Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:25 AM AWST
23/07/2026 12:25 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Conduct mechanical processor operations
Conduct mechanical processor operations
Unit of competency
National Code
FPIHAR3210C
FPIHAR3210C
State Code
D6032
D6032
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
04/08/2014
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
04/08/2014
Nominal Hours
100
Description
This unit describes the outcomes required to operate a wheeled or tracked mechanical processor in a forest environment. It requires the mandatory functions of processing trees mechanically, and segregating and stacking logs Compliance with licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may be required in various jurisdictionsThis unit replaces FPIHAR3210B Conduct mechanical processor operations
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan and prepare for operations
- 1.1.Applicable Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), environmental, legislative and organisational requirements relevant to conducting mechanical processor operations are identified and followed
- 1.2.Site environmental protection measures are adhered to in line with relevant legislation and regulations
- 1.3.Work plan is reviewed and checked with appropriate personnel
- 1.4.Equipment is selected appropriate to work requirements and checked for operational effectiveness in line with manufacturer's recommendations
- 1.5.Tree or log load placement and access requirements are identified and assessed for safe working conditions
- 1.6.Mechanical processor operations are planned in line with site procedures and environmental and heritage concerns
- 1.7.Communication with others is established and maintained in line with OHS requirements
2. Operate equipment
- 2.1.All work is conducted in line with work plan, environmental and OHS requirements
- 2.2.Mechanical processor is operated within equipment capabilities and limitations, and manoeuvred to ensure safe and efficient operations
- 2.3.Pre-operational checks are carried out on equipment and attachments in line with manufacturer's recommendations and site procedures
- 2.4.Operating techniques are selected and adjusted as required to meet work requirements and site conditions
- 2.5.Mechanical processor performance is systematically monitored to ensure and maintain efficient operations
- 2.6.Site hazards associated with crawler operations are detected and safe operating techniques are used to minimise risk
- 2.7.Emergency plan procedures are followed in line with OHS, environmental, legal and site requirements
3. Process individual trees
- 3.1.Movement and whereabouts of other personnel is monitored and work modified to be in line with OHS requirements
- 3.2.Access and processing characteristics of fallen trees are assessed and processing is planned to ensure minimal tree damage and maximum recovery
- 3.3.Required length cutting patterns are programmed or modified on processing controller to meet work plan requirements
- 3.4.Equipment is positioned for stable and safe access to felled tree and loads are placed within rated load/reach capacity
- 3.5.Tree is processed to produce standard length and diameter of logs with optimal grade and length combination in line with work plan requirements
- 3.6.Equipment is safely and efficiently operated to stack pre-bunched logs/stems to facilitate subsequent recovery operations
- 3.7.Processing techniques are adjusted as required in response to unexpected characteristics, movement or condition of tree
- 3.8.Personnel safety and minimal damage to the timber and surrounding environment are ensured through method used to move timber/stems to pre-bunching site
- 3.9.Equipment is moved over pre-arranged routes with minimal damage to the environment
4. Segregate and stack logs
- 4.1.Planned landing layout and log handling procedures are identified from site and work plan instructions and checked with appropriate personnel as required
- 4.2.Stacks are located to provide appropriate space for access by site equipment and to allow for the conduct of other landing operations
- 4.3.Log stacks are positioned and maintained in line with planned layout and site requirements
- 4.4.Log stacks are constructed to provide stability and minimise problems from slippage and falling of logs
- 4.5.Delivered logs are visually assessed and directed/moved to appropriate location for further processing or stacking
5. Carry out machine operator maintenance
- 5.1.Equipment lock-out procedures are followed in line with OHS requirements and site procedures
- 5.2.Visual inspection and fault findingprocedures are conducted in line with manufacturer's recommendations and site procedures
- 5.3.Routine operational servicing is conducted to maintain optimum operational performance of equipment in line with manufacturer's recommendations
- 5.4.Equipment, attachments and other ancillary equipment is cleaned and stored in line with manufacturer's recommendations and site procedures
- 5.5.Faults, malfunctions or problems with equipment are diagnosed and reported in line with site procedures
- 5.6.Mechanical processor operation results are recorded and reported in line with site procedures
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
OHS requirements:
are to be in line with applicable Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation and regulations, and organisational safety policies and procedures, and may include:
personal protective equipment and clothing
safety equipment
first aid equipment
fire fighting equipment
hazard and risk control
fatigue management
elimination of hazardous materials and substances
safe forest practices including required actions relating to forest fire
manual handling including shifting, lifting and carrying
Environmental requirements may include:
legislation
organisational policies and procedures
workplace practices
Legislative requirements:
are to be in line with applicable Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation, regulations, certification requirements and codes of practice and may include:
award and enterprise agreements
industrial relations
Australian Standards
confidentiality and privacy
OHS
the environment
equal opportunity
anti-discrimination
relevant industry codes of practice
duty of care
heritage and traditional land owner issues
Organisational requirements may include:
legal
organisational and site guidelines
policies and procedures relating to own role and responsibility
quality assurance
procedural manuals
quality and continuous improvement processes and standards
OHS, emergency and evacuation procedures
ethical standards
recording and reporting requirements
equipment use and maintenance and storage requirements
environmental management requirements (waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines)
Mechanical processor
may be wheeled or tracked
Environmental protection measures
may include action to limit the impact to:
ground growth and canopy
may include action to limit the impact of:
soil and water
general forest lean
wind speed and direction
fallen trees
density of trees
ground slope
ground hazards
obstacles
Work plan is to include:
instructions for mechanical processor operations including trees to be processed and cutting length requirements
and may include information about:
landing layouts
site plans
forest operational plans
emergency procedures in case of fire and/or accident
instructions for the environmental monitoring of work and procedures
environmental care requirements relevant to the work
Appropriate personnel may include:
supervisors
clients
colleagues
managers
Logs may include:
full range of species
size
conditions encountered in local harvesting operations
softwood or hardwood
Safe working conditions may include:
identification of risks and hazards
unsafe ground
fences
holes, pot holes
materials
vehicles
abandoned equipment
personnel
adverse weather conditions (electrical storms, floods)
fires
Mechanical processor operations must include:
the mechanical processing of trees and segregating and stacking of logs
and may include:
the mechanical falling of trees
the de-barking, pre-bunching and loading of logs
Planning
requires ensuring minimal equipment and product movement during operations including determining level and stable surfaces for safely relocating logs
Environmental and heritage concerns may include:
dust
noise
water
flora and fauna
heritage legislation
culturally sensitive sites and artefacts
plantations
native forest
Communication may include:
verbal and non-verbal language
hand or other agreed signals
eye contact with other operators or personnel
active listening
questioning to clarify and confirm understanding
use of electronic communication devices
Capabilities
of equipment and/or attachments may include:
efficient and safe operating speed
duration of operation
type of activities performed
weight and/or load limitations
operating limitations
Pre-operational checks
are conducted to ensure equipment and attachments have been set-up correctly, the systems are performing accurately and operating to optimum performance
and may be to:
visual and audio warning devices and lights
engine and stop engine lights
fluid levels
cab display instrumentation and gauges
on-board computer systems, if relevant
and may also involve:
start-up, park and shut-down procedures including safety mechanisms operation (horn, operating lights), correct location of equipment, vehicle security
Site conditions may include:
wet, dry
day, night
stability of ground
broken ground
slope of working surface
location of water table
Hazards may include:
uneven/unstable terrain
trees
fires
overhead and underground services
bridges
buildings
excavations
traffic
embankment
cuttings
structures and hazardous materials
Emergency plan may include:
notification of authorities
evacuation procedures
isolation procedures
equipment shut-down procedures
clean up
first aid
use of personal protective equipment and guarding
access and exit
Positioning
of equipment is to ensure:
machine stability to minimise movement during and between processing operations
safe access to felled tree
safe processing and placement clearance for the efficient extraction of processed logs
Maintenance
of log stacks includes:
providing for anticipated stock levels
stock rotation requirements
size
segregation of lengths
species
grades
Visual assessment
of logs includes:
identifying and determining species
diameter, length, grade
landing layout
stock rotation requirements
Visual inspection and fault finding procedures may include:
vehicle number
danger tag
personnel proximity
tyres and rim condition
wheel nuts and studs
light positioning and cleanliness
radiator top up tank
oil leaks, fuel leaks, water leaks
no combustible material around exhaust
damage to equipment
portable fire extinguisher
fire suppression system
cab mounts
windows
engine oil to be checked before starting engine
grease lines
cab conditions
Routine operational servicing may include:
checking fluid levels
greasing
tightening loose fittings
filter changing
Cleaning methods may include:
water
steam
degreasing
vacuum
forced air
Records and reports may include:
end of shift documentation
work log
supplies log
computer readings
and may be:
manual
using a computer-based system or another appropriate organisational communication system
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
OHS requirements:
are to be in line with applicable Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation and regulations, and organisational safety policies and procedures, and may include:
personal protective equipment and clothing
safety equipment
first aid equipment
fire fighting equipment
hazard and risk control
fatigue management
elimination of hazardous materials and substances
safe forest practices including required actions relating to forest fire
manual handling including shifting, lifting and carrying
Environmental requirements may include:
legislation
organisational policies and procedures
workplace practices
Legislative requirements:
are to be in line with applicable Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation, regulations, certification requirements and codes of practice and may include:
award and enterprise agreements
industrial relations
Australian Standards
confidentiality and privacy
OHS
the environment
equal opportunity
anti-discrimination
relevant industry codes of practice
duty of care
heritage and traditional land owner issues
Organisational requirements may include:
legal
organisational and site guidelines
policies and procedures relating to own role and responsibility
quality assurance
procedural manuals
quality and continuous improvement processes and standards
OHS, emergency and evacuation procedures
ethical standards
recording and reporting requirements
equipment use and maintenance and storage requirements
environmental management requirements (waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines)
Mechanical processor
may be wheeled or tracked
Environmental protection measures
may include action to limit the impact to:
ground growth and canopy
may include action to limit the impact of:
soil and water
general forest lean
wind speed and direction
fallen trees
density of trees
ground slope
ground hazards
obstacles
Work plan is to include:
instructions for mechanical processor operations including trees to be processed and cutting length requirements
and may include information about:
landing layouts
site plans
forest operational plans
emergency procedures in case of fire and/or accident
instructions for the environmental monitoring of work and procedures
environmental care requirements relevant to the work
Appropriate personnel may include:
supervisors
clients
colleagues
managers
Logs may include:
full range of species
size
conditions encountered in local harvesting operations
softwood or hardwood
Safe working conditions may include:
identification of risks and hazards
unsafe ground
fences
holes, pot holes
materials
vehicles
abandoned equipment
personnel
adverse weather conditions (electrical storms, floods)
fires
Mechanical processor operations must include:
the mechanical processing of trees and segregating and stacking of logs
and may include:
the mechanical falling of trees
the de-barking, pre-bunching and loading of logs
Planning
requires ensuring minimal equipment and product movement during operations including determining level and stable surfaces for safely relocating logs
Environmental and heritage concerns may include:
dust
noise
water
flora and fauna
heritage legislation
culturally sensitive sites and artefacts
plantations
native forest
Communication may include:
verbal and non-verbal language
hand or other agreed signals
eye contact with other operators or personnel
active listening
questioning to clarify and confirm understanding
use of electronic communication devices
Capabilities
of equipment and/or attachments may include:
efficient and safe operating speed
duration of operation
type of activities performed
weight and/or load limitations
operating limitations
Pre-operational checks
are conducted to ensure equipment and attachments have been set-up correctly, the systems are performing accurately and operating to optimum performance
and may be to:
visual and audio warning devices and lights
engine and stop engine lights
fluid levels
cab display instrumentation and gauges
on-board computer systems, if relevant
and may also involve:
start-up, park and shut-down procedures including safety mechanisms operation (horn, operating lights), correct location of equipment, vehicle security
Site conditions may include:
wet, dry
day, night
stability of ground
broken ground
slope of working surface
location of water table
Hazards may include:
uneven/unstable terrain
trees
fires
overhead and underground services
bridges
buildings
excavations
traffic
embankment
cuttings
structures and hazardous materials
Emergency plan may include:
notification of authorities
evacuation procedures
isolation procedures
equipment shut-down procedures
clean up
first aid
use of personal protective equipment and guarding
access and exit
Positioning
of equipment is to ensure:
machine stability to minimise movement during and between processing operations
safe access to felled tree
safe processing and placement clearance for the efficient extraction of processed logs
Maintenance
of log stacks includes:
providing for anticipated stock levels
stock rotation requirements
size
segregation of lengths
species
grades
Visual assessment
of logs includes:
identifying and determining species
diameter, length, grade
landing layout
stock rotation requirements
Visual inspection and fault finding procedures may include:
vehicle number
danger tag
personnel proximity
tyres and rim condition
wheel nuts and studs
light positioning and cleanliness
radiator top up tank
oil leaks, fuel leaks, water leaks
no combustible material around exhaust
damage to equipment
portable fire extinguisher
fire suppression system
cab mounts
windows
engine oil to be checked before starting engine
grease lines
cab conditions
Routine operational servicing may include:
checking fluid levels
greasing
tightening loose fittings
filter changing
Cleaning methods may include:
water
steam
degreasing
vacuum
forced air
Records and reports may include:
end of shift documentation
work log
supplies log
computer readings
and may be:
manual
using a computer-based system or another appropriate organisational communication system
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence that they can safely and efficiently conduct mechanical processor operations in line with organisational requirements
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to, and satisfy, all of the requirements of the elements of this unit and include demonstration of:
following applicable Commonwealth, State or Territory legislative and regulatory requirements and codes of practice relevant to mechanical processor operations
following organisational policies and procedures relevant to mechanical processor operations
communicating effectively and working safely with others in the work area
planning, preparing and carrying out mechanical processor operations to safely and efficiently process trees mechanically and segregate and stack logs
conducting pre-operational checks and routine operational servicing of equipment
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or realistically simulated workplace
Assessment is to occur under standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints
Assessment of required knowledge, other than confirmatory questions, will usually be conducted in an off-site context
Assessment is to follow relevant regulatory or Australian Standards requirements
The following resources should be made available:
workplace location or simulated workplace
materials and equipment relevant to undertaking work applicable to this unit
specifications and work instructions
Method of assessment
Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the FPI11 Training Package
Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with application of required knowledge
Assessment must be by direct observation of tasks, with questioning on required knowledge and it must also reinforce the integration of employability skills
Assessment methods must confirm the ability to access and correctly interpret and apply the required knowledge
Assessment may be applied under project-related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process
Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is able not only to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances
Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency
The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate
Assessment practices should take into account any relevant language or cultural issues related to Aboriginality, gender or language backgrounds other than English
Where the participant has a disability, reasonable adjustment may be applied during assessment
Language and literacy demands of the assessment task should not be higher than those of the work role
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence that they can safely and efficiently conduct mechanical processor operations in line with organisational requirements
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to, and satisfy, all of the requirements of the elements of this unit and include demonstration of:
following applicable Commonwealth, State or Territory legislative and regulatory requirements and codes of practice relevant to mechanical processor operations
following organisational policies and procedures relevant to mechanical processor operations
communicating effectively and working safely with others in the work area
planning, preparing and carrying out mechanical processor operations to safely and efficiently process trees mechanically and segregate and stack logs
conducting pre-operational checks and routine operational servicing of equipment
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or realistically simulated workplace
Assessment is to occur under standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints
Assessment of required knowledge, other than confirmatory questions, will usually be conducted in an off-site context
Assessment is to follow relevant regulatory or Australian Standards requirements
The following resources should be made available:
workplace location or simulated workplace
materials and equipment relevant to undertaking work applicable to this unit
specifications and work instructions
Method of assessment
Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the FPI11 Training Package
Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with application of required knowledge
Assessment must be by direct observation of tasks, with questioning on required knowledge and it must also reinforce the integration of employability skills
Assessment methods must confirm the ability to access and correctly interpret and apply the required knowledge
Assessment may be applied under project-related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process
Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is able not only to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances
Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency
The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate
Assessment practices should take into account any relevant language or cultural issues related to Aboriginality, gender or language backgrounds other than English
Where the participant has a disability, reasonable adjustment may be applied during assessment
Language and literacy demands of the assessment task should not be higher than those of the work role
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WA851 | FPIHAR3210B | Conduct mechanical processor operations | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AXK30 | FWPHAR3210 | Conduct mechanical processor operations | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J612 | FPI30213 | Certificate III in Harvesting and Haulage | Qualification |
| J466 | FPI30211 | Certificate III in Harvesting and Haulage | Qualification |
| S478 | FPI30205 | Certificate III in Harvesting and Haulage | Qualification |