Course Description
This unit describes the outcomes required to trim and cut felled trees with a chainsaw and to complete operator maintenance. It applies to situations where the production of timber is not the primary focus of the activity.
The unit applies to a forestry worker, chainsaw operator, forest harvester, harvesting technician and arboriculture worker.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for trimming and cutting
- Review work order and where required check with appropriate personnel
- Select appropriate personal protective and other equipment and check for operational effectiveness
- Plan trimming and cutting activities in line with work order and environmental conditions
2. Visually assess felled trees
- Assess tree location and stability for conditions likely to affect safety of trimming and cutting activities
- Visually assess tree for defects and identify stresses within tree
- Mark trees too dangerous to cut safely and refer to appropriate personnel
3. Plan cutting
- Move or stabilise tree for safe cutting in line with site procedures
- Select cutting pattern to optimise time and manageable removal of sections
- Identify options for utilisation of product
- Plan cutting sequence to maintain control of cut sections and minimise cutting problems
- Select cutting positions considering tree stresses
- Clear debris from work area to allow safe access and prevent saw damage and personal injury
4. Use chainsaw to trim and cut trees
- Monitor location and movement of other personnel and modify work to ensure safety
- Establish and maintain communication to ensure safety
- Secure tree section on each side of planned cut; evaluate and control potential movement
- Operate chainsaw to cut tree and limbs and adjust cutting technique in response to movement and condition of tree and limbs
- Prepare cut sections for removal from the site
5. Complete equipment maintenance
- Follow organisational safety procedures to lock out equipment
- Check chain for bluntness or damage
- Remove, sharpen, adjust and replace chain and other components in line with manufacturer recommendations
- Record and report trimming and cutting records, equipment faults and maintenance requirements to appropriate personnel