Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:34 PM AWST
22/07/2026 10:34 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Cut materials with a hand-held chainsaw
Cut materials with a hand-held chainsaw
Unit of competency
National Code
FPICOT2238A
FPICOT2238A
State Code
D3818
D3818
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
08/02/2011
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
08/02/2011
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit describes the outcomes required to prepare and cut materials with a hand-held chainsaw. This unit includes basic operator maintenance checksMore comprehensive servicing and maintenance procedures are covered in FPICOT2237A Maintain chainsawsGeneral legislative, regulatory and workplace requirements apply to this unit; however there are no specific licensing or certification requirements at the time of publicationThis unit replaces FPICOT2206B Cross cut materials with an hand-held chainsaw
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for operation
- 1.1. Applicable Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), environmental, legislative, organisationalrequirements and manufacturer's specifications relevant to cutting materials with a hand-held chainsaw are identified and followed
- 1.2. Job requirements are reviewed and clarified with appropriate personnel
- 1.3. Tools and equipment are selected appropriate to job requirements and checked for operational effectiveness in line with manufacturer's recommendations and site procedures
- 1.4. Tasks are identified and planned in line with job requirements
- 1.5. Communication with others is established and maintained in line with OHS requirements and site procedures
- 1.6. Requirements for recycling or disposal of waste material are identified
2. Cut material
- 2.1. Work area is prepared, checked and cleared in line with OHS requirements and site procedures
- 2.2. Supports are placed as required to ensure a stable base
- 2.3. Material is visually assessed for defects in line with site standards
- 2.4. Cutting techniques are used to maximise volume and quality of recovery in line with work order and industry standard lengths
- 2.5. Material is cut within site standard tolerances for length and angle relative to centre line in line with OHS requirements
- 2.6. Chainsaw is operated in line with OHS and site procedures, and manufacturer's recommendations
- 2.7. Debris is cleared and disposed of in line with site procedures and environmental requirements
- 2.8. Production and quality records and reports are processed in line with site procedures and organisational requirements
- 2.9. Problems are identified and reported in line with site procedures
3. Conduct chainsaw maintenance
- 3.1. Damaged saws or cutting attachments are identified and dealt with according to site procedures and manufacturer's recommendations
- 3.2. Chainsaw is cleaned, maintained and stored in line with manufacturer's recommendations and site procedures
RANGE STATEMENT
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.
OHS requirements:
are to be in line with applicable Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation and regulations, and organisational safety policies and procedures, and may include:
personal protective equipment and clothing
safety equipment
first aid equipment
fire fighting equipment
hazard and risk control
fatigue management
elimination of hazardous materials and substances
awareness of danger zone for kickback
manual handling including shifting, lifting and carrying
potential falling objects
procedures for cutting on slopes
location of other workers
Legislative requirements:
are to be in line with applicable Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation, regulations, certification requirements and codes of practice and may include:
Australian Standards
OHS
the environment
equal opportunity
relevant industry codes of practice
award and enterprise agreements
industrial relations
confidentiality and privacy
duty of care
heritage and traditional land owner issues
Organisational requirements may include:
legal
organisational and site guidelines
policies and procedures relating to own role and responsibility
quality assurance
procedural manuals
quality and continuous improvement processes and standards
OHS
emergency and evacuation procedures
fire prevention procedures
recording and reporting requirements
equipment use and maintenance and storage requirements
environmental management requirements (waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines)
access and equity principles and practices
Materials may include:
logs
packs of timber
individual pieces of timber
Job requirements relate to:
information and instructions relevant to cutting operations including:
processing location details
materials to be cut
environmental requirements and features
site plan
and may be verbal
Appropriate personnel may include:
supervisors
clients
colleagues
line management
Tools and equipment may include:
chainsaws
specific safety attire
maintenance tools
Communication may include:
verbal and non-verbal language
hand or other agreed signals
eye contact with other operators or personnel
use of electronic devices
Cleared
refers to work area and may include:
clearing the work area of off-cuts and shorts
ensuring saw clearance around material
depositing off-cuts, shorts and debris in recognised areas
clearing surfaces of debris likely to cause saw damage in the cutting area
Supports
are timber or mechanical apparatus that are put under material to stabilise and give clearance to ground and may include:
timber bearers
specific frames/benches
timber/steel trolleys
Cutting techniques may relate to:
cutting positions
work order requirements
industry standard lengths
cutting patterns
maximising volume and quality of recovery
securing the section on each side of the planned cut
cutting procedures to ensure saw clearance around the material to minimise capping and splitting of material
Records and reports may include:
log book recording of maintenance outcomes, faults, malfunctions and damage, hazards and incidents
may be compiled using a computer-based system or other appropriate organisational communication system to record and report
Problems
may occur in relation to:
defects in material
performance of chainsaw
communication
hazards and risks at the work site
capping and splitting of material
danger zone for kickback
Maintained
refers to maintenance during operation to optimise saw performance and includes:
refuelling
bar checks and oil top up
air filter check, clean and replacement
cleaning of saw body, air intake vents and cooling fans
fitting spare chain and tension chain
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.
OHS requirements:
are to be in line with applicable Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation and regulations, and organisational safety policies and procedures, and may include:
personal protective equipment and clothing
safety equipment
first aid equipment
fire fighting equipment
hazard and risk control
fatigue management
elimination of hazardous materials and substances
awareness of danger zone for kickback
manual handling including shifting, lifting and carrying
potential falling objects
procedures for cutting on slopes
location of other workers
Legislative requirements:
are to be in line with applicable Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation, regulations, certification requirements and codes of practice and may include:
Australian Standards
OHS
the environment
equal opportunity
relevant industry codes of practice
award and enterprise agreements
industrial relations
confidentiality and privacy
duty of care
heritage and traditional land owner issues
Organisational requirements may include:
legal
organisational and site guidelines
policies and procedures relating to own role and responsibility
quality assurance
procedural manuals
quality and continuous improvement processes and standards
OHS
emergency and evacuation procedures
fire prevention procedures
recording and reporting requirements
equipment use and maintenance and storage requirements
environmental management requirements (waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines)
access and equity principles and practices
Materials may include:
logs
packs of timber
individual pieces of timber
Job requirements relate to:
information and instructions relevant to cutting operations including:
processing location details
materials to be cut
environmental requirements and features
site plan
and may be verbal
Appropriate personnel may include:
supervisors
clients
colleagues
line management
Tools and equipment may include:
chainsaws
specific safety attire
maintenance tools
Communication may include:
verbal and non-verbal language
hand or other agreed signals
eye contact with other operators or personnel
use of electronic devices
Cleared
refers to work area and may include:
clearing the work area of off-cuts and shorts
ensuring saw clearance around material
depositing off-cuts, shorts and debris in recognised areas
clearing surfaces of debris likely to cause saw damage in the cutting area
Supports
are timber or mechanical apparatus that are put under material to stabilise and give clearance to ground and may include:
timber bearers
specific frames/benches
timber/steel trolleys
Cutting techniques may relate to:
cutting positions
work order requirements
industry standard lengths
cutting patterns
maximising volume and quality of recovery
securing the section on each side of the planned cut
cutting procedures to ensure saw clearance around the material to minimise capping and splitting of material
Records and reports may include:
log book recording of maintenance outcomes, faults, malfunctions and damage, hazards and incidents
may be compiled using a computer-based system or other appropriate organisational communication system to record and report
Problems
may occur in relation to:
defects in material
performance of chainsaw
communication
hazards and risks at the work site
capping and splitting of material
danger zone for kickback
Maintained
refers to maintenance during operation to optimise saw performance and includes:
refuelling
bar checks and oil top up
air filter check, clean and replacement
cleaning of saw body, air intake vents and cooling fans
fitting spare chain and tension chain
EVIDENCE GUIDE
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 use a hand-held chainsaw while demonstrating the correct procedures for cutting materials in line with organisational guidelines
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 Commonwealth, State or Territory legislative and regulatory requirements and codes of practice, including OHS and environmental, relevant to cutting materials with a hand-held chainsaw
following organisational policies and procedures relevant to cutting materials with a hand-held chainsaw
following applicable licensing or certification requirements
effective communication and safe working practices
safe cutting of materials using a hand-held chainsaw
cutting materials to maximise volume and quality of recovery according to job requirements
cleaning, maintaining and storing saw
identifying and reporting faults, malfunctions or irregular operation of hand-held chainsaw
appropriate recycling or disposal of waste materials
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or realistically simulated workplace
Assessment is to occur under standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints
Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge, other than confirmatory questions, will usually be conducted in an off-site context
Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian Standards requirements
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 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 underpinning knowledge
Assessment must be by direct observation of tasks, with questioning on underpinning knowledge and it must also reinforce the integration of employability skills
Assessment methods must confirm the ability to access and correctly interpret and apply the essential underpinning 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
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 use a hand-held chainsaw while demonstrating the correct procedures for cutting materials in line with organisational guidelines
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 Commonwealth, State or Territory legislative and regulatory requirements and codes of practice, including OHS and environmental, relevant to cutting materials with a hand-held chainsaw
following organisational policies and procedures relevant to cutting materials with a hand-held chainsaw
following applicable licensing or certification requirements
effective communication and safe working practices
safe cutting of materials using a hand-held chainsaw
cutting materials to maximise volume and quality of recovery according to job requirements
cleaning, maintaining and storing saw
identifying and reporting faults, malfunctions or irregular operation of hand-held chainsaw
appropriate recycling or disposal of waste materials
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or realistically simulated workplace
Assessment is to occur under standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints
Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge, other than confirmatory questions, will usually be conducted in an off-site context
Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian Standards requirements
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 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 underpinning knowledge
Assessment must be by direct observation of tasks, with questioning on underpinning knowledge and it must also reinforce the integration of employability skills
Assessment methods must confirm the ability to access and correctly interpret and apply the essential underpinning 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
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S4560 | FPICOT2206A | Cross cut materials with a hand-held chainsaw | Unit of competency |
| WA426 | FPICOT2206B | Cross cut materials with a hand-held chainsaw | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AXL65 | FWPCOT2238 | Cut materials with a hand-held chainsaw | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| W485 | MSA20107 | Certificate II in Process Manufacturing | Qualification |
| D688 | MSA40311 | Certificate IV in Process Manufacturing | Qualification |
| W486 | MSA30107 | Certificate III in Process Manufacturing | Qualification |
| J460 | FPI20311 | Certificate II in Sawmilling and Processing | Qualification |
| J463 | FPI20611 | Certificate II in Timber Merchandising | Qualification |