Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:35 AM AWST

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Operate skidder

Operate skidder

Unit of competency
National Code
FWPHAR3230
State Code
OAA05
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
21/02/2018
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
18/07/2018
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
18/07/2018
Nominal Hours
145
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to operate a skidder for log production and use optimised production processes in a commercial forest harvesting environment. The main job functions are to move stems and/or logs from felling site to roadside or landing areas. Activities are to be conducted safely and efficiently. Other functions include product segregation and stacking. It may also include removal of slash. The unit applies to individuals who work as skidder operators in small or larger harvesting crews. Operators generally work under broad direction to complete routine activities related to skidder operations and take responsibility for their work. No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan and prepare to operate a skidder
  • 1.1 Review production plan, confirm its targets and assess wood flow requirements to ensure efficient machine operation and overall productivity
  • 1.2 Confirm type, size and quantity of stems and/or logs to be moved with skidder to ensure that loads and machine are in line with safe working load requirements and industry standards for operations
  • 1.3 Confirm, identify and report health, safety, environmental and heritage risks of operation, in line with standard operating procedures and site safety and environmental management plans
  • 1.4 Apply risk control measures in line with standard operating procedures, site operational plan, legislative requirements and industry standards to eliminate or minimise risks
  • 1.5 Identify emergency plan procedures to follow in the event of an emergency
  • 1.6 Use production plan to identify location of extraction routes, entry points and directions to the landing for efficient extraction of logs and minimum interference with other forestry operations
  • 1.7 Assess terrain characteristics to establish machine stability
  • 1.8 Carry out pre-operational checks on machine in line with workplace procedures or manufacturers' recommendations to ensure optimal production performance and operational effectiveness
2. Operate skidder
  • 2.1 Use industry-accepted warning signs, vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems and procedures to maintain communication and workplace safety during operation
  • 2.2 Select products, stems, logs or slash to be moved based on their position, location and size
  • 2.3 Position skidder for stability and safe access to products or slash by adjusting the technique in response to terrain conditions
  • 2.4 Carry out hooking-on and winching techniques or use cabin controls to grapple products or slash avoiding damage to the products in line with the production plan requirements
  • 2.5 Drive the machine to skid products or slash to the roadside or landing area to achieve optimum efficiency and minimise breakage and damage to products, standing trees and surrounding environment in line with the production plan requirements
  • 2.6 Unhook and position or construct stacks of stems, logs or slash at the roadside or landing area to avoid product damage, provide stability, restrict height for efficient extraction and facilitate safe access and conduct of other landing and equipment operations in line with worksite layout and production plan requirements
  • 2.7 Recover all merchantable product and/or slash from site in line with the production plan requirements
3. Carry out machine operator maintenance
  • 3.1 Park, shut-down, de-energise and isolate skidder in line with workplace procedures or manufacturers' recommendations
  • 3.2 Clean, check and carry out routine maintenance activities on skidder and equipment to maintain optimum operational performance
  • 3.3 Identify and report machine faults, malfunctions or problems in line with workplace procedures or manufacturers' recommendations
  • 3.4 Clean work area of all debris and waste resulting from skidding operation and dispose of or recycle waste materials in line with site environmental management plan
  • 4.5 Record skidder operations and maintenance activities
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AXK28 FWPHAR3217 Conduct skidder operations Unit of competency