Unit of competency Outline

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

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Operate a pole saw

Operate a pole saw

Unit of competency
National Code
FWPCOT3238
State Code
AXL25
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Transition (Replaced)
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
21/02/2018
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
05/10/2016
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
05/10/2016
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to trim high branches reachable with a power driven pole saw and to promote tree growth by trimming and felling excess branches. Power driven pole saw in this unit refers to professional standard pole-mounted chain saws that are typically fuel types, but may be battery powered, and generally telescopic.It applies to those who operate a pole saw in a forest environment and includes equipment maintenance.No licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for trimming
  • 1.1 Identify and follow WHS, environmental, legal and organisational requirements for operating a pole saw.
  • 1.2 Review work order and clarify with appropriate personnel.
  • 1.3 Select equipment appropriate to work requirements and check for serviceable condition in line with manufacturer recommendations.
  • 1.4 Carry out pre-startup checks of pole saw in line with site requirements.
  • 1.5 Establish and maintain communication with others to ensure safety.
2. Assess trees
  • 2.1 Identify and assess tree type, location and stability for safe working conditions.
  • 2.2 Plan the trim of a tree in line with site procedures and environmental conditions.
  • 2.3 Identify trees unable to be trimmed safely and refer to appropriate personnel.
  • 2.4 Determine whether the height of the branch is within safe reach when using the pole saw
  • 2.5 Establish general falling direction of branches and limbs to be trimmed and identify clear escape route.
3. Trim trees
  • 3.1 Trim accessible branches and knots to specifications in line with manufacturer recommendations and organisational safe work practices for angle and height allowances.
  • 3.2 Monitor movement and whereabouts of other personnel to ensure work site is safe.
  • 3.3 Undertake sequence of cuts to trim tree branches.
  • 3.4 Operate pole saw in line with safety regulations, adjusting technique in response to condition of the tree.
  • 3.5 Diagnose unexpected characteristics of a tree during trimming operations and review tree assessment if required.
  • 3.6 Complete cutting once initiated, to minimise splitting.
  • 3.7 Clear cut branches from the site in line with standard operating procedures and environmental requirements.
  • 3.8 Record and report trimming activity.
4. Conduct operator maintenance
  • 4.1 Follow lock-out procedures in line with WHS legislation and site procedures.
  • 4.2 Inspect condition of saw and other equipment on completion of trimming activities.
  • 4.3 Remove, sharpen, adjust or replace chain and other components, in line with manufacturer recommendations.
  • 4.4 Recycle, re-use or dispose of blunt or damaged chain and other components in line with environmental requirements.
  • 4.5 Clear pole saw of dust, shavings and debris and check to make sure it meets relevant operational standards.
  • 4.6 Record and report equipment faults and maintenance activity.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D5947 FPICOT3238B Operate a pole saw Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OCR75 FWPCOT3301 Trim trees using a pole saw Unit of competency