Application
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to conduct skidder operations to haul timber over rough terrain, from the forest to the landing. It includes planning and preparation for work, conducting operational checks, the safe and effective operation of the skidder for a range of mandatory tasks, the use of attachments and operator maintenance activities.
The unit applies to those who conduct skidder operations 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 skidder operations | 1.1 Review work order and clarify with appropriate personnel. 1.2 Assess type and quantity of material to be processed with skidder. 1.3 Select equipment appropriate to work requirements and check for operational effectiveness. 1.4 Plan skidder operations in line with site procedures and environmental and heritage concerns. |
2. Operate skidder and attachments | 2.1 Establish and maintain communication with relevant personnel. 2.2 Carry out pre-operational checks on skidder. 2.3 Detect site hazards associated with skidder operations and plan safe operating techniques to minimise risk. 2.4 Establish method to keep logs balanced and controlled during haul. 2.5 Select lifting or towing gear, attach and use in line with safe working load requirements and site conditions. 2.6 Use controls effectively and adjust operating techniques to achieve optimum efficiency in moving load. 2.7 Haul logs to landing site safely and effectively, using hand and audible signals in line with site procedures. |
3. Carry out machine operator maintenance | 3.1 Park and shut-down skidder in line with site procedures. 3.2 Conduct visual inspection to identify issues and faults. 3.3 Remove and replace defective parts in line with manufacturer's recommendations. 3.4 Clean, check and carry out routine maintenance tasks on skidder and attachments. 3.5 Clean work area and dispose of, or recycle waste materials, in line with site environmental management plan. 3.6 Record and report skidder 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 skidder with attachments to move timber to a designated site
use lifting or towing gear including grapples, cables and winches
follow organisational policies and procedures for effectively operating a skidder
communicate effectively with others in the work area
carry out routine maintenance on skidder
record and report skidder operations and maintenance activities.
Evidence of Knowledge
A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
workplace requirements and standards for operating a skidder
environmental protection requirements
operational procedures and checks including start-up and shut-down procedures
equipment processes, technical capability and limitations
skidder attachments and capabilities
established communication channels and protocols to maintain safety
processes for managing risks and hazards associated with hauling operations:
uneven/unstable terrain
trees
fires
overhead and underground services
bridges
buildings
excavations
traffic
embankments
cuttings
structures and hazardous materials
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:
cable or grapple skidder
trees to be moved
personal protective equipment required for conducting skidder operations
work order, workplace requirements and site standards for conducting skidder 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 | estimate loads to be moved in line with capacity of equipment. |
Problem solving skills to: | identify and resolve equipment issues and faults. |
Range Statement
Not Applicable
Sectors
Harvesting and Haulage