Application
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to set up and operate the yarder, inspect and modify rigging, pull logs from the cutting area to the landing, and to control speed, braking, drums, positioning of chokers and manoeuvring of obstacles.
The unit applies to those operating a yarder in a forest or farm 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. Prepare for yarder operations | 1.1 Review work plan and clarify with appropriate personnel. 1.2 Identify type and quantity of logs to be hauled and assess for safe working conditions. 1.3 Plan yarder and cable operations in line with site procedures. |
2. Set up yarder | 2.1 Establish and maintain communication with other personnel to ensure safety. 2.2 Move yarder to the landing in line with the logging code of practice. 2.3 Position yarder is positioned on landing in line with planned system design and stable, level support base is ensured for outriggers. 2.4 Inspect tower or spar is rigged to suit system design and raised in line with manufacturer's recommendations and the logging code of practice. 2.5 Work with other personnel to tension lines with enough slack to facilitate yarder movements. |
3. Inspect and maintain cable systems | 3.1 Observe mechanical system components during normal operations, faults noted and corrective actions taken. 3.2 Routinely inspect system components and maintain, repair or replace in line with the logging code of practice. 3.3 Routinely inspected guylines and adjust tension to equalise load in line with the logging code of practice. 3.4 Lubricate blocks to maintain operational condition. 3.5 Diagnose repetitive damage and review and amend operational practices. |
4. Haul logs | 4.1 Carry out pre start-up checks are on equipment in line with site requirements. 4.2 Perform yarder operations only in response to breakout, landing signals or own transmitted signals. 4.3 Monitor, manage and control yarder mechanical systems are to maintain log alignment and satisfy safe operating limits. 4.4 Control tension is in running and standing lines to optimise the lift and deflection consistency with payload and rope capacities. 4.5 Anticipate hang ups and obstacles, halt haul and clear in cooperation with the rigging slinger. 4.6 Use haul speed, line swing and bridling to position logs on the landing and control payloads in cooperation with the chaser. 4.7 Return rigging to extraction point and position in line with signals from the rigging slinger. 4.8 Record and report yarding process and equipment faults to the appropriate personnel. |
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 effectively operate a yarder to recover felled logs in line with the work order and site requirements
set up a yarder in line with site conditions
assist to shift lines according to the hook tender's instructions
inspect and modify rigging
pull logs from the cutting area to the landing
anticipate obstacles including standing trees, stumps, rocks and ground projections
clear obstacles in cooperation with a Rigging Slinger
control speed, braking, drums, positioning of chokers and manoeuvring of obstacles
communicate effectively with rigging slinger, colleagues and others on work site
identify and resolve equipment faults.
Evidence of Knowledge
A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
workplace requirements and site standards requirements, policies and procedures for operating a yarder
environmental protection requirements, including the safe disposal of waste material and the cleaning of plant, tools and equipment
cable logging and yarder operating techniques
rigging techniques and signal systems
job role and activities associated with role of a Rigging Slinger
industry standard lengths
mechanical system components including haul speed, engine power and yarder operational temperatures and pressures.
processes for managing risks and hazards associated with yarder operations
knowledge of defects in trees that can effect processing and cause risk
problem identification and resolution strategies and common fault finding techniques
procedures for recording and reporting workplace information.
Assessment Conditions
The following resources must be made available:
access to a mobile or static yarder with more than one operational drum
personal protective equipment required to carry out yarder operations
suitable site to carry out yarder operations
logs to be hauled
work order, workplace requirements and site standards for operating a yarder
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. | |
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