FWPCOT3317 — Use chainsaw within a tree

1 Prepare for work

• 1.1Determine job requirements from work order or instruction and, where required, seek clarification from appropriate personnel
• 1.2Confirm safety and environmental protection requirements according to workplace procedures
• 1.3Identify, assess and take actions to mitigate risks and hazards associated with using chainsaws off ground
• 1.4Identify emergency plan procedures to follow in the event of an emergency
• 1.5Erect warning and prohibition signs to indicate a hazardous worksite and that unauthorised access is prohibited according to workplace safety procedures
• 1.6Identify, assess and determine cutting requirements according to work order or instruction
• 1.7Consult with appropriate personnel to ensure that work is coordinated effectively with others in the workplace
• 1.8Select, fit and use personal protective equipment
• 1.9Obtain chainsaw appropriate for the task, height access equipment and other tools and equipment needed for the work, and check for correct operation and safety according to manufacturer recommendations and workplace procedures
• 1.10Confirm with appropriate personnel that one person is present on the ground during working at height operations and this person is competent and equipped to perform aerial rescue

2 Assess site conditions and surroundings

• 2.1Inspect site for conditions likely to affect safe use of chainsaw off ground
• 2.2Observe weather conditions and assess likely impact on safe use of chainsaw off ground
• 2.3Identify and report site environmental conditions to appropriate personnel
• 2.4Determine work area and implement control measures to minimise risks and hazards in the area according to safe work procedures
• 2.5Monitor location and activity of other personnel on the worksite, and implement control measures according to workplace safety procedures

3 Pre-start chainsaw

• 3.1Fuel and lubricate saw on the ground according to manufacturer instructions and workplace procedures
• 3.2Perform pre-start checks on chainsaw according to manufacturer instructions and workplace procedures
• 3.3Start chainsaw using cold and warm starting methods on the ground according to workplace safety procedures
• 3.4Confirm the chainsaw is running effectively prior to ascending tree
• 3.5Select, communicate to team members and apply appropriate method for sending chainsaw to the operator according to workplace health and safety procedures

4 Carry out safe chainsaw operation

• 4.1Access tree safely and confirm that body positioning and movements are safe and ergonomically efficient according to current Australian Standards and workplace safety procedures
• 4.2Secure chainsaw whilst at height by means of a suitable lanyard
• 4.3Obtain the best available working position to minimise risk of being struck by saw or by severed pieces of wood
• 4.4Check that the chain of the saw is clear of obstructions, including climbing equipment, protective clothing or parts of the tree, before restarting in the tree
• 4.5Start chainsaw according to manufacturer instructions and workplace safety procedures
• 4.6Obtain confirmation from ground crew before performing cuts, using the call and response protocol
• 4.7Maintain proper control of the saw by gripping with two hands and keeping saw well clear of body and climbing equipment at all times according to workplace safety procedures
• 4.8Select and accurately apply a range of appropriate cuts according to current Australian Standards and industry codes of practice, to achieve required behaviour of cut piece according to workplace procedures
• 4.9Confirm the chainsaw is switched off, or the chain brake applied, after each cutting operation
• 4.10Apply safe technique for freeing a trapped chainsaw according to workplace safety procedures
• 4.11Apply safe cutting techniques according to current Australian Standards, and work positioning, to complete operational tasks according to work order or work instructions
• 4.12Apply safe methods for returning chainsaw to the ground for refuelling according to workplace safety procedures

5 Carry out machine operator maintenance

• 5.1Follow workplace safety procedures and manufacturer instructions to lock out equipment
• 5.2Inspect chainsaw on completion of cutting activities
• 5.3Identify damage to chainsaw and cutting attachments, and tag for repair, service or replacement according to workplace requirements and manufacturer recommendations
• 5.4Remove, clean, adjust, sharpen or replace chain and other components according to workplace requirements and manufacturer recommendations

What does an assessment tool for FWPCOT3317 need to cover?

To satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence, an assessment for FWPCOT3317 needs to address all 61 unit components: 5 elements with 36 performance criteria, 9 performance evidence requirements, 14 knowledge evidence requirements, and the foundation skills. A coverage matrix mapping each question and task to these components is what an auditor looks for.

How does Auditori generate an assessment tool for FWPCOT3317?

Auditori pulls the current release of FWPCOT3317 from training.gov.au and generates a complete package: candidate assessment, assessor guide with model answers and observation criteria, and a coverage matrix mapping every component. A suitably qualified person then reviews and approves the draft in a built-in workflow — consistent with ASQA's guidance on AI use in VET — before export as branded PDF and editable Word.

Is the first assessment tool really free?

Yes. Every new account includes one free credit — enough to generate the complete assessment tool for FWPCOT3317 — with no card and no subscription required. After that it's pay-as-you-go per unit.

Can I check my existing FWPCOT3317 assessment instead of generating a new one?

Yes — upload your existing assessment or learner guide and Auditori maps it against every element, performance criterion, PE and KE of FWPCOT3317, showing exactly what's covered and what's missing. Mapping costs a quarter of a credit.