Application
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to operate a boom delimber. It requires the functions of mechanically delimbing trees and cutting to length, as well as segregating and placing logs to allow access for extraction.
The unit applies to those who operate boom delimbers in a forest 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. Plan and prepare for boom delimber operations | 1.1 Identify and follow WHS, environmental, legal and organisational requirements relevant to conducting boom delimber operations. 1.2 Review work order and clarify with appropriate personnel. 1.3 Select equipment and check for operational effectiveness. 1.4 Plan boom delimber operations in line with site procedures and environmental and heritage concerns and to ensure minimal damage and recovery. |
2. Operate equipment to delimb individual trees | 2.1 Establish and maintain communication with relevant personnel. 2.2 Carry out pre-operational checks on equipment and attachments. 2.3 Position equipment for stable and safe access to felled trees and so loads are placed within rated load/reach capacity. 2.4 Coordinate tree supply with other site operations in line with site procedures. 2.5 Clamp, lift and process trees through delimber with minimal damage to surrounding trees. 2.6 Select and adjust processing techniques in response to unexpected characteristics, movement or condition of trees and to maintain efficient operations. 2.7 Place logs to allow clear access for extraction and separation for grade and size when possible. 2.8 Monitor movement and whereabouts of other personnel to ensure work site is safe. 2.9 Move equipment over pre-arranged routes with minimal damage to the environment. |
3. Carry out machine operator maintenance | 3.1 Equipment lock-out procedures are followed in line with WHS requirements and site procedures. 3.2 Conduct visual inspection of equipment to identify faults. 3.3 Diagnose and report faults, malfunctions or problems. 3.4 Conduct routine operational servicing to maintain optimum operational performance of equipment. 3.5 Clean and store equipment, attachments and other ancillary equipment are cleaned and stored. 3.6 Record and report boom delimber operation activities 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.
prepare, plan and conduct boom delimber operations to safely and effectively delimb trees mechanically
assess site and tree conditions and plan to work safely
follow work plan for delimbing trees mechanically
adjust operating techniques in response to site conditions
communication skills to interact appropriately with others in the workplace
conducting pre-operational checks and routine operational servicing of equipment.
Evidence of Knowledge
A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
workplace requirements and site standards for carrying out boom delimbing operations
environmental protection requirements
operational procedures and checks including start-up and shut-down procedures
equipment processes, technical capability and limitations
established communication channels and protocols to maintain safety
processes for managing risks and hazards associated with delimbing operations
knowledge of defects in trees that can effect processing and cause risk
workplace health and safety requirements, fire protocols and emergency evacuation procedures.
problem identification and resolution strategies and common fault finding techniques
procedures for recording and reporting workplace records and information.
Assessment Conditions
The following resources must be made available:
a boom delimber
site with trees to delimb
work order, workplace requirements and site standards for conducting boom delimber operation
personal protective equipment required for boom delimber operations
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: | determine the cutting sequence and the direction of fall to minimise damage on surrounding environment. |
Communication skills to: | interact verbally and non-verbally using hand signals and agreed gestures with others on site to ensure safe tree felling operations. |
Reading skills to: | interpret site requirements, environmental information and manufacturer’s instructions. |
Writing skills to: | complete log book requirements, maintenance records. |
Problem solving skills to: | to identify problems and equipment faults and select treatments. |
Range Statement
Not Applicable
Sectors
Harvesting and Haulage