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: 

Delimb tree lengths using a static delimber in a production situation 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
117057  Delimb tree lengths using a static delimber in a production situation 
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 3  NQF Level 03  15 
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 
This unit is for people who delimb tree lengths using a static delimber in a production situation. People credited with this unit are able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of factors influencing efficiencies and safety in delimbing tree lengths with a static delimber.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the static delimber.
  • Prepare and start-up the static delimber.
  • Prepare for static delimbing.
  • Delimb tree lengths with a static delimber in a production situation complying with operational requirements.
  • Shut down and maintain the static delimber after use. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Demonstrate knowledge of basic safety in forestry operations.

    AND any one of:
  • Prepare, operate and maintain a 3-wheeled loader in a non-production situation.
  • Prepare, operate and maintain a self-propelled knuckle boom loader in a non-production situation.
  • Prepare, operate and maintain a vehicle mounted knuckle boom loader in a non-production situation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Competence can be demonstrated on any delimber. Demonstration of competence will take place "on-the-job" in a production situation. Production target needs to be met. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of factors influencing efficiencies and safety in delimbing tree lengths with a static delimber. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Implications of unplanned delimbing and lack of controls are explained in terms of cost, safety, operational efficiencies and physical environmental impacts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Features of functional delimbing areas are described in terms of machine maneuverability, tree lengths placement and work area in relation to other operations, safety and space requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The role of the different members as part of a team is explained in terms of complying with safety standards and to optimise production. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Factors influencing delimbing productivity are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Tree size, weight, branch size, branching pattern, equipment, size and layout of delimbing areas.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Effects of over and under production in delimbing are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Effects on subsequent operations, quality, team work, safety.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Considerations for the anchorage of the static delimber are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Hazards specific to operating static delimbers are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Tree length movement, flying debris, movement of machine and componentry, proximity of other workers and machines, underfoot conditions, working on slopes, machine stability, suitability and state of repair.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the static delimber. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Safety features on the static delimber are identified and their purpose explained according to manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of pre-operational and post-operational checks are explained in terms of prolonging machine life, maximising productivity, minimising costs, enhancing safety and minimising down-time. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Consequences of operating the static delimber outside its capabilities are explained in terms of the effect on safety and damage to the machine. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Maximum weight and diameters of trees and branch sizes able to be delimbed are explained according to manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Slope and terrain limitations for the application of the static delimber are explained according to manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Service intervals of the static delimber are stated according to manufacturer's specifications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Prepare and start-up the static delimber. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Tools and equipment required are checked for completeness and serviceability, and corrective action is taken, if required. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Pre-operational checks are performed according to appropriate checklist. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Appropriate checklist is any one or combination of the following:
  • Manufacturer's checklist
  • Company specific checklist.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    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 4 
    Machine is started according to manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Warning from machine indicators and/or gauges (if fitted) are explained, corrective actions are described and consequences of failing to address are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Corrective action is taken according to manufacturer's requirements if warning from indicators and/or gauges (if fitted) are received. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Corrective action includes repairing and/or reporting.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Safe work practices are adhered to throughout preparation and start-up. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Prepare for static delimbing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Safety requirements applicable to the operation are explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Machine safety, proximity of other workers and machines.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    All personal protective equipment required, is checked for functionality and use in terms of company policy and legal requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Operational requirements for the operation are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Production target, presentation of timber, quality of delimbing, location of delimbing areas, timber flow, special management zones.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Work area is checked for hazards and corrective action taken according to standard operating procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Delimb tree lengths with a static delimber in a production situation complying with operational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Delimber is positioned and anchored to meet operational, safety and stability requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Tree lengths are pulled through and delimbed using effective machine application according to manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Delimber performance is monitored and corrective action taken, if required, according to manufacturer's specifications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Corrective action includes repairing and/or reporting.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Tree lengths outside the machine capabilities are identified for alternative processing, if required. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Standard operating procedure and safe work practices are adhered to throughout the operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Delimbing is performed to meet operational requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Timber damage and breakage are minimised; delimbing and presentation of timber complements other phases of the operation; work rate meets predetermined target; planned delimbing areas are used, delimbing quality.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Shut-down and maintain the static delimber after use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Machine is shut-down according to manufacturer's specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Daily and weekly maintenance are performed according to appropriate post-operational checklist. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Appropriate checklist is any one or combination of the following:
  • Manufacturer's checklist
  • Company specific checklist.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    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 4 
    Safe work practices are adhered to throughout shut-down, post-operational checks and maintenance. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Providers of learning and assessors must be accredited in terms of the requirements of the Forest Industries Education and Training Authority.

    Moderation option: The moderation requirements of the Forest Industries Education and Training Authority must be met. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Names and functions of:
  • Static delimber
  • Tools and equipment

    Attributes, descriptions, characteristics and properties of:
  • Hazards
  • Safety requirements
  • Checklist
  • Minimum and maximum diameters of trees
  • Slope, terrain and ground clearance limitations
  • Machine positioning

    Sensory cues:
  • What I see, feel and hear during the process

    Purpose of:
  • Static delimber
  • The different members as part of a team
  • Safety requirements
  • Tools and equipment
  • Pre-operational checks
  • Checklist
  • Maintenance of equipment and components

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:
  • Standard operating procedures: "Guidelines for Forest Engineering Practices in South Africa" (FESA)
  • Safety, Health and Environmental (SHE) legislation

    Theory: rules, principles, laws:
  • Daily and weekly maintenance
  • Minimum and maximum diameters of trees
  • Implications of unplanned delimbing, and lack of controls
  • Factors influencing delimbing
  • Effects of over and under production
  • Slope, terrain and ground clearance limitations
  • Machine positioning
  • Static delimber performance is continuously monitored
  • Safe work practices

    Relationships, systems:
  • The interaction of the static delimber and the various components in relation to productivity and safe working conditions 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems
  • Relating to the delimbing of timber 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others
  • When interacting with team members and colleagues during the planning, preparation, and completion of the delimbing of timber 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage myself and my activities
  • When preparing the static delimber and equipment
  • When managing resources and my time 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively
  • When discussing and explaining knowledge of factors influencing efficiencies and safety in delimbing of trees with a static delimber. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically
  • When using special tools and equipment to do maintenance on the machine and components 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems
  • When I can explain and justify my actions and procedures followed during the operational requirements 
    		•

    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  48988   National Certificate: Forestry: Timber Harvesting  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. AFRICAN MULTISKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING 
    2. COALITION TRADING 1238 CC 
    3. ENB TRAINING SERVICEPTYLTD 
    4. Furniture World Training Centre 
    5. FUTURE DISCOVERY TRAINING ACADEMY 
    6. INYAPA VHUSIKU CONSULTING PTY LTD 
    7. KWAMAHLATI TRAINING SERVICES CC 
    8. Legal Environment Safety & Health Requirements cc 
    9. LOTTENBURG EDU-FARM 
    10. NEW AFRICA SKILLS DEVELOPMENT 
    11. Phambile Skills Training (Pty) Ltd 
    12. SINOVUYOLETHU TRADING PTY LTD 
    13. South African Forestry Training College 
    14. TAMASA TRAINING PTY LTD 
    15. TIRHANI SKILLSTRAINING PTY LTD 
    16. UMBUSO TRAINING SERVICES 
    17. UMGANO FOUNDATION NPC 
    18. VEB CELE & ASSOCIATES PTY LTD 
    19. VPK BUSINESS VENTURE C C 


    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.