Having just completed the audio programme for underpinning knowledge for small fell, in this episode we'll take a look at the guidance given for the Level 3 Award for Felling & Processing Trees Over 380mm.
There is some overlap between the 'small' fell and the 'medium / large' fell assessments, and as before I've left gaps of a few seconds between the different criteria in the assessment. You can download the qualification guidance directly from NPTC.
Here it is...
Showing posts with label audio. Show all posts
Showing posts with label audio. Show all posts
Underpinning knowledge for the small fell assessment
If you are undertaking your Level 2 Award in Felling and Processing Trees Up To 380mm, then you'll know that as well as demonstrating that you can fell and deal with trees safely, you will have to answer some questions designed to check your underpinning knowledge.
The activities that you have to complete are all in the qualification guidance, which is available from the NPTC website - but over the years that I've been teaching the chainsaw units, I've had a number of course attendees tell me that they can't read, have dyslexia, or some other reason that they find taking in information by reading it, rather difficult.
In the past, I have resorted to making audio CD's and I've been told that they have been found quite useful. So now, I've created a completely free, and freely available, audio program that deals with the underpinning knowledge for the 'small fell' assessment.
I hope you find it useful!
The activities that you have to complete are all in the qualification guidance, which is available from the NPTC website - but over the years that I've been teaching the chainsaw units, I've had a number of course attendees tell me that they can't read, have dyslexia, or some other reason that they find taking in information by reading it, rather difficult.
In the past, I have resorted to making audio CD's and I've been told that they have been found quite useful. So now, I've created a completely free, and freely available, audio program that deals with the underpinning knowledge for the 'small fell' assessment.
I hope you find it useful!
Dealing WIth Hung Up Trees
If you read some of the articles in this blog site, you'll know that I like to use videos and pictures wherever possible, but I've also wanted to try out something with audio too. So, here's a 5 minute podcast about dealing with hung-up trees. It's just a trial, rather than a full program but I'd like your feedback. Find out more after the jump...
This short podcast aims to take you through dealing with hung-up trees. It's only 5 minutes long and that's not enough time to try and fit in every possibility, but it's hopefully long enough to get an idea of what I'm trying to do.
I'd be grateful for your feedback - is this sort of thing useful to you? As it's an MP3 file it could sit on your iPod nestled between Shania Twain and Leonard Cohen!
CS30.1.18: Fuel / Oil Filters
Finally, the last bit of your maintenance assessment - maintaining the fuel and oil filters. Although it's not the end of the test, as you'll still have to get through the crosscutting bit yet! Anyhow, back to the filters, this bit is easy - to find out how easy click on Read More...Well, for starters this is another one of those 'demonstrate knowledge of' activities, and that means just answering a question about it; you're not expected to actually do it.
Do what you may ask? As there is no need to remove the fuel, or oil, filter, you'll be expected to explain how to set about replacing them. This essentially comes down to undoing the fuel / oil tank filler cap, using a bit of bent wire to hook the filter out, removing / replacing it and dropping it back in (you might want to mention about draining the tank out first too). Listen below to the assessment activity for this last section of the maintenance assessment.
CS30.1.17: Service The Recoil Starter
If it hasn't happened to you yet, you can be sure it will do at some point in your 'chainsawing career'. That moment when you pull the starter handle and it just keeps on coming. The cord has snapped and you are going to have to replace it; and so it is with your assessment. Find out more after the jump...Part of the assessment is to simulate the replacement of a starter cord; fortunately you don't need to put a new length of cord in, but you will need to retension the spring and check it's OK. You will also need to tell the assessor where it's most likely to break (essentially at either end). To view the article about recoil starters, check out Recoil Starters, or listen to the relevant bit of the assessment schedule.
CS30.1.16: Service The Spark Plug
Whilst you could be asked about cleaning the electrodes, pointing out erosion, checking plug types and testing the electrode gap with feeler gauges, in reality the assessment is much easier. So, to find out more about this section, click on Read More...You'll need to be able to give the assessor an idea of the state of engine tune based on the colour of deposits on the electrodes.
You can find out more about spark plugs here, or click on the audio broadcast below to hear what the assessment schedule says.
CS30.1.15: Reassemble And Tension Chain
This bit of the assessment is about sticking the bar and chain back on to the saw and then sorting out the tension. Now, there's an emotive issue if ever there was; chain tension. It's something that here at DriveLink HQ we've covered a little bit before, so find out more by clicking on the Read More link...As well as being able to listen to what the assessment schedule says about reassembling and tensioning the chain at the end, here's a couple of links that you might find useful, related to chain tension: Chain Tension, Too Hot To Handle and Creating Tension In A Video.
CS30.1.14: Sprocket Types And Replacement
Sprockets. Types, replacement ratios and how to change them. That pretty much sums up what you'll be expected to tell the assessor in section 30.1.14. Once again, you'll only need to "demonstrate knowledge" of this information, and that means answering a couple of questions. Find out a bit more after the jump...There's only two types of sprocket that you need to remember ("spur" and "rim & spline") and a replacement ratio of 1 sprocket every 2-3 chains. The bit about replacing the drive sprocket only refers to the machine that you'll have in front of you - so for those of you with a Stihl it really couldn't be easier.
With a Stihl saw, you'll have an inboard clutch and it's easy to see what needs to be done just by looking at it. You might find it a bit more difficult with a chainsaw that uses an outboard clutch, but listen in to what the assessment schedule has to say about it...
CS30.1.13: Maintain The Chain Brake
The chain brake is so important, but for your assessment it really couldn't be easier, as all you need to do is show that you know what should be done if you find that the brake on your machine is worn or broken. Click on 'Read more' to find out what the assessor wants to hear...This has got to be one of the easiest questions of the whole assessment; forget about having to actually deal with chain brake springs and brake bands, worrying about whether you have the chain brake in teh side plate housing or integral to the power unit. Nope, all you need to say is that in the event that you find something not quite right about the chain brake, you'd 'replace the unit with a new one."
That's it! To find out exactly what the assessment schedule has to say, listen by clicking on the audio link below...
CS30.1.12: Check And Clean Power Unit
The next section of the assessment is a quick clean and check over of the main power unit. Cleaning the saw will help with maintenance anyway and so it's a good idea to give it a quick once over with a brush or (even better) an airline to get rid of that sawdust / chain oil mix. Find out more after the jump...Whilst your cleaning every nook and cranny of the chainsaw engine housing with a toothbrush (please don't use your usual toothbrush for this - I'd recommend you keep one by specially for this purpose), take the opportunity to ensure that the engine covers are in one piece, that any missing nuts / bolts are noted and then replaced. Chainsaws have a fairly hard life, and you may well be relying on yours for your income so it pays to look after it. Follow the audio link below to hear what the assessment schedule has to say about it.
CS30.1.11: Air Filter Maintenance
This little bit of the assessment schedule is pretty simple and shouldn't cause anyone too many problems; you just need to tell the assessor how to clean the air filter and tell them what it's function in life is. Find out more after the jump...So, it's no big deal - explaining the function of the air filter; the clue is in the name, it's just there to prevent debris from entering the carburettor / engine, i.e. to filter the air.
The assessor will also want to know suitable ways of cleaning the filter both in the field and in the workshop. For more information either listen to the audio podcast, or visit Air Filters on DriveLink.
CS30.1.10: Maintain The Guide Bar
For this section, CS30.1.09, you'll be expected to actually maintain the guide bar of the saw you are using and answer a couple of questions on why the guide bar should be maintained. Find out more after the jump...As mentioned, you'll be expected to comment on the state of your guide bar and carry out any maintenance that needs doing to it. That means looking over the bar for signs of damage or blueing (where it has overheated), as well as checking for signs of burring on the rails and filing these off if present.
Listen to the audio for information on the criteria for this part of the assessment.
For more information on guide bar maintenance...
CS30.1.09: Incorrect Chain Tension
Section CS30.1.09 covers the activities required for incorrect chain tension; for this bit of the assessment you just need to show that you have an understanding of the effects when a chain is either too loose or too tight. Find out more after the jump...If you want some more information on chain tension, take a look back at these previous posts before listening to the audio:
- Chain Tension, May '08.
- Too Hot To Handle, May '08.
- Creating Tension In A Video, May '08.
The following audio lists the activities and relevant criteria for CS30.1.09:
CS30.1.08: Sharpening The Chain
This section, CS30.1.08, is one of those potential stumbling blocks, as being able to sharpen the chain properly can be quite a lengthy process when you first start doing it. Accuracy is important, as is removing all previous damage.CS30.1.08 consists of both practical tasks and questions, so it's worth making sure that you're happy with it. Find out more after the jump...
It should be really easy - just grab a file of the right size and use it at the right angle across the chain cutters; sort the depth gauges out and away you go. Sounds simple, but in practice it taxes a lot of people and even within the industry there's a fair amount of debate as to why people can't seem to sharpen their chains properly!
Along with having to be happy about your chain sharpening, you'll also need to answer a couple of questions about sharpening and maintaining the chain. Make sure you're OK with the effects of incorrect depth gauges, wrong angles and different cutter lengths. For the exact lowdown on the actual activities and criteria that go with section, listen to the audio...
CS30.1.07: Replacing The Chain
CS30.1.07 deals with the information needed to select a replacement chain for a given saw. One of the common (and valid) answers when asked 'How do you ensure you get the right chain?", is to provide the guide bar length. This is not necessarily the best way, find out more after the jump...The problem with chain length is that it is not just specific to the guide bar length; the make of chainsaw will also have a bearing.
This means that if you ask for a chain to fit an 18" guide bar, you might get the right length, or you might not. An 18" bar on a Stihl chainsaw will likely need a different length chain to the 18" bar fitted to Husqvarna, and that's where the problem starts. Anyway, listen to the assessment activity and relevant criteria for this section...
CS30.1.06: Chain Components
CS30.1.06 covers chain components and their function. The criteria shown for this activity does not actually supply all the information needed to answer the questions you're likely to get. So what's missing? Find out more after the jump...Although not mentioned in the assessment schedule, you will need to demonstrate knowledge that you know the different types of cutter profile, their uses and (dis)advantages - on top that asked for in the criteria. Let's start with the criteria first...
For more information on the chain components, check out this previous post: Chain Components.
CS30.1.05: Chainsaw Safety Features
CS30.1.05 covers the safety features of the chainsaw; you'll need to identify and provide a short explanation of those safety features. There are ten listed features and a number of optional extras that could be fitted, but you're really only interested in those main features. Find out more after the jump...So, optional 'safety' features such as heated handles, easy-start systems or manual oilers can be forgotten about for the purposes of the assessment. For the full list of the criteria, listen to the audio...
CS30.1.04: Advantages Of A Workshop
CS30.1.04 asks you to demonstrate your knowledge of the advantages of carrying out chainsaw maintenance in a workshop. Find out more after the jump...This is a pretty simple question, and you should be able to get this one without any other input - with better heating and lighting in a workshop, it's a more comfortable environment to be in.
But, more than that, you've probably got better access to tools and spares in your workshop than you would have in the field. Access to a vice means that you can hold the saw securely whilst you sharpen it, making sharpening more accurate. Anyway, here's the audio...
CS30.1.03: Emergency Planning
CS30.1.03 covers emergency planning details. This is a very important part when you're out working, and especially on a new site; knowing what to do, who to call and where to go in the event of an accident could mean the difference between life and death. When you've got a seriously injureed casualty laying on the ground, it's no time to start looking up in the A-Z Guide to find out where the nearest hospital is. Find out more after the jump...Emergency planning then is critical, and just jotting down a few pieces of information can make all the difference in an emergency situation - but as well as the items listed in the assessment schedule, make sure that everyone knows where the first aid kit actually is, where the keys to vehicles / gates are and that the vehicle you may have to use is not blocked in and is facing the right way - reversing the van with a trailer / chipper attached to it in an emergency is not easy, so face it the right way round as soon as you get on site.
CS30.1.02: Risk Assessments
CS30.1.02 covers risk assessments, and you will be asked about what goes in to making a risk assessment and the areas that it should cover. Find out more after the jump...You will not be expected to create, or complete, a risk assessment form; but you will be expected to demonstrate your knowledge of risk assessments, mentioning that they should be relevant to the...
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