Health and Safety - Friends of 42 Traverse

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

Only approved and competent operators may use this machine. Staff being trained must have close supervision by someone who has been approved and competent. A definition of an approved operator is someone who has completed the scrub cutter induction process, and has been signed off as competent to use the machines in the field by a person who has been assessed as ‘competent to assess others’ and this is recorded in DOCLearn. Areas that must be covered during an induction are:

 

If a person has obtained NZQA unit standard 24540 (maintain and use a brushcutter) this may be used as evidence of competence.

 

 

 

How to set up harness: put on harness and attach bar for weight. Weight to be balanced through shoulders straps, adjust height of connection hook through the side attachment so that bar is sitting on point of hip and running at about 30º angle across front of body

 

Correct stance: legs slightly apart – the taller you are, the further apart this will be; bend knees not waist, and move through full range of motion using legs and torso – torso to be almost solid from knees to shoulders; be aware of your stance (and that of others) throughout the working day; the correct stance becomes harder to maintain if you do not have some experience and there is more tendency as the day wears on to bend from waist and hunch the shoulders. With practice and perseverance it will become quite natural; use other methods listed here to maintain both mental and physical well-being.  

 

 

Steel capped boots are recommended, chaps for blade use (optional for flail), overalls (optional if wearing chaps), helmet with visor and muffs (grade 4 only so as to allow better peripheral hearing), if not using a visor, safety glasses or “fly eyes” (safety glasses with rubber straps are best, this negates any discomfort when wearing earmuffs), hi-viz vest /t-shirt (with good UV protection)

 

 

Demonstrate

 

 

Use the correct length of flail for flail heads if you are using non “self feed” type heads. Industrial scrub bars are designed to use a blade. Use only the flail head that comes with the scrub bar as recommended by the manufacturer. These heads will fit the safety guard and usually have an inbuilt auto trimming system.

 

 

Demonstrate. Use of a safety guard is mandatory. Fitting after market flail heads may render your safety guard ineffectual. If fitting an aftermarket head (non self feed variety or other) make sure the disc created by the spinning flail lines up at the centre of your safety guard.

 

 

Several factors need to be understood to safely use a scrub bar with a flail head. These are as follows:

 

¨         Concentration levels must be high at all times. This means being aware when you are tired and when you need a rest or food or liquid intake

 

¨         Using the appropriate throttle control for the surface and material you are cutting i.e. where you are cutting soft vege amongst small stones and rocks use low rpm. Flail will still cut at low rpm and tilt your bar to minimise the amount of material that will come back at you (demonstrate)

 

¨         Most injuries using flail are deflective ones i.e. stones or twigs bouncing from the chest under the visor into the face. Make sure that when you are cutting areas where small stones and rocks are prevalent that you hold your chin slightly down. This makes the gap between visor and chest smaller

 

¨         Even at low rpm flail will form a clearly visible disc. Be aware of the edges of the disc when you cut and what portion of the disc you are cutting with i.e. am I cutting on the back hand or fore hand, do I have any tilt on the bar. All these factors will have an effect on how matter is thrown back towards you. Awareness is your best defence against injury

 

 

A lot of time, energy and money is wasted with people cutting inappropriate vege for whatever attachment they have on their bar (flail or blade) set teams up to reflect what they are actually cutting i.e. two with flail, one with blade or two on blades, one on flail etc and add a chainsaw if necessary . Then set cutting max sizes/diameters for flail and blade. Then it is a matter of everyone cutting the appropriate size material. The initial set up will take some time but once teams are in the swing and trust each other to do their job, the work will progress very quickly. Tired people tend to make mistakes

 

 

Demonstrate

 

 

Use the throttle intelligently. You do not drive a car with the gas pedal fully depressed all the time. You need to decelerate and brake as the road demands. It is no different when using a scrub bar.

 

 

The ability to maintain concentration is paramount for safe use of a scrub bar. Eat well, hydrate well and take regular breaks. Use the other methods mentioned in this SOP to help concentration levels

 

 

Tri-blades are used as they are easy to sharpen and have a long life in amongst the rocks and stones of back country tracks. They also do not tend to break and chip as do “Chainsaw” blades and tungsten tipped “saw tooth” blades (these are dangerous in rough country where rocks are prevalent).

 

A guard must be fitted at all times. Note:

 

·         The easiest and safest way to cut steep slopes in the back country is to back down them i.e. take a step backwards (watch where you are going), make sure your feet are firmly planted then start to cut. When you have cut what you can reach repeat the procedure. Do not overreach. Be aware that the guard in these circumstances can sometimes become a hindrance and will catch on roots and rock and this can put you off balance.

 

·         Precision cutting is preferable to the bash technique that seems prevalent when most people get hold of a bar with a guard on. Control over the cut is the key to safety when using a bar and blade. In order to be precise you must be able to see what you are cutting and that allows you to cut once. The guard can hinder this ability to see so people have to feel their way and this is difficult if conditions are not optimum i.e. terrain is flat and even. Thus the bash approach ensues which is hard on staff and gear and produces a second rate job. If you second cut i.e. make one cut and then make a second cut to lower the stump then on the second cut the (tri) blade will tear the stump into pieces and fling debris back at the operator.  Current rules do not allow for the removal of the guard so care must be taken at all times to “cut once”. take your time and think about what you are doing

 

·         Remember to flip your blade regularly i.e. if cutting is heavy then flip blade every 1.5 to 2 hours. If cutting is light then once every 4 hour should be enough. Blades should be used so that they wear evenly on both sides this helps with sharpening and also helps to keep them balanced. Unbalanced blades are hard on machines and people.

 

 

Team management techniques: when completing a vegetation cut on a track, for the majority of track (up to 1.2 metres wide) each person should work on both sides rather than only one. This will allow a full range of motion that will not occur if someone is working just one side of a track and in the long term will lessen fatigue and the incidents of cramping or strains. They will also “leapfrog” each other. Leapfrogging will allow team members to rest regularly as they cut. Plan prior the work for each team member to cut no more than 50m (max), i.e. second person to start 50m ahead, the third 100m etc, then when first person reaches the cut section ahead, walk until 50m ahead of the person at the head of the team and start cutting – this allows for regular breaks for stretching and relaxing as you walk to the next section to be cut and allows a mental rest break. Over particularly difficult terrain or where teams are predominantly inexperienced 20 or 30 metres may be more appropriate. Be aware that as the day wears on you will become tired and your technique and concentration levels drop. Take regular rest breaks and make sure your intake of food and drink is good. Glucose high foods are good for afternoon smokos

 

Where track is wider than 1.2 metres and it is easier for team members to cut just one side, make sure that teams swap sides every 50 metres or so to make sure strains and other such injuries are minimised

 

 

i.          Standard safety equipment is to be worn at all times whilst operating this machine. These include helmet, ear muffs grade 4 and visor (safety glasses/fly eyes are optional under the visor or alternate options to a visor), safety boots are recommended but leather boots (good quality tramping boots) should be a minimum, hi-viz vest/t-shirt and a minimum of overalls. The use of chainsaw chaps to protect your legs is optional with flail only! Gloves are also optional.

 

 

ii.         Any persons that are assisting with the operation but not using a scrub cutter must also wear approved hearing protection and a hi-vis vest. A helmet and visor is optional outside the 15 metre safety zone (ear muffs must still be worn).

 

 

iii.          A minimum distance of 15 meters is to be observed at all times whilst the machine is in operation for all staff including those involved in clearing work. This does not include the distance between other operators. There will be occasion when one operator will catch another during work. It is the responsibility of the catching operator to assess the situation and judge whether it is safe to keep cutting or stop and wait. This will depend mainly on the surface being cut i.e. lots of stones etc. All operators should not be so involved in their work that they lose peripheral vision and hearing

 

 

iv.          Appropriate signage is to be placed both in front and behind of the operators to ensure adequate warning is given to other track users that machinery is in operation (mainly front country use). Use also visual delineators (cones) to cordon off work area when appropriate/ needed. Exception to this is back country work only.

 

 

v.         Flail to be used on vegetation up to 10mm diameter (depending on species of vege). Tri blade to used on vegetation up to 50mm diameter (depending on species of vege and blade), guard must be used.

 

 

vi.          Use only cutting attachments and accessories that are approved for these scrub cutters. If you are unsure check with the D Band Ranger or the CSM.

 

 

vii.         Carry out pre-operation tasks as noted in Appendix 1.

 

 

viii.          Follow instructions in Appendix 2 when starting the scrub cutter.

 

 

ix.          Carry out post operation maintenance as listed in Appendix 3.

 

 

x.         Do not modify the machine or any of the accessories without discussing the proposal with the D-Band ranger or CSM and gaining approval for the task.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Users must be assessed as competent to use. (Assessment form docdm-480263)

 

 

Districts are to ensure that they have experienced employee(s) who has been assessed as ‘competent to assess others’ and this is recorded in DOCLearn.

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

·         Remove the Grease filler cap and check the grease level.

 

·         Fill till about ¾ full with grease.

 

·         Do not overfill

 

·         Never use an unapproved or unlabeled grease

 

 

 

 

·         Remove the filler cap and check the level

 

·         Refill the tank if the level is low

 

·         Refill the tank in a well ventilated area.

 

·         Never use any unlabeled or unapproved fuel mix.

 

 

 

 

 

·         Ensure that the shaft is not bent or twisted

 

 

 

·         Ensure that the attachment that is on is securely attached and that the reverse thread lock nut is in good condition.

 

 

 

 

·         Ensure that the start stop switch moves easily between the two settings.

 

 

 

·         Ensure that the throttle trigger and throttle trigger interlock action is smooth. The throttle trigger must return automatically to the idle position.

 

 

 

·         Ensure that the harness is adjusted to suit your height.

 

 

 

·         Ensure that all the handles are dry and clean, free from oil and safe for control.

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

1: Start the engine at least 3 meters from the fuelling spot

 

 

2: Set the throttle control to the start position.

 

 

3: If the engine is cold engage the choke lever. If the scrub cutter has been running but is cold the choke is not required.

 

 

4: Press the machine body against the ground using your left hand.

 

 

 

5: Ensure that the cutting attachment is clear of any obstacles on the ground.

 

 

6: Grip the starter handle, slowly pull out the cord with your right hand until you feel some resistance. Now quickly pull the cord. Do not pull the cord out till it stops; this is a great way to break starter cord. Short sharp pulls inside the full range of motion are best

 

 

 

7: Do not pull the starter cord out completely and do not release the starter cord from the fully extended position. This will damage the starting mechanism.

 

 

 

 

9: Reset the choke control as soon as the engine fires and repeat until the engine starts.

 

 

10: When the engine starts quickly apply full throttle and the start throttle will automatically disengage.

 

 

11: Note that the cutting tool continues to rotate for a short period after you let go of the throttle trigger. This is called the fly wheel effect.

 

 

12: Check the idle speed. The cutting tool must not rotate when the engine is idling with the throttle trigger released.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1: Move the throttle control to the STOP position.

 

 

 

About this document

Disclaimer This document has been written for Department of Conservation

(DOC) staff. As a result, it includes DOC-specific terms and refers

to internal documents that are only accessible to DOC staff. It is

being made available to external groups and organisations to

demonstrate departmental best practice. As these procedures

have been prepared for the use of DOC staff, other users may

require authorisation or caveats may apply. Any use by members

of the public is at their own risk and DOC disclaims all liabi lity for

any risk.

Document

Coordinator

Grant Tremain, Principal Ranger, Recreation/Historic, Te

Anau

Document

Owner

Harry Maher, Director – Health & Safety

Approved for

use by

Harry Maher, Director – Health & Safety

Date: 06/09/2018

doc-5570817

Last reviewed 01/11/2021

Classification UNCLASSIFIED

docCM ID doc-1473489

Chainsaw Use SOP – doc-1473489 2

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1. Background 3

1.1 Purpose 3

1.2 Compliance 3

2. Process 4

3. Requiremens for chainsaw use 7

3.1

Qualifications 7

3.1.1 First Aid 7

3.1.2 Base level chainsaw use 7

3.1.3 High level chainsaw use 8

3.2 Progression 9

3.2.1 Progression to high and advanced level work 9

3.2.2 District senior chainsaw operator 9

4. Assessments 9

5. Work Planning 10

5.1 Pre-trip 10

5.2 On site 10

5.3 Post Trip 10

6. Equipment 11

6.1 Personal protective equipment 11

6.2 Operating equipment 11

7. Communication 11

8. Pole Saws and Top Handled saws 11

9. Contractors and Concessionaires 12

10. Volunteers 12

11. Arborists (e.g. Treescape, Asplundh) Terminology and definitions 12

12. Terminology and Definitions 12

13. Document History 14

Decision Flowcharts 15

Chainsaw Use SOP – doc-1473489 3

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1.1 Purpose

Using Chainsaws is a fundamental part of Conservation work. This SOP Provides a clear

set of rules around the use of Chainsaws so that all our staff, contractors and volunteers

can use chainsaws safely in all situations.

The Department has split the use of chainsaws into three parts:

• High level work. This is work where the possibility of being injured or killed

by the tree is also a reality. Our most skilled people will be operating at this

level.

• Advanced level work. This is work where the tree or windfall has been

identified as having a high level of defect or difficulty. This requires

specialty skills and experience to safely assess and dismantle the tree.

This SOP has four important components:

• The introduction of a senior chainsaw operator. This person will act as a

coach and mentor in each district or region.

• The use of Competenz as an external party as an assessment agency.

• The emphasis on team leadership. All members of the team should help one

another to make good and safe judgements about the way in which they

work.

• The link to the New Zealand Certificate in Non-Production Tree Felling

(Level 3).

This SOP aligns with the Worksafe NZ Approved Code of Practice for Safety and Health in Forest

Operations (ACOP). This SOP was developed in association with Competenz.

Chainsaw Use SOP – doc-1473489 4

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*Please Note, From 2022 unit standards 6916 and 6917 will be combined into 6917 only

Achieving high level chainsaw operator status

Chainsaw Use SOP – doc-1473489 5

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Achieving Advanced level chainsaw operator status

Work planning

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Work delivery

Contractors/concessionaires

*External assessment required where no other proof of competency available

Volunteers (including community groups)

*External assessment required where no other proof of competency available

Chainsaw Use SOP – doc-1473489 7

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Arborists (e.g Asplundh, Treescape)

*However, when arborists undertake conventional ‘forestry’ type chainsaw work, such as track clearing contracts, this work wi ll be subject to the Departments’

Chainsaw SOP

Chainsaw Use SOP – doc-1473489 8

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A new staff member will be expected to have worked under direct supervision of the

senior chainsaw operator in a controlled environment before the initial unit standard

training and assessment. This is to ensure their suitability and familiarity of chainsaws.

Following attainment of the unit standards, the Manager approves the level of

competency after discussion with the Supervisor and Senior Chainsaw operator and

updates DOC Learn.

Chainsaw Use SOP – doc-1473489 9

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3.1.3 High level chainsaw use – tree fel ling/windfall clearing

High level chainsaw use is tree felling/windfall clearing that involves any tree standing or

on the ground with a diameter greater than 200mm. This would include felling

straightforward trees greater that 200mm in diameter, non-technical windthrow that

includes some tension and compression where standard practice cuts are able to be used

The minimum requirement for tree felling/windfall clearing is the following unit

standards;

• 17763 - Demonstrate knowledge of tree felling

• 17766 - Fell trees safely using a chainsaw

• This is in addition to the requirements for base level work. Staff should hold the

base level competency for a minimum 12 months before progressing.

The Operations Manager or Supervisor is to approve high level work and the competence

of the chainsaw operator. If the Manager or Supervisor does not feel confident to make

this judgement it is expected that they will take advice from one of their colleagues who

does.

3.1.4 Advanced Level Chainsaw use- Hazardous tree felling and windfall

Advanced level clearing and felling refers to removing trees which, because of physical

damage, butt, stem or crown rot, malformation, growth characteri stics, or specific

characteristics of the tree species, constitute a serious hazard to the worker. Examples of

these trees are:

• hang-ups

• heavy leaners

• spars

• multi leaders

• broken tops

• rotten trees

It also includes complex windfall trees, i.e., large overhanging root plates, windfall

involving multiple entangled trees, extreme tension and compression situations and

situations where facilities and structures are impacted by windthrow.

• The Minimum requirement for Hazardous tree felling and windfall is 28562

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All advanced level tree felling work should be identified and recorded through AMIS,

with adequate pre planning and Job safety analysis completed prior to undertaking the

work. The Operations Manager or Supervisor is to approve advanced level work and the

competence of the chainsaw operator. If the Manager or Supervisor does not feel

confident to make this judgement it is expected that they will take advice from one of

their colleagues who does.

3.2 Progression

3.2.1 Progression to high level work and Advanced work

The Operations Manager will decide if there is a requirement for a high level/advanced

chainsaw operator. The senior chainsaw operator will assist in identifying a chainsaw

operator who demonstrates an advanced level of technical skill and desired behaviour

who aspires to the challenge of high level chainsaw work, or advanced level chainsaw

work. Once this commitment is made the senior chainsaw operator will be responsible for

the coaching and mentoring of the new person and assist them to obtain the required

high level NZQA standards. The final step in this process will be to pass the external

assessment through Competenz.

3.2.2 District Senior chainsaw operator

The Department will require chainsaw operators who have the necessary qualifications,

skills and experience to fill the role of senior chainsaw operators. They will likely be

selected by their peers and managers and formally approved by the Operations Dir ector.

Not all work places will have or need a senior chainsaw operator. Where this is the case,

they will be shared across districts or regions. The senior chainsaw operator will already

be a high level or advanced chainsaw operator. There is an expectation that senior

chainsaw operators will meet together either regionally or nationally on occasion.

Mentoring should include spending at least one day annually working in the field with all

operators, and once every six months with newly competent staff. This is to ensure good

work practices are being followed, compliance with our SOP and identifying any bad

habits.

The role is to:

• undertake or oversee the high level and advanced work in the district(s)

• to coach/mentor all chainsaw operators both base and high level

• drive the consistency, culture and standards across the Department

• maintain a close working relationship with Competenz assessors

• Support and collaborate alongside other Senior Operators in the region to

improve consistency

• Provide advice and assurance to Operations Managers regarding district

chainsaw operations

A Senior Chainsaw Operator has:

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• completed all unit standards and assessments required for high or advanced level

work

• been recognised by their peers and colleagues as being the senior person in the

team, district or region with the necessary skill, aptitude and experience to

undertake coaching mentoring and development work with all chainsaw operators

• been approved by the Operations Manager to undertake and oversee the advanced

work in the district.

4. Assessments

All chainsaw operators working for the Department must have:

• an initial assessment for base work by a registered Competenz assessor upon

completion of the relevant unit standards

• an initial assessment for high level work by a registered Competenz assessor

following completion of the relevant unit standards

• a re-assessment (verification across the relevant unit standard(s)) every three (3)

years) by a registered Competenz assessor. This should be to the highest current

level held.

• The appropriate Assessment form should be provided upon completion of all

assessments.

Chainsaw Base Level External Assessment Record DOC-3237464

Chainsaw High Level External Assessment Record DOC-3237470

DOC Advanced Level chainsaw operator assessment form

• DOC learn Records updated and reviewed to show current level of competence

• Completed log book showing:

date, location

hours chain sawing

type of work undertaken

training undertaken

team leader and team members

other information/comments (Recording out of work use in a log book is

considered relevant)

Log books are available from Grant Tremain grtremain@doc.govt.nz

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5. Work Planning

5.1 Pre-trip

A team leader with suitable experience for the type of work being carried out must be

appointed. A safety plan must be in place for the work being carried out. Relevant work

or project intentions are held with the Operations Manager and/or Supervisor. Loca l

intentions systems and any local controls relevant to the office must be followed. All

chainsaw operators must hold the appropriate unit standards and have suitable

experience for the required work.

Consideration must be given to the biodiversity implications of your tasks e.g. work

carried out in the presence of bats and protocols to appropriately manage this.

Where high level work is being undertaken a second chainsaw user (this can be either a

high level or base level operator, depending on the situat ion) is required to be on site,

who is capable of providing cutting assistance in the event of an emergency situation.

Where work is identified to be advanced level work, this should be recorded as a specific

job through AMIS. The Senior Chainsaw operator for the district should be consulted to

help plan the team makeup and appropriate chainsaw operator to safely deliver the work.

Advanced level Chainsaw work will require a minimum team number of three people, one

of which should hold the High Level chainsaw use competency, and can provide

assistance to the primary cutter in the event of an emergency. They will also be used in

hazard identification and cut planning. In high complexity situations consider a team

that includes two or more advanced level chainsaw operators.

5.2 On-site

The team leader will undertake a daily hazard briefing with all chainsaw operators and

support staff involved on the day. In the case of difficult tree felling or difficult windfalls

a site specific hazard assessment will be undertaken and led by the team leader.

5.3 Post Trip

Complete log book. In the case of large blocks of work or complex work an after action review

will occur. A large block of work is, for example, where windfalls were dealt with over 3 or

more days or where a track was cut for 3 or more days or a complex windfall.

This review will include:

• a discussion of how the work went

• improvements that could be made (team leader to make a decision on any wider

application)

• any training needs or opportunities that are identified.

Chainsaw Use SOP – doc-1473489 13

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6. Equipment

6.1 Personal protective equipment

Personal protective equipment for the work must be worn as described below.

All chainsaw operators for the Department must wear protective clothing and equipment

which complies with New Zealand standards or their overseas equivalents.

• safety helmet complying with AS/NZS1801:1997

• eye protection complying with AS/NZS 1337:1992 (Exception: Where the eye

protection itself is likely to cause a greater hazard)

• hearing protection (grade 5) complying with AS/NZS1270:1988

• hi-visibility clothing complying with AS/NZS 4602

• trauma based first aid kit including two No 15 large wound dressings and

emergency blankets.

• leg protection complying with AS/NZS4453.3:1997. Where the protective inner

fabric has been damaged in any way the legwear shall be discarded and replaced.

• safety footwear complying with AS/NZS2210

6.2 Operating equipment

Required equipment for the work includes:

• correct sized saw for the work

• A chainsaw that is well maintained as per manufacturers specifications

• chainsaw tool kit

• sufficient fuel/oil in approved containers

• wedges and driving tool for high level/advanced work

• signage for public safety may be required

• spare bar and chain.

7. Communication

A minimum of two people are required to carry out chainsaw work. Two reliable forms of

immediate communication are required. This can include VHF radio, HF radio, Satellite

tracker, cell phone, or satellite phone. Three people are required where there is not direct

communication available or where the communication may not be reliable. The intention

is that one person can stay with an injured person while the third person goes for help. In

remote situations 2 reliable forms of communication are required one of which may be an

EPIRB.

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Please note that top handled saws are for use only in above ground arborist work, and

this is covered in their operators manuals and the Arborists code of practice.

9. Contractors and Concessionaries

Contractors and concessionaires operating chainsaws must:

• operate according to this chainsaw SOP

• provide a safety plan

• provide evidence that employees operating a chainsaw have the relevant unit

standards and are competent for the type of work carried out.

10. Volunteers (Including community groups)

Volunteers operating chainsaws on work for the Department of Conservation must;

• hold the relevant unit standards required for the type of work being carried out

• adhere to the requirements of this chainsaw SOP including external assessment

• work under an approved safety plan

11. Arborists (e.g. Treescape, Asplundh)

The use of arborists for tree dismantling involving ropes, bucket trucks and working at height

is not covered by this Standard Operating Procedure. To undertake Arborist work for the

Department you must met the requirements found in the Work at Heights – Arboriculture

One-Page SOP (docdm-1545022). Arborist work is specialised and involves a high level of

chainsaw and other specialised techniques. Managers engaging arborists should satisfy

themselves that the individuals are competent and qualified for the work they are to do and

that a suitable safety plan is in place. However in situations where Arborists (either contract

or volunteer) undertake conventional chainsaw work such as tree felling or track clearing,

this work is subject to the Department’s Chainsaw SOP.

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12. Terminology and Definitions

Approved Code of Practice for Safety and Health in Forest Operations published by

Worksafe NZ.

Assessment

An assessment of a chainsaw operator is conducted by a registered Competenz assessor

against the relevant NZQA unit standard. This could be the initial assessment following

achievement of the unit standard or a follow-up assessment.

Base level chainsaw operator

A chainsaw operator who has:

• achieved unit standards 6916, 6917 and 43

• a current first aid certificate

• been assessed as competent to carry out base level work by a Competenz assessor

• been approved to carry out the intended work by the appropriate manager.

High level chainsaw operator

A chainsaw operator who has:

• achieved unit standards 6916, 6917, 17763, 17766, and 43

• a current first aid certificate

• been assessed as competent to carry out high level work by a Competenz assessor

• been approved to carry out the intended work by the appropriate manager

Advanced Level Chainsaw operator

A Chainsaw Operator who has

• achieved unit standards 6916, 6917, 17763, 17766, 43, 28562.

• a current first aid certificate

• been assessed as competent to carry out Advanced level work by a Competenz

assessor

• been approved to carry out the intended work by the appropriate manager

Senior chainsaw operator

A senior chainsaw operator has:

• completed all unit standards and assessments required for high level work

• been endorsed by the Operations Director to undertake and oversee the high level

work in the district or region.

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• been recognised by their peers, manager and colleagues as being the senior person

in the team, district or region with the necessary skill, aptitude and experience to

undertake coaching, mentoring and development work with all chainsaw operators.

Competent person

A competent person is someone who has:

• achieved the required unit standards for the type of work they are engaged in

• can successfully demonstrate the skill and knowledge derived from experience and

training

• passed assessment by a Competenz assessor.

Competenz

Recognised forest industry standards and training provider

Competenz assessor

A registered trainer and assessor contracted by Competenz to assess a chainsaw

operator’s technical skills

Direct Supervision

To be physically present, in direct line of sight or within calling distance where direction,

advice, feedback or assistance can be immediately given

Supervision

Not necessarily physically present, but where direction, advice, feedback or assistance can be

given via suitable communication

Worksafe NZ

The Government department with oversight for workplace health and safety

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13. Document History

Amendment

Date

Amendment details

docDM

version

Amended by

3/11/14

This document issued,

replacing previous Chainsaw

SOPs

docdm-673792

docdm-673822

docdm-673823