Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 4:54 AM AWST

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Operate and maintain stump grinding machines

Operate and maintain stump grinding machines

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCARB206
State Code
BAP40
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
27/06/2016
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/01/2017
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
12/01/2017
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to operate motorised stump grinding machines to remove tree stumps from the ground.This unit applies to individuals who undertake defined activities with specialised tools and methods, work in a structured context, apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy and limited judgement, and provide solutions to a limited range of predictable problems. Work is implemented with low risk work procedures, in accordance with manufacturers recommendations and to comply with Safe Work Method Statement documentation.Licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit in some states and territories at the time of publication, and may differ according to jurisdiction. Specific determination should be sought through the relevant State or Territory. Works involving this unit of competency may be subject to local tree protection and preservation laws, and the relevant content of applicable Australian Standards
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for stump removal operations
  • 1.1 Determine site location and details and clarify with supervisor
  • 1.2 Determine the depth below ground of stump grinding works
  • 1.3 Determine and confirm location and depth of above-and-below-ground services
  • 1.4 Unload stump grinder machine
  • 1.5 Undertake a site-specific risk assessment by identifying work health and safety hazards and assessing risk
2. Carry out pre-operational and safety checks
  • 2.1 Check maintenance log is complete and up to date
  • 2.2 Check belts are appropriately tensioned and in good order
  • 2.3 Check teeth are sharp
  • 2.4 Check no teeth are missing or loose
  • 2.5 Check tyre pressure is correct or tracks are appropriately tensioned
  • 2.6 Check levels of oils and fluids
  • 2.7 Check hoses
  • 2.8 Check brakes are operational
  • 2.9 Check cutter head rotates freely and is not obstructed
3. Check stump grinder safety features
  • 3.1 Check guards for belt, power take-off (PTO) and grinder head are in place
  • 3.2 Check kill switch clearly identifiable and working
  • 3.3 Check that dead-man is working if fitted
  • 3.4 Check debris curtain present and in good order
  • 3.5 Check dust suppression system is working if fitted
4. Complete preparations for work
  • 4.1 Select and use appropriate personal protective equipment
  • 4.2 Confirm first aid and emergency personnel, equipment and procedures
  • 4.3 Expose stump surrounds manually and check for and remove foreign bodies
  • 4.4 Moisten surrounds as required
  • 4.5 Record and implement work health, safety, site, environmental and traffic control measures
5. Position stump grinder
  • 5.1 Determine exclusion zone for work operations
  • 5.2 Isolate exclusion zone with barriers and signs
  • 5.3 Position machine level within recommended ranges to avoid rollover
  • 5.4 Avoid holes with machine wheels
  • 5.5 Position machine to minimise impact from flying debris
  • 5.6 Position operator in low risk position
  • 5.7 Position operator to provide a clear view of the stump
  • 5.8 Locate safety screens as required
6. Undertake removal operations
  • 6.1 Communicate with work team during operations using voice, hand and whistle signals
  • 6.1 Confirm work zone cleared prior to starting cutter head
  • 6.3 Plan to complete a series of grinds across the stump
  • 6.4 Start cutter head
  • 6.5 Stop work if exclusion zone is breached and disengage cutter head if required
  • 6.6 Position cutter head over stump
  • 6.7 Engage cutter head into stump surface
  • 6.8 Maintain engine speed in revolutions-per-minute (RPM)
  • 6.9 Ensure grinding process is accurate, smooth and ergonomic
  • 6.10 Grind stump to recommended depth of cut on each cutting pass
  • 6.11 Ensure the cut size of each pass is not excessively deep causing the machine to labour excessively or to stall
  • 6.12 Grind stump to predetermined spread and depth
  • 6.13 Operate equipment without damaging underground services and surrounding areas
7. Remove grindings
  • 7.1 Reposition machine away from ground stump
  • 7.2 Disengage cutter head
  • 7.3 Wait and remain clear of cutter head until cutter head stops moving
  • 7.4 Remove build-up of grindings
8. Perform ongoing grinding operations
  • 8.1 Make check in calls at prearranged times
  • 8.2 Inspect grinder as required between stumps and when refuelling
  • 8.3 Shutdown immediately if abnormal vibration or noise develops
  • 8.4 Stop the engine before refuelling and allow engine to cool as required
  • 8.5 Follow Safe Work Method Statement instructions for refuelling
  • 8.6 Replace and secure fuel cap before restarting
  • 8.7 Disengage cutter head and ensure a complete stop before moving to a new stump
9. Complete stump removal operation
  • 9.1 Back-fill stump hole to original ground level
  • 9.2 Maintain clean and safe work area throughout work and upon completion
  • 9.3 Collect waste material and dispose of or recycle in a manner causing minimal environmental damage
  • 9.4 Clean, maintain and store tools and equipment
  • 9.5 Perform basic maintenance, including sharpening grinder and replacing teeth as required
  • 9.6 Load grinder in accordance with Safe Work Method Statement
  • 9.7 Secure grinder for transport
  • 9.8 Update records of operator usage in log record
  • 9.9 Update records of maintenance and replacement items
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D6653 AHCARB206A Undertake stump removal Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OBV55 AHCARB212 Operate and maintain stump grinding machines Unit of competency