Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:27 PM AWST

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Operate yarder

Operate yarder

Unit of competency
National Code
FWPHAR3212
State Code
OCR42
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
180
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to operate a yarder for log production and use optimised production processes in a commercial forest harvesting environment. The unit applies to individuals who work as yarder operators in cable logging operations in a forest or plantation harvesting environment. All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, according to state/territory health and safety regulations, legislation, standards and codes of practice 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. Plan and prepare to operate a yarder
  • 1.1 Determine job requirements from work order or instruction and, where required, seek clarification from appropriate personnel
  • 1.2 Confirm production plan targets for felling and processing, 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 Confirm type, size and quantity of stems and/or logs to be moved with yarder to ensure that loads, machine and cable system are consistent with safe working load requirements and workplace health and safety and workplace procedures
  • 1.5 Identify, assess and take actions to mitigate risks and hazards associated with yarder operations
  • 1.6 Identify emergency plan procedures to follow in the event of an emergency
  • 1.7 Use production plans to identify location of landing area, extraction routes and entry points for efficient extraction of stems and/or logs and minimum interference with other forestry operations
  • 1.8 Assess terrain characteristics to establish machine stability
2. Set up yarder
  • 2.1 Use industry-accepted warning signs, vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems and procedures to maintain communication and workplace safety during yarder set-up and operation
  • 2.2 Move yarder to the landing according to workplace and regulatory and manufacturer requirements
  • 2.3 Position yarder on landing for stability according to planned system design by adjusting the technique in response to terrain conditions and ensuring a stable level support base for outriggers
  • 2.4 Check that tower or spar is rigged to suit system design and raised according to manufacturer recommendations and regulatory requirements
  • 2.5 Work with other personnel to tension lines with enough slack to facilitate yarder movements
3. Inspect and maintain cable system
  • 3.1 Observe mechanical system components during normal operations, note faults and take corrective actions
  • 3.2 Inspect system components routinely and maintain, repair or replace according to manufacturer recommendations, workplace procedures and regulatory requirements
  • 3.3 Inspect guylines routinely and adjust tension to equalise load according to manufacturer recommendations, workplace procedures and regulatory requirements
  • 3.4 Lubricate blocks to maintain operational condition
  • 3.5 Identify repetitive damage of cable system and review and amend operational practices
4. Haul stems and/or logs
  • 4.1 Carry out pre-operational checks on machine and cable system according to workplace procedures and manufacturer recommendations to ensure optimal production performance and operational effectiveness
  • 4.2 Perform yarder operations only in response to breakout, landing signals or own transmitted signals
  • 4.3 Monitor, manage and control yarder mechanical systems to maintain log alignment and satisfy safe operating limits
  • 4.4 Control tension in running and standing lines to balance the lift and deflection consistency with payload and rope capacities
  • 4.5 Halt haul and clear hang-ups and obstacles in cooperation with the rigging slinger
  • 4.6 Use haul speed and line swing to position logs on the landing, control payloads and work with the chaser to optimise workflow
  • 4.7 Return rigging to extraction point and position according to signals from rigging slinger
  • 4.8 Operate yarder to minimise breakage and damage to stems and/or logs, standing trees and environment according to workplace procedures and production plan requirements
5. Carry out machine operator maintenance
  • 5.1 Shut down, de-energise and isolate yarder according to workplace procedures or manufacturer recommendations
  • 5.2 Clean, check and carry out routine maintenance activities on yarder to maintain optimum operational performance
  • 5.3 Identify and report machine faults, malfunctions or problems according to workplace procedures and manufacturer recommendations
  • 5.4 Clean work area of all debris and waste resulting from yarder operation and dispose of or recycle waste materials according to workplace environmental management plan
  • 5.5 Record yarder operations and maintenance activities
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
OAA11 FWPHAR3231 Operate yarder Unit of competency