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 operations

1.1 Prepare to work safely according to organisation and site requirements.

1.2 Obtain and review environmental, regulatory and legal requirements for conducting mechanical processing operations.

1.3 Review work plan and clarify requirements with appropriate personnel.

1.4 Select equipment appropriate to work requirements and check for operational effectiveness

1.5 Plan mechanical processor operations in line with site procedures, environmental and heritage concerns

1.6 Identify access to tree or log to be extracted and assess working conditions for safety.

1.7 Identify emergency plan procedures to follow in the event of an emergency.

2. Operate equipment

2.1 Conduct pre-operational checks on equipment and attachments in line with manufacturer's recommendations and site procedures.

2.2 Establish and maintain communication with other personnel to ensure safety in line with safety requirements.

2.3 Detect site hazards associated with processor operations and use safe operating techniques to minimise risk.

2.4 Operate mechanical processor within equipment capabilities and limitations, and manoeuvre to ensure safe and efficient operations.

2.5 Adjust operating techniques to meet work requirements and site conditions.

3. Process individual trees

3.1 Monitor movement and whereabouts of other personnel to ensure safety.

3.2 Plan processing to ensure minimal tree damage and maximum recovery.

3.3 Position equipment for stable and safe access to felled tree and to ensure loads are placed within rated load/reach capacity.

3.4 Program or modify processing controller to produce standard length and diameter of logs with optimal grade and length combination in line with work plan requirements.

3.5 Adjust processing techniques in response to unexpected characteristics, movement or condition of tree.

3.6 Move timber/stems to pre-bunching site ensuring personnel safety and minimal damage to the timber and surrounding environment

3.7 Move equipment over pre-arranged routes with minimal damage to the environment.

4. Segregate and stack logs

4.1 Locate stacks to provide appropriate space for the conduct of other landing operations, in line with planned layout and site requirements.

4.2 Position and construct log stacks to provide stability and minimise problems from slippage and falling of logs.

4.3 Carry out maintenance of log stacks in line with planned layout and site requirements.

4.4 Visually assess delivered logs and direct/move to appropriate location for further processing or stacking.

5. Carry out machine operator maintenance

5.1 Follow equipment lock-out procedures in line with WHS requirements and site procedures.

5.2 Conduct visual inspection and fault finding procedures are in line with manufacturer's recommendations and site procedures.

5.3 Conduct routine operational servicing to maintain optimum operational performance of equipment.

5.4 Diagnose faults, malfunctions or problems with equipment and report in line with site procedures.

5.5 Clean and store equipment, attachments and other ancillary equipment.

5.6 Record and report mechanical processor operation results in line with site procedures.

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 construction of stable log stack.

Communication skills to:

interact verbally and non-verbally using hand signals and agreed gestures with others on site, as required, to ensure safe and effective mechanical processor operations.

Reading skills to:

interpret site requirements, environmental information and manufacturer’s instructions.

Problem solving skills to:

to identify equipment problems and faults and find solutions to rectify.