Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:56 PM AWST
22/07/2026 1:56 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Conduct loader operations
Conduct loader operations
Unit of competency
National Code
FPIHAR3218A
FPIHAR3218A
State Code
D6039
D6039
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
04/08/2014
Field of Education
050501 - Forestry Studies
Original Release Date
04/08/2014
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit describes the outcomes required to conduct loader operations including planning and preparation for work, conducting operational checks, the safe and effective operation of the loader for a range of mandatory tasks, the use of attachments and operator maintenance activitiesCompliance with licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may be required in various jurisdictionsThis unit replaces FPIHAR3205B Conduct loader operations
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan and prepare for loader operations
- 1.1. Applicable Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), environmental, legislative and organisational requirements relevant to conducting loader operations are identified and followed
- 1.2. Site environmental protection measures are adhered to in line with relevant legislation and regulations
- 1.3. Work order is reviewed and checked with appropriate personnel
- 1.4. Type and quantity of material to be moved with a loader is assessed and prepared
- 1.5. Equipment is selected appropriate to work requirements and checked for operational effectiveness in line with manufacturer's recommendations
- 1.6. Loader operations are planned in line with site procedures and environmental and heritage concerns
- 1.7. Communication with others is established and maintained in line with OHS requirements
2. Operate loader
- 2.1. All work is conducted in line with work order, environmental and OHS requirements
- 2.2. Pre start-up checks are carried out on equipment in line with manufacturer's recommendations and site requirements
- 2.3. Loader controls and functions, including implements or other attachments, brakes and manoeuvrability are checked for serviceability and any faults are rectified or reported
- 2.4. Site hazards associated with loader operations are detected and safe operating techniques are used to minimise risk
- 2.5. Operating techniques for the loader are applied to achieve optimum efficiency in line with manufacturer's design specifications
- 2.6. Loader is operated to work instructions in line with company operating procedures
- 2.7. Emergency plan procedures are followed in line with OHS, environmental, legal and site requirements
3. Attach, secure, lift, carry and place materials
- 3.1. Communication practices associated with transportation and lifting of materials are conducted in line with site procedures and continued between parties
- 3.2. Weight of load is established in line with site procedures
- 3.3. Lifting gear is selected, attached and used in line with safe working load requirements and OHS legislation
- 3.4. Machinery is positioned ensuring stability and located to effectively shift materials in line with job specifications
- 3.5. Load is shifted safely and effectively in line with industry safety standards and manufacturer's' specifications
- 3.6. Load is moved in line with conventional hand and audible signals that meet OHS legislation and/or work site procedures
4. Segregate and stack logs
- 4.1. Planned landing layout and log handling procedures are identified from work order
- 4.2. Location of stacks provides space for other landing operations and access to all appropriate site equipment
- 4.3. Log stacks are positioned and maintained in accordance with planned layout to provide for anticipated stock levels, stock rotation requirements, size, segregation of lengths, species and grades
- 4.4. Stacks are constructed to provide stability and minimise problems from slippage and falling of logs
- 4.5. Logs delivered to landing are visually assessed
- 4.6. Logs are directed or moved to appropriate location for further processing or stacking consistent with species, diameter, length, grade, landing layout and stock rotation requirements
- 4.7. Logs are identified and records maintained in accordance with standard site procedures
5. Load and unload logs
- 5.1. Work is planned to minimise equipment and log movement and to load/unload logs safely in accordance with regulations and site operating plans and procedures
- 5.2. Loader is positioned to enable access to the logs to be loaded/unloaded within load reach and movement limits
- 5.3. Weight of logs is estimated to determine lifting requirement and compliance to load plate
- 5.4. Logs are segregated or selected by size and grade in accordance with work requirements and logs suitable for base and side of load are selected, transferred and placed
- 5.5. Individual logs are separated and rolled/lifted using all relevant movements in accordance with normal equipment operating procedures
- 5.6. Logs are bunched using lifting gear to optimise loaded movements
- 5.7. Trial lift is carried out when warranted by load size or stability and load is lowered for corrective action to be taken where unacceptable operational situation is revealed
- 5.8. Loads are lifted, turned and placed using all relevant equipment movements in accordance with standards and regulations to achieve optimum load shape
- 5.9. Logs which do not meet requirements for size or grade - within the scope of operator's knowledge - are rejected or referred to others for regrading
- 5.10. Logs are supported or compressed to enable placement of slipper or chocks where necessary
- 5.11. Placement of logs meets all requirements for positioning, ensuring stability of load and stack is maintained at all times
6. Carry out machine operator maintenance
- 6.1. Loader is safely parked, shut-down and prepared for maintenance in line with manufacturer's manual and organisational requirements
- 6.2. Inspection and fault finding processes are conducted in line with manufacturer's recommendations and organisational requirements
- 6.3. Defective parts are removed and replaced safely and effectively in line with manufacturer's manual and organisational requirements
- 6.4. Regular programmed maintenance tasks are carried out in line with manufacturer's and organisational requirements
- 6.5. Work area is cleared and waste materials are disposed of or recycled in line with site environmental management plan
- 6.6. Plant, tools and equipment are cleaned, checked, maintained and stored in line with manufacturer's recommendations and standard work practices
- 6.7. Loader operational records and reports are completed accurately and processed in line with site procedures
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Loader
is a self-propelled, tracked, wheeled, stationary or purpose designed machine
can load or excavate through forward motion of the machine
can lift, transport and discharge material
OHS requirements:
are to be in line with applicable Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation and regulations, and organisational safety policies and procedures, and may include:
personal protective equipment and clothing
safety equipment
first aid equipment
fire fighting equipment
hazard and risk control
fatigue management
elimination of hazardous materials and substances
safe forest practices including required actions relating to forest fire
manual handling including shifting, lifting and carrying
Environmental requirements may include:
legislation
organisational policies and procedures
workplace practices
Legislative requirements:
are to be in line with applicable Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation, regulations, certification requirements and codes of practice and may include:
award and enterprise agreements
industrial relations
Australian Standards
confidentiality and privacy
OHS
the environment
equal opportunity
anti-discrimination
relevant industry codes of practice
duty of care
heritage and traditional land owner issues
Organisational requirements may include:
legal
organisational and site guidelines
policies and procedures relating to own role and responsibility
quality assurance
procedural manuals
quality and continuous improvement processes and standards
OHS, emergency and evacuation procedures
ethical standards
recording and reporting requirements
equipment use and maintenance and storage requirements
environmental management requirements (waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines)
Environmental protection measures
may include action to limit the impact to:
ground growth and canopy
soil and water
may include action to limit the impact of:
general forest lean
wind speed and direction
fallen trees
density of trees
ground slope
ground hazards
obstacles
Work order is to include:
instructions for the operation of a loader and its respective tasks
and may include:
instructions for the environmental monitoring of work and procedures
environmental care requirements relevant to the work
Appropriate personnel may include:
supervisors
suppliers
clients
colleagues
managers
Equipment is to include:
loaders
relevant maintenance equipment
procedures for equipment lock-out such as protecting operators and co-workers from accidental injury by isolating the machine
Environmental and heritage concerns may include:
dust
noise
water
flora and fauna
heritage legislation
culturally sensitive sites and artefacts
plantations
native forest
Communication may include:
verbal and non-verbal language
hand or other agreed signals
eye contact with other operators or personnel
active listening
questioning to clarify and confirm understanding
use of electronic communication devices
Pre start-up checks
are conducted to ensure:
equipment has been set-up correctly
plant is operating to optimum performance
Hazards may include:
uneven/unstable terrain
trees
fires
overhead and underground services
bridges
buildings
excavations
traffic
embankment
cuttings
structures and hazardous materials
Emergency plan may include:
notification of authorities
evacuation procedures
isolation procedures
equipment shut-down procedures
clean up
first aid
use of personal protective equipment and clothing
guarding
access and exit
Weight of load
is that prescribed by the manufacturer as not exceeding the allowable capacity of the loader
Lifting gear may include:
slings
cables
grabs
Stability
is to ensure the loader is positioned and operates so as not to topple over during operations
Visual assessment of logs includes identifying and determining:
species
diameter
length
grade
landing layout
stock rotation requirements
Estimation
of timber weight is used to determine lifting requirements and compliance to load plate
Lifting
may be conducted on a trial basis when an issue with load size or stability or other unacceptable operational situation is determined
Tasks may include:
tree removal
stripping
spreading materials
stockpiling
loading and unloading of trucks
loading mill decks
segregating and splitting of logs
bulk excavation
towing equipment
working in tandem
winching
boxing
Records and reports may include:
end of shift documentation
work log
and may be:
manual
using a computer-based system or another appropriate organisational communication system
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Loader
is a self-propelled, tracked, wheeled, stationary or purpose designed machine
can load or excavate through forward motion of the machine
can lift, transport and discharge material
OHS requirements:
are to be in line with applicable Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation and regulations, and organisational safety policies and procedures, and may include:
personal protective equipment and clothing
safety equipment
first aid equipment
fire fighting equipment
hazard and risk control
fatigue management
elimination of hazardous materials and substances
safe forest practices including required actions relating to forest fire
manual handling including shifting, lifting and carrying
Environmental requirements may include:
legislation
organisational policies and procedures
workplace practices
Legislative requirements:
are to be in line with applicable Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation, regulations, certification requirements and codes of practice and may include:
award and enterprise agreements
industrial relations
Australian Standards
confidentiality and privacy
OHS
the environment
equal opportunity
anti-discrimination
relevant industry codes of practice
duty of care
heritage and traditional land owner issues
Organisational requirements may include:
legal
organisational and site guidelines
policies and procedures relating to own role and responsibility
quality assurance
procedural manuals
quality and continuous improvement processes and standards
OHS, emergency and evacuation procedures
ethical standards
recording and reporting requirements
equipment use and maintenance and storage requirements
environmental management requirements (waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines)
Environmental protection measures
may include action to limit the impact to:
ground growth and canopy
soil and water
may include action to limit the impact of:
general forest lean
wind speed and direction
fallen trees
density of trees
ground slope
ground hazards
obstacles
Work order is to include:
instructions for the operation of a loader and its respective tasks
and may include:
instructions for the environmental monitoring of work and procedures
environmental care requirements relevant to the work
Appropriate personnel may include:
supervisors
suppliers
clients
colleagues
managers
Equipment is to include:
loaders
relevant maintenance equipment
procedures for equipment lock-out such as protecting operators and co-workers from accidental injury by isolating the machine
Environmental and heritage concerns may include:
dust
noise
water
flora and fauna
heritage legislation
culturally sensitive sites and artefacts
plantations
native forest
Communication may include:
verbal and non-verbal language
hand or other agreed signals
eye contact with other operators or personnel
active listening
questioning to clarify and confirm understanding
use of electronic communication devices
Pre start-up checks
are conducted to ensure:
equipment has been set-up correctly
plant is operating to optimum performance
Hazards may include:
uneven/unstable terrain
trees
fires
overhead and underground services
bridges
buildings
excavations
traffic
embankment
cuttings
structures and hazardous materials
Emergency plan may include:
notification of authorities
evacuation procedures
isolation procedures
equipment shut-down procedures
clean up
first aid
use of personal protective equipment and clothing
guarding
access and exit
Weight of load
is that prescribed by the manufacturer as not exceeding the allowable capacity of the loader
Lifting gear may include:
slings
cables
grabs
Stability
is to ensure the loader is positioned and operates so as not to topple over during operations
Visual assessment of logs includes identifying and determining:
species
diameter
length
grade
landing layout
stock rotation requirements
Estimation
of timber weight is used to determine lifting requirements and compliance to load plate
Lifting
may be conducted on a trial basis when an issue with load size or stability or other unacceptable operational situation is determined
Tasks may include:
tree removal
stripping
spreading materials
stockpiling
loading and unloading of trucks
loading mill decks
segregating and splitting of logs
bulk excavation
towing equipment
working in tandem
winching
boxing
Records and reports may include:
end of shift documentation
work log
and may be:
manual
using a computer-based system or another appropriate organisational communication system
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence that they can safely and efficiently conduct loader operations in line with organisational requirements
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to, and satisfy, all of the requirements of the elements of this unit and include demonstration of:
following applicable Commonwealth, State or Territory legislative and regulatory requirements and codes of practice relevant to conducting loader operations
following organisational policies and procedures relevant to conducting loader operations
communicating effectively and working safely with others in the work area
conducting loader operations in line with site requirements
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or realistically simulated workplace
Assessment is to occur under standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints
Assessment of required knowledge, other than confirmatory questions, will usually be conducted in an off-site context
Assessment is to follow relevant regulatory or Australian Standards requirements
The following resources should be made available:
workplace location or simulated workplace
materials and equipment relevant to undertaking work applicable to this unit
specifications and work instructions
Method of assessment
Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the FPI11 Training Package
Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with application of required knowledge
Assessment must be by direct observation of tasks, with questioning on required knowledge and it must also reinforce the integration of employability skills
Assessment methods must confirm the ability to access and correctly interpret and apply the required knowledge
Assessment may be applied under project-related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process
Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is able not only to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances
Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency
The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate
Assessment practices should take into account any relevant language or cultural issues related to Aboriginality, gender or language backgrounds other than English
Where the participant has a disability, reasonable adjustment may be applied during assessment
Language and literacy demands of the assessment task should not be higher than those of the work role
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence that they can safely and efficiently conduct loader operations in line with organisational requirements
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to, and satisfy, all of the requirements of the elements of this unit and include demonstration of:
following applicable Commonwealth, State or Territory legislative and regulatory requirements and codes of practice relevant to conducting loader operations
following organisational policies and procedures relevant to conducting loader operations
communicating effectively and working safely with others in the work area
conducting loader operations in line with site requirements
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or realistically simulated workplace
Assessment is to occur under standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints
Assessment of required knowledge, other than confirmatory questions, will usually be conducted in an off-site context
Assessment is to follow relevant regulatory or Australian Standards requirements
The following resources should be made available:
workplace location or simulated workplace
materials and equipment relevant to undertaking work applicable to this unit
specifications and work instructions
Method of assessment
Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the FPI11 Training Package
Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with application of required knowledge
Assessment must be by direct observation of tasks, with questioning on required knowledge and it must also reinforce the integration of employability skills
Assessment methods must confirm the ability to access and correctly interpret and apply the required knowledge
Assessment may be applied under project-related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process
Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is able not only to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances
Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency
The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate
Assessment practices should take into account any relevant language or cultural issues related to Aboriginality, gender or language backgrounds other than English
Where the participant has a disability, reasonable adjustment may be applied during assessment
Language and literacy demands of the assessment task should not be higher than those of the work role
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WA846 | FPIHAR3205B | Conduct loader operations | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AXK27 | FWPHAR3218 | Conduct loader operations | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J612 | FPI30213 | Certificate III in Harvesting and Haulage | Qualification |
| J466 | FPI30211 | Certificate III in Harvesting and Haulage | Qualification |
| S478 | FPI30205 | Certificate III in Harvesting and Haulage | Qualification |