Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:08 AM AWST

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Fell trees manually (intermediate)

Fell trees manually (intermediate)

Unit of competency
National Code
FWPCOT3350
State Code
OFE57
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
120
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assess, plan and safely carry out manual felling of intermediate trees using a chainsaw. This unit covers the felling procedures for trees with a level of complexity that requires significant tree assessment and practical felling skills.The unit applies to individuals who possess existing proficiency in operating a chainsaw and are required to fell intermediate 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 most trees, except advanced trees and/or those with significant defects and/or characteristics that cause excessive complexity.Trees typical to the scope of this unit may have some of the following characteristics:lean and where weight distribution that can be assessed and readily adapted to falling direction with the use of wedges and/or controlled with hinge wood of a larger size than typical for the local environmentlimited visible damage or defectmulti-stemsforward lean, backward lean or side leansmall or medium size diameter trees that can be safely felled with intermediate felling techniquesdead trees with minimal visible damage or defects that do not add significant complexity to the cutting techniquevarious dimensions relative to other trees when working in a forest environmentin local site conditions that add additional complexity to the felling operation, including site conditions that impact the working position of the operator or the natural direction of fall of the tree.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 intermediate trees by conducting a documented risk assessment according to workplace procedures
  • 1.4 Identify, assess and determine felling requirements of trees to be felled 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 Obtain tools and equipment needed for the work, and check for correct operation and safety
  • 1.7 Select, fit and use personal protective equipment
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 Confirm tree is safe to fell
  • 3.4 Assess trees and site to determine complexity of felling requirements
  • 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 sequence of cuts to fell tree according to standard felling procedures
  • 3.8 Assess need, safety and suitability of an industry approved technique and associated equipment to control tree fall
  • 3.9 Identify suitable escape routes, and clear growth and other obstacles according to environmental care principles and workplace procedures
4. Apply tree-felling techniques
  • 4.1 Apply an industry approved technique and equipment to ensure that the tree falls in the direction of the scarf cut
  • 4.2 Fell individual trees using planned and appropriate techniques according to the current Australian Standard and industry code of practice at a safe distance from other personnel in the work area
  • 4.3 Adjust cutting technique in response to movement and condition of tree
  • 4.4 Maintain accuracy of cuts and consistency with the cutting technique
  • 4.5 Use planned escape route when tree starts to fall, and monitor the fall of the tree until all movement has stopped
  • 4.6 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
  • 4.7 Identify procedures for removal of trees that are hung-up if safe to do so
  • 4.8 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 if required
  • 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
OFD05 FWPCOT3347 Fell trees manually (intermediate) Unit of competency