This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to operate a yarder for log production and use optimised production processes in a commercial forest harvesting environment. The main job functions are to lift and carry stems and/or logs on slopes from the stump to the roadside or landing area. Activities are to be conducted safely and efficiently.

The unit applies to individuals who work as yarder operators in small or larger harvesting crews. Operators generally work under broad direction to complete routine activities related to yarder operations and take responsibility for their work.

No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

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)

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
Confirm production plan targets for felling and processing 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 yarder to ensure that loads, machine and cable system 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 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 plans to identify location of landing area, extraction routes and entry points for efficient extraction of stems and/or logs and minimum interference with other forestry operations
Assess terrain characteristics to establish machine stability
Use industry-accepted warning signs, vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems and procedures to maintain communication and workplace safety during yarder set-up and operation
Move yarder to the landing in line with industry standards
Position yarder on landing for stability in line with planned system design by adjusting the technique in response to terrain conditions and ensuring a stable level support base for outriggers
Check that tower or spar is rigged to suit system design and raised in line with manufacturers' recommendations and industry standards
Work with other personnel to tension lines with enough slack to facilitate yarder movements
Observe mechanical system components during normal operations, note faults and take corrective actions
Routinely inspect system components and maintain, repair or replace in line with industry standards
Routinely inspect guylines and adjust tension to equalise load in line with industry standards
Lubricate blocks to maintain operational condition
Identify repetitive damage of cable system and review and amend operational practices
Carry out pre-operational checks on machine and cable system in line with workplace procedures or manufacturers' recommendations to ensure optimal production performance and operational effectiveness
Perform yarder operations only in response to breakout, landing signals or own transmitted signals
Monitor, manage and control yarder mechanical systems to maintain log alignment and satisfy safe operating limits
Control tension in running and standing lines to balance the lift and deflection consistency with payload and rope capacities
Anticipate hang-ups and obstacles, halt haul and clear in cooperation with the rigging slinger
Use haul speed, line swing and bridling to position logs on the landing, control payloads and work with the chaser to optimise workflow
Position and construct stacks of stems or logs to avoid product damage, provide stability, restrict height for efficient extraction and facilitate safe access and conduct of other landing and machine operations in line with worksite layout and production plan requirements
Return rigging to extraction point and position in line with signals from the rigging slinger
Operate yarder to minimise breakage and damage to stems and/or logs, standing trees and environment in line with the production plan requirements
Park, shut-down, de-energise and isolate yarder in line with workplace procedures or manufacturers' recommendations
Clean, check and carry out routine maintenance activities on yarder 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 yarder operation and dispose of or recycle waste materials in line with site environmental management plan
Record yarder operations and maintenance activities

Assessment Cover Sheet

FWPHAR3231 - Operate yarder

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

FWPHAR3231 - Operate yarder

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

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: