This unit of competency is no longer current on training.gov.au. It has been replaced by FWPCOT2259. We recommend viewing the replacement unit for the latest content.
Application
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to prepare and cut materials with a hand-held chainsaw. This unit includes basic operator maintenance checks. More comprehensive servicing and maintenance procedures are covered inFWPCOT2237Maintain chainsaws.
The unit applies to those who cut materials with a hand-held chainsaw in a variety of work settings including a construction, saw mill, forest products factory, timber retail yard or horticultural environment.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
What You'll Learn
1.
- 1.1 Review work order and clarify with appropriate personnel
- 1.3 Prepare, check and clear work area, ready for hand-held chainsaw operations
- 1.4 Carry out pre-start checks on chainsaw in line with site requirements
- 1.5 Establish and maintain communication with others in work area to ensure safety
2.
- 2.1 Visually assess materials to be cut for defects that may present unsafe work conditions, and review cutting plan
- 2.3 Cut material within site standard tolerances for length and angle relative to centre line
- 2.4 Use cutting techniques to industry standard lengths, maximising volume and quality of recovery material
- 2.5 Operate chainsaw effectively, in line with manufacturer's recommendations
- 2.6 Clear and dispose of debris in line with site procedures and environmental requirements
- 2.7 Complete production and quality reports
- 2.8 Identify processing problems and equipment faults and report to appropriate personnel
3.
- 3.1 Clean, maintain and store chainsaw in line with manufacturer's recommendations and site procedures
- 3.3 Record and report maintenance activities to appropriate personnel
Assessment Requirements
Performance Evidence
A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy all of the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit. If a specific volume or frequency is not stated below, then evidence must be provided that the following requirements have been performed on at least one occasion:
• safely and efficiently use a hand-held chainsaw to cut materials
• follow organisational policies and procedures relevant to operating a hand-held chainsaw
• use appropriate methods to cut materials with a hand-held chainsaw
• carry out start-up and lock out procedures for a hand-held chainsaw
• identify defects and problems with chainsaw operations
• identify blunt or damaged saws
• effectively maximise volume and quality recovery
• communicate effectively with others at the work site
• carry out routine maintenance on a hand-held chainsaw.
Knowledge Evidence
A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
• workplace requirements and standards for operating a hand-held chainsaw
• environmental protection requirements and safe disposal of waste material
• operational procedures and checks including start-up and shut-down procedures
• equipment processes, technical capability and limitations of a hand-held chainsaw
• established communication channels and protocols to maintain safety
• processes for managing risks and hazards associated with chainsaw operations
• knowledge of defects in timber that can effect processing and cause risk
• workplace health and safety requirements, fire protocols and emergency evacuation procedures
• procedures for recording and reporting workplace records and information.
Assessment Conditions
The following resources must be made available:
• a hand-held chainsaw
• material to be cut
• personal protective equipment required for cutting materials with a hand held chain saw
• work order, workplace requirements and site standards for cutting materials with a hand-held chainsaw.
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.
Assessor requirements
Assessors must:
• hold the appropriate assessor competency standards as outlined in regulations; and
• be able to demonstrate vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed; and
• be able to demonstrate how they are continuing to develop their VET knowledge and skills as well as maintaining their industry currency and assessor competence.
Foundation Skills
- {'skill': 'Problem solving skills to:', 'description': 'identify defects in materials and problems with equipment, and rectify.'}
Related Units
-
FWPCOT2259 — Cut materials with a hand-held chainsaw
Same training package
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Request Early AccessLast updated from training.gov.au: 17 April 2026