Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:37 PM AWST

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Use chainsaw within a tree

Use chainsaw within a tree

Unit of competency
National Code
FWPCOT3317
State Code
OCR67
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
60
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to operate a chainsaw at heights within a tree safely. The unit applies to individuals who use chainsaws off ground when conducting tree trimming or dismantling work whilst working at height in arboriculture settings. They work under some supervision, generally within a team environment.Individuals who use this unit will have had experience in using arborist climbing techniques and chainsaws in an arboriculture, forestry or related work context. This unit is not intended for use by novice or inexperienced chainsaw operators.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 work
  • 1.1 Determine job requirements from work order or instruction and, where required, seek clarification from appropriate personnel
  • 1.2 Confirm safety and environmental protection requirements according to workplace procedures
  • 1.3 Identify, assess and take actions to mitigate risks and hazards associated with using chainsaws off ground
  • 1.4 Identify emergency plan procedures to follow in the event of an emergency
  • 1.5 Erect warning and prohibition signs to indicate a hazardous worksite and that unauthorised access is prohibited according to workplace safety procedures
  • 1.6 Identify, assess and determine cutting requirements according to work order or instruction
  • 1.7 Consult with appropriate personnel to ensure that work is coordinated effectively with others in the workplace
  • 1.8 Select, fit and use personal protective equipment
  • 1.9 Obtain chainsaw appropriate for the task, height access equipment and other tools and equipment needed for the work, and check for correct operation and safety according to manufacturer recommendations and workplace procedures
  • 1.10 Confirm with appropriate personnel that one person is present on the ground during working at height operations and this person is competent and equipped to perform aerial rescue
2. Assess site conditions and surroundings
  • 2.1 Inspect site for conditions likely to affect safe use of chainsaw off ground
  • 2.2 Observe weather conditions and assess likely impact on safe use of chainsaw off ground
  • 2.3 Identify and report site environmental conditions to appropriate personnel
  • 2.4 Determine work area and implement control measures to minimise risks and hazards in the area according to safe work procedures
  • 2.5 Monitor location and activity of other personnel on the worksite, and implement control measures according to workplace safety procedures
3. Pre-start chainsaw
  • 3.1 Fuel and lubricate saw on the ground according to manufacturer instructions and workplace procedures
  • 3.2 Perform pre-start checks on chainsaw according to manufacturer instructions and workplace procedures
  • 3.3 Start chainsaw using cold and warm starting methods on the ground according to workplace safety procedures
  • 3.4 Confirm the chainsaw is running effectively prior to ascending tree
  • 3.5 Select, communicate to team members and apply appropriate method for sending chainsaw to the operator according to workplace health and safety procedures
4. Carry out safe chainsaw operation
  • 4.1 Access tree safely and confirm that body positioning and movements are safe and ergonomically efficient according to current Australian Standards and workplace safety procedures
  • 4.2 Secure chainsaw whilst at height by means of a suitable lanyard
  • 4.3 Obtain the best available working position to minimise risk of being struck by saw or by severed pieces of wood
  • 4.4 Check that the chain of the saw is clear of obstructions, including climbing equipment, protective clothing or parts of the tree, before restarting in the tree
  • 4.5 Start chainsaw according to manufacturer instructions and workplace safety procedures
  • 4.6 Obtain confirmation from ground crew before performing cuts, using the call and response protocol
  • 4.7 Maintain proper control of the saw by gripping with two hands and keeping saw well clear of body and climbing equipment at all times according to workplace safety procedures
  • 4.8 Select and accurately apply a range of appropriate cuts according to current Australian Standards and industry codes of practice, to achieve required behaviour of cut piece according to workplace procedures
  • 4.9 Confirm the chainsaw is switched off, or the chain brake applied, after each cutting operation
  • 4.10 Apply safe technique for freeing a trapped chainsaw according to workplace safety procedures
  • 4.11 Apply safe cutting techniques according to current Australian Standards, and work positioning, to complete operational tasks according to work order or work instructions
  • 4.12 Apply safe methods for returning chainsaw to the ground for refuelling according to workplace safety procedures
5. Carry out machine operator maintenance
  • 5.1 Follow workplace safety procedures and manufacturer instructions to lock out equipment
  • 5.2 Inspect chainsaw on completion of cutting activities
  • 5.3 Identify damage to chainsaw and cutting attachments, and tag for repair, service or replacement according to workplace requirements and manufacturer recommendations
  • 5.4 Remove, clean, adjust, sharpen or replace chain and other components according to workplace requirements and manufacturer recommendations
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