NZQA registered unit standard
6947 version 6
Page 1 of 5
Title
Bunch tree lengths for extraction or processing
Level
4
Credits
10
Purpose
People credited with this unit standard are able to: demonstrate
knowledge of planning requirements for bunching of
stems/logs; demonstrate knowledge of grapple equipped
machine; conduct pre-start checks prior to operating a grapple
equipped machine; start up and shut down a grapple equipped
machine; and operate a grapple equipped machine to bunch
stems for extraction or processing.
Classification
Forestry > Forest Mechanised Harvesting
Available grade
Achieved
Entry information
Critical health and
safety prerequisites
Unit 6935, Operate an excavator based tracked machine in a
forestry situation; or demonstrate equivalent knowledge and
skills.
Explanatory notes
1
This unit standard must be assessed against on-job.
2
Mechanised harvesting operations may include machines which carry out any one of,
or any combination of – felling, delimbing, bunching and making logs. Therefore, this
unit standard may be completed on its own or in conjunction with any combination of:
Unit 6943, Delimb tree lengths using a mechanised delimber; Unit 6944, Make logs
using a mechanised processing machine; and/or Unit 6945, Fell trees using a
mechanised harvesting machine.
3
Definitions
Accepted forestry industry practice refers to documented codes of practice and
standardised procedures accepted by the wider forestry industry as examples of best
practice.
Job prescription refers to any written instructions for the operation and may include
maps, harvest plans or cut plans.
PPE refers to personal protective equipment and may include but is not limited to
high-viz, protective clothing, gloves, face and eye protection, safety helmet, footwear,
hearing protection, and safety devices.
RT indicates a radio telephone in which audible communications are established by
use of a two way radio transmitter and receiver.
Competenz
SSB Code 101571
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
6947 version 6
Page 2 of 5
Worksite procedures refer to documented procedures used by the organisation
carrying out the work and applicable to the tasks being carried out. They may
include but are not limited to – standard operating procedures, site safety
procedures, equipment operating procedures, quality assurance procedures,
housekeeping standards, procedures to comply with legislative and local body
requirements.
Outcomes and evidence requirements
Outcome 1
Demonstrate knowledge of planning requirements for bunching of stems/logs.
Evidence requirements
1.1
Machine capability is described in accordance with the manufacturer's
recommendations.
Range
1.2
Planning requirements for work area are explained in accordance with the
accepted forestry industry practice and worksite procedures.
Range
1.3
tree weight, tree size, slope, ground conditions.
may include but is not limited to – hazards, stand assessment,
extraction, other operations, other machines, ground conditions,
room to manoeuvre, environmental considerations, safety, signs,
stockpiles for tree lengths/logs.
The requirements of the job prescription for bunching are explained.
Outcome 2
Demonstrate knowledge of grapple equipped machines.
Evidence requirements
2.1
Main components of the bunching facility are described by name and function in
accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements.
2.2
Safety features on the machine are identified and function explained, in
accordance with the accepted forestry industry practice and manufacturer’s
requirements.
Range
2.3
may include but not limited to – operator protection structures,
seat belts (or other safety restraint), fire systems, handrails, steps,
lockout system, warning systems;
evidence of seven is required.
Safe operation and movement of the machine are explained in terms of the
manufacturer's recommendations and worksite procedures.
Range
Competenz
SSB Code 101571
steering, travel speeds, slope, lifting capacity, reach, operator skill.
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
6947 version 6
Page 3 of 5
Outcome 3
Conduct pre-start checks prior to operating a grapple equipped machine.
Evidence requirements
3.1
Pre-start checks are carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations and worksite procedures.
Range
operator protection structures, RT, machine guarding, safety
features, operator and engine compartments clear of debris and
loose equipment.
3.2
Defects/damage are reported and/or rectified prior to operating machine in
accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations and the accepted forestry
industry practice.
3.3
Fire extinguishers are serviced and secured on machine in accordance with
worksite procedures.
Outcome 4
Start up and shut down a grapple equipped machine.
Evidence requirements
4.1
Machine warning indicators are explained and rectifying action described, in
accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Range
4.2
may include – oil and water temperature and levels, air pressure,
computer equipment.
Machine is started in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
Range
may include – safety belt fastened, personnel clear of machine,
controls in neutral, brakes engaged, correct cranking procedure.
4.3
Warm-up procedure is followed in accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations.
4.4
Machine is left unattended in accordance with the accepted forestry industry
practice.
4.5
Machine shutdown procedures are carried out in accordance with the
manufacturer's recommendations.
Range
Competenz
SSB Code 101571
location, brakes, transmission, hydraulic equipment, warm-down,
electrical system.
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
6947 version 6
Page 4 of 5
Outcome 5
Operate a grapple equipped machine to bunch stems for extraction or processing.
Evidence requirements
5.1
Operating procedure for the grapple equipped machine is described in
accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and worksite procedures.
5.2
PPE is worn in accordance with the accepted forestry industry practice and
worksite procedures.
5.3
Hazards are identified and managed in accordance with the accepted forestry
industry practice and the accepted forestry industry practice.
5.4
The reason for on-going hazard identification is explained in accordance with
the accepted forestry industry practice.
5.5
Factors that may change hazards or introduce new hazards are described in
accordance with the accepted forestry industry practice.
Range
weather, terrain.
5.6
Terrain is negotiated in accordance with the accepted forestry industry practice.
5.7
Machine is positioned to facilitate the bunching process in accordance with
worksite procedures.
5.8
Stems are selected and accumulated in the grapple in accordance with the
accepted forestry industry practice.
5.9
Bunching equipment is controlled in accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations.
5.10
Stem damage is minimised and within job prescription requirements.
5.11
Stems are presented for ease of extraction or processing in accordance with
machine capabilities and worksite procedures.
5.12
Damage to standing trees during stem bunching is within job prescription
requirements and the accepted forestry industry practice.
Range
5.13
may include – thinning operations, or clearfell operations.
Communication is maintained with worksite personnel in accordance with the
accepted forestry industry practice.
Range
Competenz
SSB Code 101571
audio, visual.
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
Planned review date
6947 version 6
Page 5 of 5
31 December 2020
Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process
Version Date
Last Date for Assessment
Registration
1
8 November 1996
31 December 2012
Revision
2
19 June 1998
31 December 2012
Review
3
5 December 2000
31 December 2012
Review
4
22 May 2008
31 December 2013
Revision
5
15 September 2011
31 December 2016
Review
6
19 March 2015
N/A
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference
0173
This CMR can be accessed at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/framework/search/index.do.
Please note
Providers must be granted consent to assess against standards (accredited) by NZQA,
before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses
of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be granted consent to assess against standards by
NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.
Providers and Industry Training Organisations, which have been granted consent and
which are assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that
applies to those standards.
Requirements for consent to assess and an outline of the moderation system that applies
to this standard are outlined in the Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR). The
CMR also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing
to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors
and assessors, and special resource requirements.
Comments on this unit standard
Please contact Competenz qualifications@competenz.org.nz if you wish to suggest
changes to the content of this unit standard.
Competenz
SSB Code 101571
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016