Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 9:40 AM AWST

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Operate harvesting machine with winch-assist system

Operate harvesting machine with winch-assist system

Unit of competency
National Code
FWPHAR3232
State Code
OCR85
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
04/12/2020
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
07/04/2021
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
07/04/2021
Nominal Hours
90
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to operate a harvesting machine with a winch-assist system. This unit includes planning for work, identifying hazards and risks, assessing worksite conditions, safely and securely positioning the anchor and carrying out machine operator maintenance.The unit applies to individuals who work as winch-assisted harvester operators in a forest or plantation setting. Individuals undertaking this unit must be competent operators of at least one of the following types of forest machines: skidder, forwarder, harvester or feller buncher.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 work
  • 1.1 Determine job requirements from work order or instruction and, where required, seek clarification from appropriate personnel
  • 1.2 Confirm production targets for harvesting and assess wood flow requirements to ensure efficient machine operation and overall productivity
  • 1.3 Confirm safety and environmental protection requirements for the task according to workplace procedures
  • 1.4 Identify, assess and take actions to mitigate risks and hazards associated with winch-assist harvesting operations
  • 1.5 Identify emergency plan procedures to follow in the event of an emergency
  • 1.6 Identify area in which winch-assisted harvesting operations are to be conducted
  • 1.7 Select, fit and use personal protective equipment
  • 1.8 Inspect, test, replace and maintain cable and end termination fittings according to manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures
2. Assess worksite
  • 2.1 Identify and assess terrain and ground conditions on worksite likely to affect winch-assisted harvesting operations
  • 2.2 Assess maximum safe slope on worksite, taking into account terrain conditions, slope and soil type according to workplace procedures
  • 2.3 Carry out risk assessments according to workplace procedures
  • 2.4 Evaluate outcomes of assessment of site conditions, maximum safe slope and risks to determine if any changes are required to work order or work instructions
3. Position winch-assist machine
  • 3.1 Determine position of winch assist machine according to workplace procedures
  • 3.2 Assess proposed position of winch assist machine against criteria for placement of machine according to safety and workplace procedures
  • 3.3 Test position of winch assist machine according to workplace procedures
4. Operate winch-assist harvesting machine
  • 4.1 Connect harvesting machine to winch assist machine according to manufacturer instructions and workplace procedures
  • 4.2 Carry out pre-start checks of harvesting machine according to manufacturer instructions and workplace procedures
  • 4.3 Position harvesting machine on slope according to workplace procedures
  • 4.4 Check and maintain condition of cable by setting correct tension, working within specified departure angles, minimising shock loading, inspecting for wear and integrity, and avoiding physical damage to cable
  • 4.5 Apply techniques to increase traction and maximise stability of harvesting machine before and during commencing operational tasks
  • 4.6 Complete operational tasks according to work order or work instructions
5. Carry out machine operator maintenance
  • 5.1 Park and shut down harvester according to manufacturer instructions and workplace procedures
  • 5.2 Clean, check and carry out routine maintenance activities on harvesting machine and winch-assist machine to maintain optimum operational performance according to manufacturer specifications
  • 5.3 Identify and report faults, malfunctions or problems according to workplace procedures and manufacturer recommendations
  • 5.4 Record harvester operations and maintenance activities
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