.2 Notch stumps in line with code requirements and rigging method to be used. 3.3 Pull slack on all lines prior to release of existing rigging. 3.4 Dismantle rigging components on existing line, check and set up on new line. 3.5 Move obstructions which may cause binding or damage during hauling. 3.6 Assist rigging slinger to rig spars, tail trees and intermediate supports. |
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 hook-up felled logs in line with work orders for recovery operations
hook-up logs in varied weather conditions
operate cable systems for felled logs including:
high lead (no skyline)
standing skyline
running skyline
assist in shifting lines in line with the rigging slinger’s instructions
Evidence of Knowledge
A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
content and application of applicable state or territory code of practice relevant to log recovery activities
environmental protection practices for forest and forest farm settings:
safe disposal of waste material
cleaning of plant, tools and equipment
key features of these varying environmental conditions and effects on log recovery:
fallen trees
general forest lean
ground growth
ground hazards and obstacles
ground slope
density of trees
wet and adverse weather conditions
wind speed and direction
characteristics of trees and logs can impact on hooking up felled logs with cables
techniques used by choker setters in the log recovery process:
log hook-up methods
cable logging techniques
rigging techniques
key features of these varying signal systems used for log recovery activities:
talk-e-tooter signals
two-way radio
visual signals
whistle signals
typical industry chain of command for communication of log extraction signals
purpose, features and operation of cable logging system components:
rigging components
cable systems:
high lead (no skyline)
standing skyline
running skyline
organisational procedures specific to log recovery activities:
workplace health and safety with particular emphasis on use of equipment
communication reporting lines
recording and reporting hook-up process and equipment faults.
Assessment Conditions
The following resources must be made available:
cable systems:
high lead (no skyline)
standing skyline
running skyline
yarder and anchors
rigging equipment for log recovery:
blocks
bridling
butt rigging
chokers and grapple ropes
intermediate supports
lines
mobile tail anchors
pins
ropes
shackles
sheaves
spars
straps
strawlines
tail rope
signal system equipment
personal protective equipment suitable for log recovery activities
work order with specific instructions for log recovery activities
template documents for recording hook-up process and equipment faults
relevant personnel for the purposes of communicating information
organisational procedures for log recovery activities.
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 calculations to determine lift capacity for rigging. |
Oral communication skills to: | ask questions and actively listen to clarify contents of work orders provide clear, unambiguous verbal and non-verbal haul signals. |
Reading skills to: | interpret: workplace health and safety and other organisational procedures work orders. |
Writing skills to: | complete accurate basic records for hook-up process and equipment faults. |
Planning and organising skills to: | efficiently and logically sequence the stages of preparation for and extraction of logs using work order to guide activities |
Range Statement
Not Applicable
Sectors
Harvesting and Haulage