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Forest Operations > Additional Formal Training May Be Required

Additional Formal Training May Be Required

Licensing and Competencies

Unless undertaking training by a licensed operator, anyone operating a forest machine should have been assessed by an accredited assessor as being able to operate that machine safely.

Although this learning resource maps the national competency of the Skidder, to obtain a Certified Certificate of Competency for the skidder you will need to complete a theory and practical assessment.

This can only be conducted by a Registered Training Organisation.

Harvesting must be carried out in a safe manner, by competent operators that have received the appropriate certificate of proficiency to ensure safe use of equipment and machinery.

Occupational health and safety

Health and safety is one of the main priorities in forest operations.

Forest operations can be very hard and dangerous work.

All forest workers must understand safe work practices in the forest.

All people that enter the forest must comply with all:

Fig 4 Damaged excavator loader from a falling log

Fig 4 Damaged excavator loader from a falling log

Environment

Forest operations in Australia are under heavy scrutiny from government departments and the general public.

Forest owners, managers and contractors are using very good environmental care polices and procedures for modern harvesting operations.

Everyone in forest operations from the forest owner to machine operators, truck drivers and manual workers have responsibilities in taking care of the environment they work in and around.

All operators should make it their responsibility to find out where the machines are not allowed to be driven, where fuel depots are not to be made, and where the placement of trees and log dumps should be located.

Fig 5a This is unacceptable work practices in forest operations

Fig 5a This is unacceptable work practices in forest operations

Fig 5b Some of are wild life that lives in the native bush lands

Fig 5b Some of our wild life that lives in the native bush lands 

Damage to flora and fauna, wetlands creeks or rivers may result in a hefty fine.

Fire detection and suppression 

Fires and fire prevention is an important factor when working in Australian forests.

Fig 6 Fire watch tower

Fig 6 Fire watch tower

These are considerations that all workers and people visiting the forest should consider at all times, especially in the hotter months of the year.

There are formal fire related resources and awareness information based sessions for machine operators and ground workers in the forest industry.

When operating forest machines, prevention of a fire is always easier than trying to put one out. The impact of a machine fire can be quite devastating for relevant parties:

Fig 7 The destruction of a machine fire, possibly after the operator has gone home

Fig 7 The destruction of a machine fire, possibly after the operator has gone home

What may be the Cost?

As an operator you must be very particular with fire prevention of the machine. Cleanliness of forest debris and fluid leak is essential. 

Additional Information