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: 

Conduct controlled tree felling in various locations 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
264186  Conduct controlled tree felling in various locations 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape 
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  6 
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 
A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Assess the potential hazards that may be encountered in a tree felling environment.
  • Apply safe tree felling practices.
  • Utilise the appropriate notch cutting procedures.
  • Implement back cutting techniques.
  • Perform controlled felling with the appropriate felling wedges. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners accessing this qualification will have demonstrated competence in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 1 or equivalent.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 1 or equivalent. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Apply chainsaw safety practices for tree felling. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The personal protective clothing and equipment that should be used while tree felling is identified and described in terms of the protection that the items provide. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of replacing any defective PPE is explained in terms of the need to ensure that the optimum working efficiency of the equipment is maintained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The reasons for conducting chainsaw pre-start up safety checks are explained in terms of the way in which they assist in the minimising of safety incidents. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The safety features of a chainsaw are described in respect of their provision of safety for the operator, bystanders and buildings. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The chainsaw handling practices to ensure safe operation and the prevention of injuries are demonstrated in accordance with the company's SOPs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The safety precautions for re-fuelling and transporting fuel are described in terms of the objectives of preventing a safety incident and the potential danger that is associated with these activities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The reasons why no smoking is allowed while re-fuelling or operating a chainsaw are explained in terms of the danger this poses to the safety of the operator and bystanders. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare for tree felling. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of assessing the terrain before tree felling commences is explained in terms of ensuring overall safety in the felling process. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The various factors that must be considered when conducting a terrain assessment are described in respect of the area available for felling and the extent of the danger zone. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The methods of establishing the danger zone prior to felling are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The necessity of ensuring that fellow workers keep beyond the danger zone is explained in respect of the potential dangers that are present while felling. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The evaluation of the trees overall condition and shape prior to felling is described in respect of the method of felling that is selected and the influence that the condition of the tree has on this selection. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The safety risks that a tree's kick back may pose are described and the precautions that must be implemented to prevent this are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Perform controlled hinged tree felling. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The principles of hinged tree felling are described in terms of the occasions when this method should be implemented. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The function that the notch plays in a hinged felling is explained in terms of the contribution that it has in the controlled felling of a tree. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The correct positioning of a notch is explained in terms of its purpose of achieving the desired felling direction. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The sitting of the notch's height is explained in terms of the various factors that must be considered for the controlled felling of the tree. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The types of notch cuts are listed and their particular uses are explained in terms of the condition of the tree and the depth of cut that is necessary. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The methods used to cut the different notches are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The correct stance for performing a notch cut with a chainsaw is demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The method of cutting a notch with a hand saw is demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Perform back cutting techniques for tree felling. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The correct positioning of the back cut is explained in terms of its importance in ensuring the successful felling of a tree. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The procedures to determine the thickness of a hinge are described in relation to the various characteristics that the tree displays. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The methods for the conducting of back cutting to ensure that controlled felling is attained are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The correct stance that should be used to perform a back cut with a chainsaw is demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The actions to be followed should a controlled felling runs into difficulties are described in accordance with the company's corrective procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The reasons why the status of the hinge must be constantly monitored while performing a back cut are explained in terms of the potential dangers that a kick back can have on personal safety and damage to property. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Utilise felling wedges for controlled felling. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The function that a wedge performs in the felling process is described in terms of its purpose of preventing the closing in on the back cut and ensuring that the felling is "controlled". 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The various shape and angles of felling wedges that are used in tree felling are described in respect of the particular usage that each of these is suitable for. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The methods of installing wedges for the controlled felling of a tree are described in accordance with the company's corrective procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The provision of the appropriate care and storage of felling wedges are described in accordance with the company's corrective procedures. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against the qualification 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 qualification 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 by 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 
    Embedded knowledge is reflected in the Assessment Criteria for each Specific Outcome. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    The learner is able to identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made by:
  • Assessing the potential hazards in the vicinity of the trees before conducting tree felling.
  • Ensuring that fellow workers keep beyond the felling danger zone. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The learner is able to organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Preparing to fell trees by ensuring that all the necessary equipment is on site and in good working order. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    The learner is able to communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation by:
  • Reporting any difficulties that may be experienced in the tree felling. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    The learner is able to use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Conducting a hazard assessment prior to the felling of the trees.
  • Establishing the extent of the danger zone and ensuring that other workers stay beyond the zone whilst felling operations are conducted. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    The learner is able to demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation:
  • Evident in all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    The learner is able to contribute to the full personal development of themselves and the social and economic development of the society at large:
  • Evident in all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    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
    Elective  66589   National Certificate: Horticulture  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 
    Elective  66649   National Certificate: Landscaping  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 


    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.