Application
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to operate a single grip harvester. It includes planning and preparation for work, the safe and effective operation of the single grip harvester for a range of mandatory tasks, the fitting, use and removal of cutting attachments and operator maintenance activities.
The unit applies to those who operate a single grip harvester 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 operation | 1.1 Review work order and clarify with appropriate personnel. 1.2 Assess type and quantity of material to be processed with a single grip harvester. 1.3 Select appropriate equipment and check for operational effectiveness. 1.4 Plan single grip harvester operations in line with site procedures, and environmental and heritage concerns. |
2. Operate a single grip harvester | 2.1 Establish and maintain communication with relevant personnel. 2.2 Carry out pre-operational checks on single grip harvester. 2.3 Detect site hazards associated with single grip harvester operations and plan safe operating techniques to minimise risk. 2.4 Position machinery and harvesting head to ensure stability and to effectively fell and process felled trees. 2.5 Use and adjust operating techniques to achieve optimum efficiency in felling trees. 2.6 Process felled trees safely and effectively. |
3. Select, remove and fit cutting attachments | 3.1 Select cutting attachment to suit the task. 3.2 Fit, use and remove cutting attachment in line with manufacturer's recommendations and site requirements. 3.3 Clean and store cutting attachment in designated location. |
4. Carry out machine operator maintenance | 4.1 Park and shut-down single grip harvester in line with site procedures. 4.2 Conduct visual inspection to identify issues and faults. 4.3 Remove and replace defective parts in line with manufacturer's recommendations. 4.4 Clean, check and carry out routine maintenance tasks on single grip harvester. 4.5 Clean work area and dispose of, or recycle waste materials, in line with site environmental management plan. 4.6 Record and single grip harvester operations and maintenance activities, 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.
safely operate a single grip harvester to fell, delimb and cut trees to length
follow organisational policies and procedures for operating a single grip harvester
safely change and fit a single grip harvester cutting attachment
select appropriate cutting attachments including sprocket or bar and chain components used for felling or docking trees
communicate effectively with others in the work area
carry out routine maintenance on single grip harvester
follow applicable licensing or certification requirements.
Evidence of Knowledge
A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
workplace policies, procedures and standards for operating a single grip harvester
environmental protection requirements
operational procedures and checks including start-up and shut-down procedures
equipment processes, technical capability and limitations
harvester attachments and capabilities
established communication channels and protocols to maintain safety
processes for managing risks and hazards associated with harvesting operations including:
uneven/unstable terrain
trees
fires
overhead and underground services
bridges
buildings
excavations
traffic
embankment
cuttings
structures and hazardous materials
knowledge of defects in trees that can effect processing and cause risk
workplace health and safety requirements, fire protocols and emergency evacuation procedures
procedures for recording and reporting workplace records and information.
Assessment Conditions
The following resources must be made available:
wheeled or tracked single grip harvester and cutting attachments
site to fell and process trees
personal protective equipment required for operating a single grip harvester
work order, workplace requirements and site standards for conducting single grip harvester 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. | |
Writing skills to: | complete records, reports and maintenance logs. |
Problem solving skills to: | identify and resolve equipment issues and faults. |
Range Statement
Not Applicable
Sectors
Harvesting and Haulage