FWPCOT3347 Fell trees manually (intermediate)

Also known as Chainsaw Level 3, this course applies to individuals who are involved in the felling of trees manually using a chainsaw, at an intermediate level. It will provide individuals with the skills and knowledge required to assess, plan and safely carry out manual tree-felling operations for trees with a level of complexity that requires significant tree assessment and practical felling skills. Upon completion of this unit, individuals should be able to effectively fell most trees, except advanced trees and/or those with significant defects and/or characteristics that cause excessive complexity. Trees classified as intermediate trees may have some of the following characteristics:

• lean and weight distribution that can be assessed and readily adapted to falling direction with the use of wedges and/or controlled with hinge wood of a larger size than typical for the local environment
• limited visible damage or defect
• multi-stems
• forward lean, backward lean or side lean
• small or medium size diameter trees that can be safely felled with intermediate felling techniques
• dead trees with minimal visible damage or defects that do not add significant complexity to the cutting technique
• various dimensions relative to other trees when working in a forest environment
• in local site conditions that add additional complexity to the felling operation, including site conditions that impact the working position of the operator or the natural direction of fall of the tree

This unit of competency stands alone and incorporates the content of the following units:

• FWPFGM3216 Fell trees manually (intermediate)