FWPHAR2205
Conduct mobile splitting operations


Application

This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to operate a mobile hydraulic splitting unit to split timber for use in rural settings or to produce firewood.

The unit applies to those conducting mobile splitting operations in a forest or farm forest setting.

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 splitting.

1.1 Review and check work order with appropriate personnel.

1.2 Wear personal protective equipment (PPE).

1.3 Identify hazards and assess and control risk in the work area, in line with workplace requirements.

1.4 Select and inspect equipment for operational effectiveness in line with manufacturer's recommendations.

1.5 Identify type and quantity of timber blocks to be split.

1.6 Position, secure and adjust hydraulic splitter in line with site procedures.

2. Split timber and record data.

2.1 Select and test vertical or horizontal splitting operations.

2.2 Ensure splitter is kept clear of timber shards and debris.

2.3 Position and secure timber blocks pre-cut to fit within the hydraulic splitter.

2.4 Split timber into sizes which suit standard fireplaces, in line with safe work procedure.

2.5 Stack or load split timber for transportation.

2.6 Set aside split timber that does not meet size requirements for recycling or re-use in line with site procedures.

2.7 Record and report splitting process and equipment faults to appropriate personnel, in line with site procedures.

3. Perform operator maintenance.

3.1 Perform equipment lock-out procedure in line with work health and safety (WHS) requirements and site procedures.

3.2 Check splitter for blunt or damaged condition in line with site procedures.

3.3 Remove, maintain, adjust or replace components, in line with manufacturer recommendations.

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:

set up and adjust a mobile hydraulic splitter for splitting operations in line with work order requirements, manufacturer recommendations and site procedures

split timber using a mobile hydraulic splitter in line with safe work procedures

dispose of discarded timber following site procedures for recycling or re-use

record and report timber splitting process and equipment faults according to site procedures

perform operator maintenance on a hydraulic splitter, including lockout procedure

respond to a forest fire emergency according to site requirements

identify hazards and assess and control risk in the work area according to workplace requirements:

preparation for emergency (forest fire, accident)

fatigue

adverse weather conditions.


Evidence of Knowledge

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

procedures for emergency response to forest fire

safe work procedures for conducting mobile splitting operations

environmental protection requirements including re-use, recycling or safe disposal of waste material

procedures for hazard identification and risk assessment and control in the work area, involving hazards and risks in mobile splitting operations

procedures for recording and reporting timber splitting process and equipment faults

operator maintenance on mobile hydraulic splitter and lockout procedures.


Assessment Conditions

The following resources must be made available:

mobile hydraulic splitter, pre-cut timber blocks, log book

work order

personal protective equipment for conducting mobile splitting operations:

safety helmet

safety gloves

protective footwear

eye protection

hearing protection

high visibility clothing

leg protection (trousers or chaps)

respiratory protection

relevant personnel for the purposes of communicating information

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:

count blocks to be split

position timber blocks

estimate timber sizes and lengths.

Reading skills to:

interpet safety information

analyse a work order.

Writing skills to:

record information, including lockout information, faults, log sheet data.

Technology skills to:

operate and maintain a mobile hydraulic splitter.

Problem solving skills to:

respond appropriately to faults, problems, hazards and risks

constantly monitor the work environment for emerging or changing hazards and risks.


Range Statement

Not Applicable


Sectors

Harvesting and Haulage.