Assisted Felling Operations

Understand the conditions necessary for the safe & effective use of the winch or rope, including legislative requirements and controls to prevent environmental damage.

Understand the differences between winch assisted and conventional tree felling and understand situations that can occur in felling trees using winch or rope assistance.

Understand the condition, controls & safety features of the pulling equipment component parts.

Understand the ancillary chokering & anchoring equipment & identify worn or damaged components and describe compatibility of components in the system.

Understand the preparation of the pulling system to assist in tree felling operation, including correct positioning and configuration of chokers/ slings and any intermediate pulleys and correct choice of anchor point.

A ‘’failsafe’’ required in the winching system such as the use of wedges by chainsaw operator to support to support tree during felling operation.

Understand setting up snatch block/pulley for offset pulling &describe and the hazards involved including the risk zones and increased loads imposed on the intermediate anchor point.

Agree a signalling system between winch operator and chainsaw operator and tension system as appropriate

Winch assisted tree felling operation, safe & effective, under control of chainsaw operator

To present produce as specified for subsequent extraction or loading.

To be able to work safely.