Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 5:53 AM AWST

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Trim and cut felled trees

Trim and cut felled trees

Unit of competency
National Code
FWPCOT2273
State Code
OFD24
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
24/01/2023
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
19/05/2023
Field of Education
050501 - Forestry Studies
Original Release Date
19/05/2023
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to trim and cut felled trees with a chainsaw, and complete operator maintenance. For the purpose of this unit of competency, a felled tree is any tree or part thereof, including, but not limited to, a tree trunk, branch or limb that has fallen or has been felled and is laying on the ground in a bushland, plantation, forested or other setting, including parkland, roadways and urban areas.The unit applies to individuals who trim and cut felled 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.All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, according to state/territory health and safety regulations, legislation, standards and industry 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. Prepare for trimming and cutting felled trees
  • 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, assess and take actions to mitigate risks and hazards associated with trimming and cutting felled trees
  • 1.4 Plan trimming and cutting activities according to work order or instruction and environmental conditions
  • 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 felled trees visually
  • 2.1 Inspect site for conditions likely to affect safe implementation of trimming and cutting activities
  • 2.2 Identify and report site environmental conditions to supervisor
  • 2.3 Assess felled tree visually to identify defects and stresses within felled tree
  • 2.4 Mark felled trees too dangerous to cut safely, and refer to appropriate personnel
3. Plan cutting felled trees
  • 3.1 Move or stabilise felled tree for safe cutting according to workplace procedures
  • 3.2 Select cutting pattern to optimise time and ensure efficient removal of sections
  • 3.3 Identify options for utilisation of product
  • 3.4 Plan cutting sequence to maintain control of cut sections and minimise cutting problems
  • 3.5 Select cutting positions, considering felled tree stresses
  • 3.6 Clear debris from work area to allow safe access and prevent saw damage and personal injury
4. Use chainsaw to trim and cut felled trees
  • 4.1 Monitor location and movement of other personnel, and modify work to ensure safety
  • 4.2 Establish and maintain communication with team members to ensure safety
  • 4.3 Secure felled tree section on each side of planned cut as required, and evaluate and control potential movement
  • 4.4 Operate chainsaw to cut felled tree and limbs, and adjust cutting technique in response to movement and condition of felled tree and limbs
  • 4.5 Apply retrieval techniques for stuck, pinched or jammed part of chainsaws
  • 4.6 Prepare cut sections for removal from site
5. Complete equipment maintenance
  • 5.1 Follow workplace health and safety procedures and manufacturer instructions to lock out equipment
  • 5.2 Check chain for bluntness or damage
  • 5.3 Remove, sharpen, adjust or replace chain and other components according to manufacturer recommendations
  • 5.4 Report trimming and cutting records, equipment faults and maintenance requirements to appropriate personnel
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
ODK02 FWPCOT2256 Trim and cut felled trees Unit of competency