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 chainsaws for limbing and logging at ground level 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
264195  Operate chainsaws for limbing and logging at ground level 
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 2  NQF Level 02  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:
  • Utilise safety precautions for the use of chainsaws.
  • Indicate the various components of a chainsaw and their functions.
  • Carry out pre-operational checks on a chainsaw.
  • Remove limbs from felled trees and perform logging.
  • Conduct basic maintenance on a chainsaw. 
    		•

    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 limbing and logging at ground level. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The personal protective clothing and equipment that should be used while operating a chainsaw 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 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 procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The potential hazards of operating a chainsaw are described in respect of the various environments in which the chainsaw may be used and the nature of injuries that may result. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    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 8 
    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 
    Identify and describe the components of a chainsaw. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The major components of a chainsaw are identified and named in keeping with the names as stipulated in the manufacturer's manuals. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The functions of the major chainsaw components are described in terms of the roles that they perform in the operation of the chainsaw. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The functions of the chainsaw safety components that provide protection for the operator are described in terms of the role that they perform in ensuring the of safety of the operator. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Conduct the pre-operational checks on a chainsaw. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The pre start-up safety checks and the sequence in which they have to be performed to ensure the efficient operation of the chainsaws, are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The potential dangers of using a chainsaw that has faulty components are explained in terms of the hazards this poses to the personal safety of the operator and bystanders. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The tests that must be conducted on the chainsaw controls to ensure the faultless operation of the chainsaw prior to use on site, are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The checks for the alignment and tensioning of the guide bar are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The inspection checks for the blade's condition and sharpness to ensure clean cutting of the wood are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The process for checking the smooth operation of the chain catcher and brake are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The method of inspecting the chain and sprockets for wear and the measurement of the tension are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The procedures for testing the chainsaw for fuel leaks in order to prevent a safety incident from occurring, are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Perform limbing and logging operations at ground level. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The purpose and reasons for conducting a terrain inspection are explained in terms of the identification of possible hazards and the planning of the most efficient sequence for limbing and logging. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The correct chainsaw handling practices to ensure that the correct cut is performed are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The procedures for starting a chainsaw according to the manufacturer's guidelines are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The purpose and reasons for using different stances when limbing and logging at ground level are explained in terms of the stability that is achieved for the various heights and angles of cuts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The various stances that are used when limbing and logging at ground level are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The techniques and methods of removing limbs from felled trees are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The techniques and methods of cutting logs at ground level are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The techniques and methods of cutting logs that are suspended above ground level and not under tension are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The techniques and methods of cutting logs that are above ground level and under tension are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Conduct basic chainsaw maintenance tasks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of conducting maintenance on a chainsaw is explained according to manufacturer's guidelines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The procedures for removing the chain and inspecting the link tolerances are demonstrated in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The correct settings and use of the chain sharpening equipment are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The procedures for inspecting and greasing the nose sprocket are demonstrated in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The procedures for removing and cleaning the guide bar are demonstrated in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The need to reverse the guide bar when servicing the chainsaw is explained and the reversal procedures are demonstrated in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The procedures for maintaining the chain break are demonstrated in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The importance of ensuring that the chain oilier is kept free from dirt is explained in terms of the possible consequences that may occur, should the chain not receive adequate oiling. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The reasons why a chainsaw requires a thorough cleaning when the maintenance procedures have been completed are explained in respect of the removal of oils, fuel and other residues. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    The environment and storage conditions in which chainsaws should be stored after use is described in regard to the need to ensure that these remain in prime condition. 


    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 terrain and any possible hazards before commencing with limbing and logging. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The learner is able to organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Conducting a thorough pre-operational check on the chainsaws. 
    		•

    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:
  • Participating with others in the securing and supporting of felled trees for limbing and logging operations. 
    		•

    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:
  • Applying the appropriate techniques when cutting logs or branches that are under tension. 
    		•

    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.
     
    1. ACS Academy Pty Ltd 
    2. Alvans Training Academy 
    3. Badishi Training and Consultants 
    4. Ezolimo Training and Supply Pty Ltd 
    5. Hupco Communications 
    6. Hygiene Pot Investment and Projects Pty Ltd 
    7. HYGRO TRAINING COLLEGE (Pty) LTD 
    8. Mphekgwane Business Development 
    9. Phil Chemics Enterprise (Pty) Ltd 
    10. Protea Agricultural Training Centre 
    11. Success Christian Training Centre cc 
    12. Triple S Training & Development (Pty) Ltd 


    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.