This unit of competency involves the skills and knowledge required to apply machine operation skills to the specific circumstances of fire operations. It includes fire control line construction, pushing trees, clearing vehicle turnarounds and passing bays, constructing helipads at a wildfire on forested land and completing rehabilitation activities. Work at this level will be carried out under direction with limited supervision.

The unit applies to personnel who will be directed to push trees using machinery to support fire operations.

The fire sector is those sections of government departments, statutory authorities or organisations that have responsibility under jurisdictional arrangements for the delivery of firefighting and fire management services.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Use and service machine

1.1

Machinery is set up and preparation checks are undertaken to ensure safe operation in forest environments that are free of soil and water borne disease and weeds prior to and after use

1.2

Effective communication is established with supervisor, team members and support vehicles

1.3

Safe work procedures are employed when using machinery to push tree

1.4

Machinery is parked safely and securely when not in operation

1.5

Personal protective clothing and equipment is worn and used, in accordance with organisational procedures

2

Plan to push tree

2.1

Obtain briefing and confirm work to be undertaken

2.2

Hazardous tree marking system is interpreted and actioned for each tree

2.3

Tree is assessed for suitability for pushing with machinery

2.4

Topographical factors and vegetation are considered when planning to push tree using machinery

2.4

Environmental, cultural and heritage factors are considered in relation to area where trees will be pushed

2.5

Approval is sought and gained for tree to be pushed with machinery

2.6

Hazards and safe clearances are established around trees selected for pushing with machinery

2.7

Escape routes are identified, in accordance with organisational procedures

2.8

Support personnel are warned of tree to be pushed with machinery

3

Push tree

3.1

Communication is maintained with ground crew during tree pushing operations

3.2

Ground is prepared for tree pushing with machinery

3.3

Direction of tree fall is determined

3.4

Tree is pushed with machinery applying safe tree pushing practices

3.5

Apply fireground emergency procedures

4

Undertake mopup and rehabilitation activities

4.1

Trees and debris are cleared for safe access to safety zone escape routes and to allow for mop up work

4.2

Area, where trees have been pushed by machinery, is made safe for organisational personnel to enter

4.3

Rehabilitation activities are conducted, in accordance with organisational procedures

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

machine must include one or more of the following

bulldozer

excavator

faller buncher

front end loader

harvester

and must be fitted with

Falling Object Protection Systems (FOPS)

Roll Over Protection Systems (ROPS)

Fire

Fire