Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:30 AM AWST

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Conduct mechanically assisted tree falling operations

Conduct mechanically assisted tree falling operations

Unit of competency
National Code
FWPHAR3213
State Code
AXK33
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
13/05/2016
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
150
Description
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to use machinery, winches and cables to push or pull trees away from their natural direction of fall. The unit applies to those conducting mechanically assisted tree falling operations in a forest or farm forest environment.Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit in some state and territories at the time of publication, and may differ according to jurisdiction.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for tree pushing or pulling
  • 1.1 Review work plan and clarify with appropriate personnel.
  • 1.2 Identify type and quantity of trees to be pushed or pulled and assess for safe working conditions.
  • 1.3 Select appropriate cutting equipment and pushing or pulling equipment for work and check for operational effectiveness.
2. Assess and plan tree pushing or pulling
  • 2.1 Plan tree pushing or pulling activities are in line with site procedures, taking into consideration environmental requirements and conditions.
  • 2.2 Assess tree location and stability for conditions likely to affect safety of tree pushing or pulling activities.
  • 2.3 Visually assess tree for defects, grade and recovery status.
  • 2.4 Mark trees too dangerous to be felled safely refer to appropriate personnel.
  • 2.5 Clear growth around tree and clear either manually or mechanically.
  • 2.6 Plan cutting sequence to control direction of the fall and minimise damage to the tree, hang ups and surrounding environment.
  • 2.7 Plan and clear an escape route.
  • 2.8 Establish and maintain communication with other personnel to ensure safety.
3. Push or pull trees
  • 3.1 Pre start-up checks are carried out on equipment in line with site requirements.
  • 3.2 Monitor movement and whereabouts of other personnel to ensure safety.
  • 3.3 Remove and clear leaders in line with the tree pushing or pulling plan.
  • 3.4 Unexpected characteristics of a tree are diagnosed and planning is reviewed.
  • 3.5 Secure and tension winches, cables or machinery and make scarf cut in line with planned falling direction and safety requirements.
  • 3.6 Make appropriate cuts below the scarf cut to assist the fall angle of the tree.
  • 3.7 Use planned escape route once the tree begins to fall.
  • 3.8 Monitor movement of the tree on the ground until stable and immediately flag and clear trees that hang up.
  • 3.9 Clear the work site of refuse created by tree falling, following workplace guidelines, safe waste disposal and environmental care requirements.
4. Conduct operator maintenance
  • 4.1 Inspect condition of tools and equipment on completion of felling activities.
  • 4.2 Identify blunt or damaged chain or equipment for repair or replacement.
  • 4.3 Remove, sharpen, maintain, adjust and refit chain and other components in line with manufacturer's recommendations.
  • 4.4 Follow equipment lock-out procedures in line with safety and site procedures.
  • 4.5 Record and report tree pushing or pulling activities and maintenance information according to workplace procedures.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D6034 FPIHAR3213B Conduct mechanically assisted tree falling operations Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
ODS13 FWPHAR3235 Conduct mechanically assisted tree falling operations Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BAL0 FWP30216 Certificate III in Harvesting and Haulage Qualification