Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 5:48 PM AWST

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Conduct mechanically assisted tree falling operations

Conduct mechanically assisted tree falling operations

Unit of competency
National Code
FWPHAR3235
State Code
ODS13
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
28/01/2022
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
21/06/2022
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
21/06/2022
Nominal Hours
150
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to use machinery, winches and cables to push or pull trees away from their natural direction of fall.The unit applies to individuals who operate mechanically assisted tree falling equipment as part of forestry operations.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for tree pushing or pulling
  • 1.1 Determine job requirements from work order or instruction and, where required, seek clarification from appropriate personnel
  • 1.2 Confirm safety and environmental requirements, including use of personal protective equipment (PPE), for the task according to workplace procedures
  • 1.3 Identify, assess and take actions to mitigate risks and hazards associated with mechanically assisted tree falling operations
  • 1.4 Identify emergency plan procedures to follow in the event of an incident or accident
  • 1.5 Select appropriate cutting equipment and pushing or pulling equipment for work, and check for operational effectiveness
  • 1.6 Consult with appropriate personnel to ensure that work is coordinated effectively with others in the workplace
  • 1.7 Identify type and quantity of trees to be pushed or pulled, and assess for safe working conditions
  • 1.8 Plan tree pushing or pulling activities according to workplace procedures and environmental requirements
2. Assess and plan tree pushing or pulling
  • 2.1 Assess tree location and stability for conditions likely to affect safety of tree pushing or pulling activities
  • 2.2 Visually assess tree for defects, grade and recovery status
  • 2.3 Mark trees too dangerous to be felled safely and refer to appropriate personnel
  • 2.4 Apply manual or mechanical techniques to clear growth around tree
  • 2.5 Plan cutting sequence to control direction of the fall and minimise damage to the tree, hang-ups and surrounding environment
  • 2.6 Plan and clear an escape route
  • 2.7 Establish and maintain communication with other personnel to ensure safety
3. Push or pull trees
  • 3.1 Perform pre-start-up checks on equipment according to workplace procedures
  • 3.2 Monitor movement and whereabouts of other personnel to ensure safety
  • 3.3 Remove and clear leaders according to tree pushing or pulling plan
  • 3.4 Identify and diagnose unexpected tree characteristics, and review planned actions
  • 3.5 Check winches, cables and machinery for correct tension and position and make scarf cut according to planned falling direction and safety requirements
  • 3.6 Make appropriate cuts below scarf cut to assist fall angle of tree
  • 3.7 Use planned escape route once tree begins to fall
  • 3.8 Monitor movement of tree on ground until stable, and immediately flag and clear trees that hang up
  • 3.9 Clear work site of refuse created by tree falling following workplace environmental care procedures
  • 3.10 Record and report tree pushing or pulling operations according to workplace procedures
4. Conduct operator maintenance
  • 4.1 Follow equipment lock-out procedures according to workplace procedures and manufacturer specifications
  • 4.2 Inspect condition of tools and equipment on completion of felling activities
  • 4.3 Identify blunt or damaged chainsaw chain
  • 4.4 Remove, sharpen, maintain, adjust and refit chainsaw chain and other components according to manufacturer recommendations
  • 4.5 Assess and adjust chainsaw setup according to workplace procedures
  • 4.6 Check and service tree pushing or pulling equipment according to workplace procedures
  • 4.7 Record and report equipment maintenance activities according to workplace procedures
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AXK33 FWPHAR3213 Conduct mechanically assisted tree falling operations Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BHK7 FWP30122 Certificate III in Forest Operations Qualification
BHL3 FWP30121 Certificate III in Forest Operations Qualification