Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:29 PM AWST

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Conduct mechanical processor operations

Conduct mechanical processor operations

Unit of competency
National Code
FWPHAR3234
State Code
ODS14
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
100
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to operate a wheeled or tracked mechanical processor to process trees, and to segregate and stack logs, in a commercial forest harvesting environment. The unit applies to individuals who operate a wheeled or tracked mechanical processor 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 mechanical processor operations
  • 1.1 Determine job requirements from work order or instruction and, where required, seek clarification from appropriate personnel
  • 1.2 Confirm production targets and assess wood flow requirements to ensure efficient machine operation and overall productivity
  • 1.3 Confirm workplace health and safety requirements, including use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and machine guards, for the task
  • 1.4 Confirm environment protection requirements, including identifying potential impact of mechanical processor operations on onsite and offsite environmental values including cultural heritage, flora, fauna, ground compaction, water contamination and soil erosion
  • 1.5 Identify, assess and take actions to mitigate risks and hazards associated with machine operations
  • 1.6 Identify emergency plan procedures to follow in the event of an incident or accident
  • 1.7 Select equipment appropriate to work requirements and check for operational effectiveness
  • 1.8 Identify access to tree or log to be extracted and assess working conditions for safety
  • 1.9 Consult with appropriate personnel to ensure that work is coordinated effectively with others in the workplace
  • 1.10 Plan mechanical processor operations according to workplace procedures, environmental and heritage concerns
2. Operate equipment
  • 2.1 Conduct pre-operational checks on equipment and attachments according to manufacturer recommendations and workplace procedures
  • 2.2 Establish and maintain communication with other personnel and comply with safety signage according to workplace requirements
  • 2.3 Detect site hazards associated with processor operations, and use safe operating techniques to minimise risk
  • 2.4 Operate mechanical processor within equipment capabilities and limitations and workplace procedures
  • 2.5 Manoeuvre mechanical processor to ensure safe and efficient operations
  • 2.6 Adjust operating techniques to meet work requirements and site conditions
3. Process individual trees
  • 3.1 Monitor movement and whereabouts of other personnel to ensure safety
  • 3.2 Plan processing to ensure minimal tree damage and maximum recovery
  • 3.3 Position equipment for stable and safe access to felled tree and to ensure loads are placed within rated load/reach capacity
  • 3.4 Program or modify processing controller to produce standard length and diameter of logs with optimal grade and length combination according to work plan requirements
  • 3.5 Adjust processing techniques in response to unexpected characteristics, movement or condition of tree
  • 3.6 Move timber/stems to pre-bunching site, ensuring personnel safety and minimal damage to timber and surrounding environment
  • 3.7 Move equipment over pre-arranged routes with minimal damage to environment
4. Segregate and stack logs
  • 4.1 Locate stacks to provide appropriate space for conduct of other landing operations in line with planned layout and workplace requirements
  • 4.2 Position and construct log stacks to provide stability and minimise problems from slippage and falling of logs
  • 4.3 Carry out maintenance of log stacks according to planned layout and workplace requirements
  • 4.4 Visually assess delivered logs and direct/move to appropriate location for further processing or stacking
5. Carry out machine operator maintenance
  • 5.1 Follow equipment lock-out procedures according to workplace health and safety requirements and workplace procedures
  • 5.2 Conduct visual inspection and fault-finding procedures according to manufacturers' recommendations and workplace procedures
  • 5.3 Conduct routine operational servicing to maintain optimum operational performance of equipment
  • 5.4 Diagnose faults, malfunctions or problems with equipment, and report according to workplace procedures
  • 5.5 Clean and store equipment, attachments and other ancillary equipment
6. Complete work-related reports
  • 6.1 Complete reporting requirements related to site, incidents and hazards, personal reporting, check-in, production, machine maintenance and block completion.
  • 6.2 Submit reports to appropriate personnel according to workplace procedures
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AXK30 FWPHAR3210 Conduct mechanical processor operations Unit of competency