Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:52 PM AWST

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Fell trees manually (advanced)

Fell trees manually (advanced)

Unit of competency
National Code
FWPCOT3351
State Code
OFE56
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
26/04/2024
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
03/09/2024
Field of Education
050301 - Horticulture
Original Release Date
03/09/2024
Nominal Hours
140
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assess, plan and safely carry out manual felling of trees with advanced characteristics using a chainsaw. This unit covers the felling procedures for advanced trees with a level of complexity that requires significant tree assessment and advanced practical felling skills.The unit applies to individuals who possess existing proficiency in operating a chainsaw and are required to fell advanced trees as part of arboriculture, forestry, agriculture, conservation and land management, local government, emergency services and other government agency operations. With the exception of minor forest produce, this unit does not apply to commercial harvesting operations.Individuals competent in this unit should be able to effectively fell trees of any size, species and condition, including those with significant defects and characteristics that cause excessive felling complexity, that are deemed safe to fell.Trees typical to the scope of this unit may have some of the following characteristics:lean and with weight distribution that adds significant complexity yet can be assessed and adapted to site requirementslarge diameter trees, but not exclusively, that can be safely felled with complex felling techniquesheavy forward leanlean in a direction away from the fall zone or side-leaning to the available fall zonedamage or defect that requires complex felling techniques, including trees with visible lightning damage, burnt out trees and those with fire damaged buttshung up trees that can be removed safelymulti-legged, hollow butts, culls and stagsspecies prone to free splitting and adverse reactions during fellingcomplex multi-stemsterrain, slope and environment that can add significant complexity to the operation.All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, according to state/territory health and safety regulations, legislation and standards that apply to the workplace.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for felling
  • 1.1 Determine job requirements from work order or instruction and, where required, seek clarification from appropriate personnel
  • 1.2 Confirm workplace health and safety and environmental protection practices and/or procedures for task
  • 1.3 Identify hazards, assess risks, determine appropriate control measures and record findings to mitigate risks and hazards associated with felling advanced trees by conducting a documented risk assessment according to workplace procedures
  • 1.4 Identify, assess and determine felling requirements of trees to fell according to work order or instruction
  • 1.5 Consult and maintain communication with team members and other appropriate personnel to ensure that work is coordinated effectively with others in the workplace
  • 1.6 Select, fit and use personal protective equipment
  • 1.7 Obtain tools and equipment needed for the work, and check for correct operation and safety
2. Assess site conditions and surroundings
  • 2.1 Inspect site for conditions likely to affect safe implementation of felling activities
  • 2.2 Identify and report site environmental conditions to appropriate personnel
  • 2.3 Determine fall zone and implement control measures to minimise risks and hazards in the zone according to safe work procedures
  • 2.4 Monitor location and activity of other personnel on the work site, and implement control measures according to workplace safety procedures
3. Assess tree and plan felling
  • 3.1 Identify trees considered outside own skill level, and seek assistance from appropriate personnel where required
  • 3.2 Assess tree visually to identify felling characteristics
  • 3.3 Assess trees and site to determine complexity of felling requirements
  • 3.4 Confirm tree is safe to fell
  • 3.5 Assess and progressively plan tree-felling sequence for individual trees
  • 3.6 Assess and check required felling direction and possible deviation
  • 3.7 Plan suitable escape routes, and clear routes of growth and other obstacles according to environmental care, workplace and regulatory requirements
  • 3.8 Plan sequence of cuts to fell tree according to standard felling procedures
  • 3.9 Assess need, safety and suitability of an industry approved technique and associated equipment to control tree fall
  • 3.10 Confirm planned escape route according to workplace procedures
4. Apply tree-felling techniques
  • 4.1 Fell individual trees using planned and appropriate techniques according to current Australian Standards and industry codes of practice at a safe distance from other personnel, machinery, infrastructure and other assets in the work area
  • 4.2 Apply an industry approved technique and equipment to ensure that the tree falls in the direction of the scarf
  • 4.3 Adjust cutting technique in response to movement and condition of tree
  • 4.4 Use planned escape route when tree starts to fall, and monitor the fall of the tree until all movement has stopped
  • 4.5 Delay movement back into the felling area until all tree material, including from adjacent tree crowns, has fallen or is stable enough to allow safe access back into the felling area
  • 4.6 Identify procedures for removal of trees that are hung-up if safe to do so
  • 4.7 Dispose of waste materials according to workplace environmental protection and operational practices and/or procedures
5. Maintain chainsaw and cutting attachments
  • 5.1 Follow workplace health and safety procedures and manufacturer instructions to deactivate and isolate equipment
  • 5.2 Inspect chainsaw on completion of activities
  • 5.3 Inspect for damage to chainsaw and cutting attachments, and tag for repair, service or replacement according to workplace requirements and manufacturer recommendations
  • 5.4 Remove, clean, adjust, sharpen or replace chain and other components according to workplace requirements and manufacturer recommendations
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
OFD04 FWPCOT3348 Fell trees manually (advanced) Unit of competency