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: 

Maintain a chainsaw and cut felled timber using a chainsaw 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
117058  Maintain a chainsaw and cut felled timber using a 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 
This unit is to provide people with the basic competence so that they can specialise further in chainsaw use. 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.
  • Do periodic maintenance on a chainsaw. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Demonstrate 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 section 2 of the Handbook. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Component parts of saw chain, chain dimensions, parts of a cutter and chip removal is explained in terms of sections 14.1.1, 14.1.2, 14.1.3.1 and 14.1.4 of the Handbook. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Design and types of guide bars are explained in terms of sections 14.2.1 and 14.2.2 of the Handbook. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The mechanical function, types of chain drive sprockets and sprocket wear are explained in terms of section 14.3.1, 14.3.2 and 14.3.3 of the Handbook. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Running-in the saw chain is explained in terms of the manufacturer's requirements or section 14.1.7 of the Handbook. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Basic mechanics of a chainsaw is explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate knowledge of safety during chainsaw use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Health hazards related to chainsaw use are described in terms of section 3 of the Handbook. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Personal protective equipment requirements are explained in terms of section 4.1 of the Handbook. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    General safety requirements are explained in terms of section 5 of the Handbook. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Transportation of chainsaws is demonstrated in terms of section 6 of the Handbook. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Reactive forces are explained in terms of section 8 of the Handbook. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Safety requirements for debranching are explained in terms of section 11.3 of the Handbook. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Safety requirements for cross-cutting are explained in terms of section 12.3 of the Handbook. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Safety requirements during maintenance and refuelling are explained in terms of sections 15.1 and 15.2 of the Handbook. 

    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 section 4.1 of the Handbook. 

    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 is mounted and tensioned on the chainsaw in terms of manufacturer's requirements and sections 14.1.5 and 14.1.6 of the Handbook. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    When to sharpen, cutter sharpening terminology and sharpening errors are explained in terms of sections 14.1.9.1, 14.1.9.3 and 14.1.9.5 of the Handbook. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Cutters are sharpened and depth gauges set in terms of manufacturer's requirements or section 14.1.9.4 of the Handbook. 

    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
  • Checklist in section 15.3.1 of the Handbook.
     
    		•

    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 section 7 of the Handbook. 

    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 
    Holding the chainsaw and the proper stance are demonstrated in terms of section 9.1 of the Handbook. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Cutting actions are demonstrated in terms of section 9.2 of the Handbook. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Down cut, upcut, bore cut.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Tension and compression in felled timber is explained in terms of section 12.5.1, 12.5.2 and 12.5.3 of the Handbook. 

    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 
    Debranching techniques are demonstrated in terms of section 11.6 of the Handbook. 

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

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Do 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
  • Checklist in 15.3.2 and 15.3.3 of the 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 
    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:
  • Chainsaw
  • Chainsaw parts and basic mechanics
  • Chainsaw equipment
  • Personal Protective Equipment

    Attributes, descriptions, characteristics and properties of:
  • Chainsaw
  • Chainsaw parts and basic mechanics
  • Chainsaw equipment
  • Tension and compression in felled timber
  • Timber under compression and tension
  • Debranching techniques
  • Reactive forces

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

    Purpose of:
  • Running-in the saw
  • Pre-operational checks
  • Guide bar and saw chain
  • Checklists
  • Maintenance of chainsaws

    Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:
  • The Handbook referred is FESA's " Chainsaw Safety and Operating Handbook."
  • Standard operating procedures: "Guidelines for Forest Engineering Practices in South Africa" (FESA)
  • Safety, Health and Environmental (SHE) legislation

    Theory: rules, principles, laws:
  • Manufacturer's requirements
  • Maintenance intervals
  • Following safe operational procedures when using the chainsaw

    Relationships, systems:
  • Consequences of operating a chainsaw with a poorly maintained saw chain 
    		•

    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 maintaining and operating of a chainsaw 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others
  • When interacting with team members and colleagues during the preparation of the chainsaw and equipment 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage myself and my activities
  • When demonstrating the ability to use the chainsaw safely and effectively
  • When managing resources and my time 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively
  • When demonstrating knowledge and safety of chainsaw parts and basic mechanics.
  • When explaining the importance of pre-operational checks
  • When completing and processing documentation
  • When submitting reports and/or reporting to the relevant department 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically
  • When using special tools and equipment to prepare and maintain the chainsaw 
    		•

    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 of operating and maintaining a chainsaw 
    		•

    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
    Core  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. Furniture World Training Centre 
    4. KWAMAHLATI TRAINING SERVICES CC 
    5. Legal Environment Safety & Health Requirements cc 
    6. Longata Consultant 
    7. Ngaphakathi Investments 
    8. Phambile Skills Training (Pty) Ltd 
    9. Precision Skills Development Training (Pty) Ltd 
    10. South African Forestry Training College 
    11. TAMASA TRAINING PTY LTD 
    12. Thunderflex3 Pty (Ltd) 
    13. Tirhani SkillsTraining Pty Ltd 
    14. Tower City Trading 100 
    15. 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.