Application
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to direct the placement of logs brought to the landing by cable operations, and unhook the logs from chokers. Work is completed in a forest or forest farm setting and includes assisting with line shifts.
The unit applies to chaser operators in a harvesting environment.
Licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit in some states and 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. Prepare for chaser 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 chaser and cable operations in line with work order. |
2. Land and unhook logs | 2.1 Identify audible or visual signal system to be used. 2.2 Monitor logs entering landing area and assist yarder to place them using signals in line with cable logging code of practice. 2.3 Check that logs have at least two thirds of their length on the landing before release. 2.4 Check stability of logs and adjust when chokers or grapple ropes are slackened. 2.5 Remove chokers or grapples, coil strawlines and check and adjust butt rigging in line with directions from yarder operator. 2.6 Maintain landing area to enable safe and clear log, equipment and personnel movement. 2.7 Record and report chaser process and equipment faults to yarder. |
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 direct the landing of logs and unhook logs in line with work orders for recovery operations
direct landing and unhook logs in varied weather conditions:
dry weather condition
wet weather condition
low and moderate wind speeds
across landing sites, work with cable systems including:
high lead (no skyline)
standing skyline
running skyline
assist in shifting lines for movements according to 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 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 that affect chaser operations in a harvesting environment
techniques used by chasers in the log recovery process:
landing and unhooking logs at the landing site
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 chaser 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 to land and unhook logs
work order with specific instructions for log recovery activities
applicable state or territory logging code of practice
template documents for recording chaser 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: | estimate length of logs for safe landing. |
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 chaser process and equipment faults. |
Planning and organising skills to: | efficiently and logically sequence the stages of preparation for and landing of logs using work order to guide activities |
Range Statement
Not Applicable
Sectors
Harvesting and Haulage