SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Operate a chain saw from a rope and harness 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
262187  Operate a chain saw from a rope and harness 
ORIGINATOR
Task Team - Horticulture 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Horticulture 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  5 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
Tree work activities involve a considerate amount of chainsaw operation in an aerial position. Jointly, the twin tasks of operating a chainsaw and that of operating from an elevated position above ground, are hazardous.

This Unit Standard is for persons who are already competent in operating a chainsaw. It enables them to use this equipment above ground in order to perform tree work operations.

Qualifying learners credited with this unit standard are able to operate a chainsaw whilst maintaining a working position within the crown of tree using a rope and harness. In particular, learners will be able to:
  • Achieve a working position to receive a chainsaw in an aerial position.
  • Start a chainsaw from rope and harness.
  • Change chainsaw positions for cutting.
  • Remove limbs using a chainsaw as required.
  • Use a chainsaw in exceptional circumstances. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 2 or an equivalent.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2 or an equivalent.
  • Basic safety in the urban forestry setting.
  • Chainsaw operation.
  • Basic tree climbing skills.
  • Aerial rescue. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Achieve a working position to receive a chainsaw in an aerial position as per industry standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A working position to receive the chainsaw from rope and harness is identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Ground staff is directed by climber to warm up and switch off the chainsaw in preparation for using it. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Ground staff are directed by climber to pass on the chainsaw in order to perform the operation from rope and harness. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Start a chainsaw from rope and harness according to standard operating procedures. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Top and rear handle chainsaw. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Chainsaw controls are operated safely from rope and harness in accordance with industry standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Bar chain is kept clear of obstructions and the operator, to smooth up the operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Chain brake is applied from above ground when required. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Top handle is held appropriately by the chainsaw operator according to industry standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Starter mechanism is engaged from rope and harness by the chainsaw operator. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Change chainsaw position from rope and harness for cutting. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Work position for cutting is attained from rope and harness. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Chain brake is applied, or chainsaw is switched off while position is attained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Chainsaw is released from strop, if applicable, and attached to supplementary anchor point. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Chainsaw operator gets him/herself in a balanced and stable position to use a chainsaw. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Chainsaw operator is aware of activities below. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Remove limbs from rope and harness using a chainsaw as required. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Diameter of approximately 100mm. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Limb and limb sections are removed appropriately to context. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Manageable sections are selected and removed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Chain brake is applied or chainsaw is switched off by operator. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Chainsaw is released from strop, if applicable, and attached to supplementary anchor point. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Pruning cuts are made smoothly and according to requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Use a chainsaw in exceptional circumstances. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Exceptional circumstances in the use of a chainsaw are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Procedure for releasing a trapped chainsaw when working in the crown is followed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Chainsaw is released from the climbing harness. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Chainsaw is released from kerf, while lifting the branch. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against the unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described in the associated unit standards.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Health and safety.
  • Legislation, Workplace procedures.
  • Tree pruning objectives and techniques.
  • Selection of correct equipment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems:
  • Relating to the use of the chainsaw under standard conditions and in exceptional circumstances. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others:
  • When interacting with ground team members.
  • When conducting aerial tree operations using a chainsaw. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage myself and my activities:
  • When using equipment.
  • When managing tree operations when using a chainsaw and related resources. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively:
  • With ground team members while using a chainsaw in an aerial position.
  • When standard operating procedures are explained. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically:
  • When using special tools and equipment to prepare the chainsaw and equipment.
  • When identifying aerial hazards and potential risks on site. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems:
  • When I can explain and justify my actions and procedures followed during the planning, preparation and completion of chainsaw operations in an aerial position. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    Anyone assessing a learner against this Qualification must be registered with the relevant ETQA as an assessor.

    Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement this qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA. Assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the policies and guidelines for assessment of that ETQA, in terms of agreements reached around assessment and between various ETQA's (including professional bodies).

    Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification mav apply to be assessed any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA.

    The options as listed above provide the opportunity to ensure that assessment and moderation can be transparent, affordable, valid reliable and non-discriminatory.

    For an applicant to register as an assessor or moderator of this qualification, the applicant needs:
  • To be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • To be in possession of the relevant qualification.
  • To have sufficient relevant experience.
  • To have the appropriate qualification to assess communication and mathematical literacy. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  65490   National Certificate: Arboriculture: Tree Preservation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2015-06-30  FPMSETA 
    Elective  79246   Further Education and Training Certificate: Wild Land Fire Fighting  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2015-06-30  FPMSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. AFRICAN MULTISKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING 
    2. COALITION TRADING 1238 CC 
    3. ENB TRAINING SERVICEPTYLTD 
    4. Legal Environment Safety & Health Requirements cc 
    5. Phambile Skills Training (Pty) Ltd 
    6. UMBUSO TRAINING SERVICES 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.