FWPCOT3348 - Fell trees manually (advanced)

This course applies to individuals who are involved in the felling of trees manually using a chainsaw, at an advanced 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 advanced practical felling skills. Upon completion of this unit, individuals should be able to effectively fell trees of any size, species and condition, including those with significant defects and characteristics that cause excessive felling complexity, that are deemed safe to fell. Trees classified as advanced trees may have some of the following characteristics:

• lean and weight distribution that adds significant complexity yet can be assessed and adapted to site requirements
• large diameter trees, but not exclusively, that can be safely felled with complex felling techniques heavy forward lean
• lean in a direction away from the fall zone or side-leaning to the available fall zone
• damage or defect that requires complex felling techniques, including trees with visible lightning damage, burnt out trees and those with fire damaged butts
• hung up trees that can be removed safely
• multi-legged, hollow butts, culls and stags
• species prone to free splitting and adverse reactions during felling
• complex multi-stems
• terrain, slope and environment that can add significant complexity to the operation

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

• FWPCOT3348 Fell trees manually (advanced)