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.
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Submission Requirements
List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here
Assessment task 1: [title] Due date:
(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)
Assessment Tasks
Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.
Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.
Observation Checklist
Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice
Yes
No
Comments/feedback
Review production plan, confirm its targets and assess wood flow requirements to ensure efficient machine operation and overall productivity
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
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
Apply risk control measures in line with standard operating procedures, site operational plan, legislative requirements and industry standards to eliminate or minimise risks
Identify emergency plan procedures to follow in the event of an emergency
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
Assess terrain characteristics to establish machine stability
Carry out pre-operational checks on machine in line with workplace procedures or manufacturers' recommendations to ensure optimal production performance and operational effectiveness
Use industry-accepted warning signs, vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems and procedures to maintain communication and workplace safety during operation
Select products, stems, logs or slash to be moved based on their position, location and size
Position skidder for stability and safe access to products or slash by adjusting the technique in response to terrain conditions
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
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
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
Recover all merchantable product and/or slash from site in line with the production plan requirements
Park, shut-down, de-energise and isolate skidder in line with workplace procedures or manufacturers' recommendations
Clean, check and carry out routine maintenance activities on skidder and equipment to maintain optimum operational performance
Identify and report machine faults, malfunctions or problems in line with workplace procedures or manufacturers' recommendations
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
Record skidder operations and maintenance activities
Forms
Assessment Cover Sheet
FWPHAR3230 - Operate skidder
Assessment task 1: [title]
Student name:
Student ID:
I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.
Student signature:
Result: Competent Not yet competent
Feedback to student
Assessor name:
Signature:
Date:
Assessment Record Sheet
FWPHAR3230 - Operate skidder
Student name:
Student ID:
Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent
(add lines for each task)
Feedback to student:
Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent