Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:02 AM AWST

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Cut material with a pole saw

Cut material with a pole saw

Unit of competency
National Code
FPICOT2240
State Code
WF817
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
07/02/2012
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/02/2013
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
12/02/2013
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit describes the outcomes required to cut materials at a distance reachable with a mechanical pole saw and to unblock components of machinery.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for cutting
  • 1.1.Identify as within safe working limits type and quantity of material to be cut
  • 1.2.Select equipment appropriate to work requirements and check for operational effectiveness in line with manufacturer recommendations
  • 1.3.Carry out pre start-up checks on equipment in line with site requirements
  • 1.4.Assess pole saw set-up and adjust to suit cutting conditions
  • 1.5.Establish and maintain communication with others in line with occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements
2. Assess materials
  • 2.1.Assess type and quantity of material to be cut and environmental conditions to plan cutting activities consistent with site procedures and environmental requirements
  • 2.2.Monitor movement and location of other personnel and modify work in line with OHS regulations, where required
  • 2.3.Assess location and stability of materials for conditions likely to affect safety of cutting activities
  • 2.4.Identify materials unable to be cut safely and refer them to appropriate personnel
3. Use pole saw to cut and unblock materials
  • 3.1.Operate pole saw to cut materials and unblock machinery components in line with safety regulations, job specifications and workplace procedures, and adjust cutting technique in response to equipment requirements and allowances
  • 3.2.Turn motor off before examining any blockages to the pole saw
  • 3.3.Clear waste and debris from the site in line with standard operating procedures and environmental requirements
  • 3.4.Record and report cutting processes and equipment faults to appropriate personnel
4. Maintain equipment
  • 4.1.Follow equipment lock-out procedures in line with site procedures
  • 4.2.Check chain for blunt or damaged condition
  • 4.3.Remove, sharpen, maintain, adjust and replace chain and other components in line with manufacturer recommendations
  • 4.4.Deal with chain and other components that need replacing in line with site procedures, manufacturer recommendations and environmental requirements
  • 4.5.Keep pole saw clear of dust, shavings and debris and check it to make sure it meets relevant standards
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.

Material includes:
wood
wood-related products


Cutting must include:
cutting wood or wood-related products at a distance requiring the use of a pole saw


Equipment must include:
procedures for pole saw lock-out, such as protecting operators and co-workers from accidental injury by isolating the machine
pole saws
specific safety attire
maintenance tools and equipment


Pre start-up checks are conducted to ensure:
equipment has been set up correctly
equipment is operating to optimum performance
systems are performing accurately


Communication may include:
verbal and non-verbal language
constructive feedback
active listening and questioning to clarify and confirm understanding
use of positive, confident and cooperative language
use of language and concepts appropriate to individual social and cultural differences
control of tone of voice


OHS requirements:
are to be in line with applicable federal, state or territory legislation and regulations, and organisational safety policies and procedures, and may include:
personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing
safety equipment
first aid equipment
firefighting equipment
hazard and risk control
fatigue management
elimination of hazardous materials and substances
techniques for manual handling, including shifting, lifting and carrying
vibration and engine heat issues associated with prolonged use
ergonomic requirements relating to issues, such as vibration and engine heat associated with prolonged use


Environmental conditions may include:
work hazards
obstacles
location of blockage
access to the required area of machinery


Environmental requirements may include:
legislation
organisational policies and procedures
workplace practices


Pole saw:
is to include:
mechanised saw at the end of a long extension pole from the bottom of the pole
may also include:
manual saws
non-mechanised saws


Job specifications include:
OHS requirements
environmental requirements
legislative requirements
organisational requirements


Workplace procedures may include:
legal compliance documentation
organisational and site guidelines
policies and procedures relating to own role and responsibility
procedural manuals
quality and continuous improvement processes and standards
OHS, emergency and evacuation procedures
ethical standards
recording and reporting requirements
equipment use, maintenance and storage requirements
environmental management requirements, including waste minimisation and disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines


Clearing may include:
redirecting materials for energy recovery
recycling waste materials


Records and reports:
may include:
inspection information
storage locations
quality outcomes
hazards
incidents
equipment malfunctions
may be:
manual
computer-based system
other appropriate organisational communication system


Dealing with may include:
recycling chain and other components that need replacing
re-using chain and other components that need replacing
sending chain and other components that need replacing to landfill


Components may include:
conveyors
chains
roller drums
pulleys
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 operate a pole saw 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 federal, state or territory legislative and regulatory requirements and codes of practice relevant to operating a pole saw
following organisational policies and procedures relevant to operating a pole saw
identifying and correct use of personal protective equipment for the use of pole saw
identifying workplace risks and hazards associated with cutting materials with a pole saw and take appropriate action
identify limitations
cutting a range of wood or wood-related products at a distance requiring the use of a pole saw in line with the work plan and within prescribed organisational tolerances
procedures for pole saw lock-out
maintaining a pole saw

Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a 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 requirements and Australian standards
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 methods 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, 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
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AXL64 FWPCOT2240 Cut material with a pole saw Unit of competency