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: 

Cut felled timber using a chainsaw and maintain chainsaw 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
123233  Cut felled timber using a chainsaw and maintain chainsaw 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Forestry 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Forestry and Wood Technology 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  4 
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 
People credited with this unit are able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of chainsaw parts and basic mechanics.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of safety during chainsaw use.
  • Prepare and start a chainsaw.
  • Cut felled timber with a chainsaw.
  • Carry out periodic maintenance on a chainsaw. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Communication and Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 1 and knowledge of basic safety in forestry operations. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of chainsaw parts and basic mechanics. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    External components of a chainsaw and their functions are explained in terms of industry-accepted standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Component parts of saw chain, chain dimensions, parts of a cutter and chip removal are explained in terms of industry-accepted standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Design and types of guide bars are explained in terms of industry accepted handbooks. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The mechanical function, types of chain drive sprockets and sprocket wear are explained in terms of industry-accepted standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Running-in the saw chain is explained in terms of the manufacturer's requirements or industry-accepted standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Basic mechanics of a chainsaw are explained in terms of industry-accepted standards. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate knowledge of safety during chainsaw use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Health and safety hazards related to chainsaw use are explained in terms of industry-accepted standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Personal protective equipment requirements are explained in terms of industry-accepted standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    General safety requirements are explained in terms of industry-accepted standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Transportation requirements of chainsaws are described in terms of industry-accepted standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Reactive forces are explained in terms of industry-accepted standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Operational safety requirements are described in terms of industry-accepted standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Safety requirements for:
  • De-branching.
  • Cross-cutting.
  • Maintenance.
  • Refuelling.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Prepare and start a chainsaw. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    All personal protective equipment required, is checked for functionality and used in terms of industry-accepted standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of pre-operational checks is explained in terms of prolonging chainsaw life, maximising productivity, minimising cost, enhancing safety and minimising down time. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Guide bar and saw chain are mounted and tensioned on the chainsaw in terms of manufacturer's requirements and industry standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Factors related to sharpening are explained in terms of industry-accepted standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    When to sharpen, cutter sharpening terminology and sharpening errors.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Cutters are sharpened and depth gauges set in terms of manufacturer's requirements or industry-accepted standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Pre-operational checks are performed according to appropriate checklist. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Appropriate checklist is any one or a combination of the following:
  • Manufacturer's checklist.
  • Company specific checklist.
  • Industry-accepted standards.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Checklist is completed according to worksite procedures and corrective action is taken, if required, to ensure compliance with manufacturer's specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Corrective action includes repairing and/or reporting.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Chainsaw is started in terms of manufacturer's requirements and industry-accepted standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Safe work practices are adhered to throughout preparation and start-up. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Cut felled timber with a chainsaw. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The chainsaw is held and the correct stance is used in terms of industry-accepted standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Cutting actions are in line with industry-accepted standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Down cut, upcut, bore cut.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Tension and compression in felled timber are explained in terms of industry-accepted standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Timber under compression and tension is identified and cutting action and sequence is demonstrated accordingly. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Tension on upper and lower side, lateral tension.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    De-branching techniques are in line with industry-accepted standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Safe work practices are adhered to when using the chainsaw. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Down cut, upcut, boring cut, timber under compression and tension, debranching.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Carry out periodic maintenance on a chainsaw. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Maintenance intervals are stated as determined by conditions and manufacturer's requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Ongoing, daily, weekly, monthly.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of maintenance is explained in terms of prolonging chainsaw life, maximising productivity, minimising cost, enhancing safety and minimising down time. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Ongoing and daily maintenance is performed using the correct tools according to appropriate checklist. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Appropriate checklist is any one or a combination of the following:
  • Manufacturer's checklist.
  • Company specific checklist.
  • Industry Handbook.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Checklist is completed according to procedures and corrective action is taken, if required, to ensure compliance with manufacturer's specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Corrective action includes repairing and/or reporting.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Consequences of operating a chainsaw with a poorly maintained saw chain are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Damage to cutting attachment, ineffective cutting, operator exertion, hazards created by operator fatigue, cause of kickback, high cost of maintenance.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Safe work practices are adhered to throughout maintenance. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a candidate against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Knowledge considered critical to the successful achievement of this unit is covered in the specific outcomes and assessment criteria. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse and evaluate information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use technology effectively showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Understand the world as a set of related systems. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to the full development of oneself. 

    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 
  • Industry-accepted standards for chainsaw use are covered in FESA's "Chainsaw Safety and Operating".
  • Legislation:
    > Legislation referred to in this unit is the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993). 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  50266   National Certificate: Forestry: Silviculture  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  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. Arden School of Management (Pty) Ltd 
    2. Blanket Security and SHEQ Solutions 
    3. COALITION TRADING 1238 CC 
    4. Furniture World Training Centre 
    5. FUTURE DISCOVERY TRAINING ACADEMY 
    6. Legal Environment Safety & Health Requirements cc 
    7. MALITINNE PTY LTD 
    8. Ntunzela Trading Enterprise 
    9. Phambile Skills Training (Pty) Ltd 
    10. Premier Agric (Pty) Ltd 
    11. Redefined Skills Training & Development (Pty) Ltd 
    12. South African Forestry Training College 
    13. TIRHANI SKILLSTRAINING PTY LTD 
    14. UMBUSO TRAINING SERVICES 
    15. VPK BUSINESS VENTURE C C 
    16. Yangantle Trading 


    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.