Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 7:37 AM AWST

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Fell trees manually (basic)

Fell trees manually (basic)

Unit of competency
National Code
FWPCOT2253
State Code
OCR50
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
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
050501 - Forestry Studies
Original Release Date
07/04/2021
Nominal Hours
80
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assess and fell basic trees manually using a chainsaw, and to complete routine operator chainsaw maintenance.Trees typical to the scope of this unit may have some of the following characteristics:lean and distribution of the crown weight does not create a complex situation to assess, place the cut or fallno excessive leanno visible damage or defectuniform in structurespecies that are not prone to free splitting and adverse reactions during fellingsingle stem or non-complex multi-stemssmall or medium diameter that can be safely felled using standard and basic felling techniquessite characteristics that do not add significant complexity to the operation.The unit applies to individuals who fell basic 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 and standards 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 felling
  • 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 for the task according to workplace procedures
  • 1.3 Identify, assess and take actions to mitigate risks and hazards associated with operation of chainsaws
  • 1.4 Identify, assess and determine felling requirements of trees to be felled according to work order or instruction
  • 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 Select, fit and use personal protective equipment
  • 1.7 Obtain tools and equipment needed for the work, and check for correct operation and safety
2. Assess site conditions and surroundings
  • 2.1 Inspect site for conditions likely to affect safe implementation of felling activities
  • 2.2 Identify and report site environmental conditions to appropriate personnel
  • 2.3 Determine fall zone and implement control measures to minimise risks and hazards in the zone according to safe work procedures
  • 2.4 Monitor location and activity of other personnel on the worksite and implement control measures according to workplace safety procedures
3. Assess tree and plan felling
  • 3.1 Identify trees considered outside own skill level, and seek assistance from appropriate personnel where required
  • 3.2 Assess tree visually to identify felling characteristics, defects and stresses within tree
  • 3.3 Confirm that tree is safe to fell
  • 3.4 Assess and check required felling direction and possible deviation
  • 3.5 Plan sequence of cuts to fell tree according to workplace felling procedures
  • 3.6 Identify suitable escape routes, and clear routes of growth and other obstacles according to environmental care, workplace and regulatory requirements
4. Apply tree felling techniques
  • 4.1 Fell individual trees using selected cutting techniques according to current Australian Standards and industry codes of practice
  • 4.2 Adjust cutting technique in response to movement and condition of tree
  • 4.3 Use planned escape route when tree starts to fall, and monitor the fall of the tree until all movement has stopped
  • 4.4 Delay movement back into the felling area until all tree material, including material from adjacent tree crowns, has fallen or is stable enough to allow safe access back into the felling area
  • 4.5 Report trees that are hung-up to appropriate personnel according to workplace procedures
  • 4.6 Dispose of waste materials according to environmental and workplace requirements
5. Maintain chainsaw and cutting attachments
  • 5.1 Follow workplace health and safety procedures and manufacturer instructions to lock out equipment
  • 5.2 Inspect chainsaw on completion of activities
  • 5.3 Inspect for 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
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AXL67 FWPCOT2236 Fall trees manually (basic) Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OFD22 FWPCOT2274 Fell trees manually (basic) Unit of competency