Prepare and operate a base machine with attachments

This standard covers the preparation and operation of a base machine that can be used with a variety of attachments to carry out forestry activities.

A base machine may be wheeled or tracked.

The competent use of a base machine with attachments requires considerable skill and knowledge. You will need to undertake specific training and hold current certification where required, in line with the relevant legislation.

The standard includes the use of base machines with a range of attachments in a variety of weather conditions, ground conditions and terrain. These conditions will have an impact on the handling and use of the base machine and attachments.

When using the base machine on the public highway you will need to hold the appropriate licences for yourself and the machine.

Your work must conform to all relevant legislation and codes of practice, industry standards and guidance.

1. obtain the relevant information to carry out the work activities in accordance with organisational procedures
2. maintain the health and safety of yourself and others at all times, in accordance with the relevant legislation and codes of practice
3. assess the risks associated with the site and the work to be carried out, before starting work and throughout the activity, checking and confirming the findings of any existing risk assessments
4. confirm that sufficient control measures are implemented and that emergency planning and procedures relevant to the site have been established and recorded
5. confirm that relevant training, experience and certification is in place to undertake the work to be carried out and recognise your own competence limitations
6. confirm that appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the work to be carried out is worn at all times
7. maintain the safety and security of equipment and machinery on site
8. select the right base machine for the work to be carried out in accordance with information provided
9. prepare the base machine by carrying out pre-start checks and adjustments, in accordance with the relevant legislation, codes of practice and manufacturer’s instructions, including all safety guards
10. confirm that the base machine is safe and ready for use and complete the documentation as required
11. check and adjust the operator environment to meet your personal requirements
12. select the appropriate attachments to carry out the required work
13. check the attachments are suitable for the base machine
14. check the attachments are fitted securely and safely
15. check the immediate work area for hazards and obstacles before moving off
16. use the correct warning signals at all times
17. operate and manoeuvre the base machine safely, and in a way that is consistent with the type of vehicle, attachment and operation
18. make sure the attachment is in transport position when not in use, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
19. modify operating procedures to take into account any changes in weight transfer, ground conditions, types of terrain, weather and site restraints
20. utilise additional safeguards when reversing or manoeuvring and comply with safety distances adjacent to roads and tracks or where others are working
21. maintain the efficiency of the base machine and attachment performance through the appropriate handling and maintenance
22. deal with any hazards and obstacles encountered during the operation, in accordance with standard practice
23. monitor the operation of the attachment and recognise any faults
24. stop and isolate the base machine on completion of the activity, in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions
25. remove the attachment, where appropriate, in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions
26. leave the base machine and attachment secure after use and in a suitable condition for future use
27. carry out basic maintenance and repairs in line with the manufacturer’s instructions
28. follow environmental good practice as set by your organisation and the industry, and minimise environmental damage
29. deal effectively with issues that arise within the scope and limitations of your responsibilities and report issues that cannot be resolved, in accordance with organisational procedures
30. complete and store all relevant documentation in accordance with legal and organisational requirements

1. how to identify and access information relevant to the required work
2. how to identify hazards and assess risks associated with the site and the work to be carried out and the importance of site-specific risk assessment and control measures that are relevant to your area of work
3. the relevant health and safety procedures and Safe Systems of Work (SSoW)
4. the emergency planning and procedures relevant to the site, risk zone distances and the management of risk zones
5. the legal, industry and organisational requirements for training, experience and certification to undertake the work activities required and the importance of acknowledging your limitations and not undertaking work that is beyond your level of competence
6. the selection, use and care of personal protective equipment (PPE)
7. the current legislation in relation to the use of base machines and attachments and the legal requirements for checking equipment
8. the required pre-start checks and adjustments for the base machine and attachments, the reasons why these must be carried out and when they need to be documented
9. the requirements for machine and operator protection structures
10. the procedure for loading and unloading the base machine and attachments from the transporter, where appropriate
11. how to mount and dismount the base machine safely
12. how to start and stop the base machine, including the correct procedures for jump starting
13. the function of all controls and instruments for the base machine and the attachment, including on board computer systems where fitted
14. the types of attachments that are safe for use with the base machine and how they are fitted
15. the conditions that should be taken into account when considering the use of attachments
16. how to set or calibrate attachments, where required
17. the appropriate use of warning signals and indicators
18. the ways in which the base machine should be operated and manoeuvred, and how different weather, ground conditions, types of terrain and the work being carried out must be taken into account
19. the various driving characteristics and techniques for driving a base machine with different wheel configurations
20. the correct fitting of traction aids and the advantages and disadvantages of using them
21. how to operate and use attachments safely including the counterbalance
22. the implications on machine stability of weight transfer and how this affects operation on slopes, including side slopes
23. the controls and electrical services on the base machine and the attachment
24. how to put the attachment into transport position and work position, where appropriate
25. the capabilities of the base machine and the factors that may affect its efficiency
26. the types of hazards and obstacles that may be encountered and how these should be dealt with
27. how to monitor the operation of the attachment and the actions that might be required
28. the faults, defects and wearing of parts that occur with attachments used for treework operations
29. how to preserve the efficiency of the base machine and attachment through routine operator checks and basic maintenance, in line with manufacturer’s instructions
30. how to carry out basic maintenance and repairs and where to refer problems with the base machine or attachment
31. the reasons why the base machine and attachment should be left in a suitable condition for future use, including refuelling or recharging where appropriate
32. how to set up and use fuelling and maintenance areas where appropriate and the importance of maintaining the security of fuel
33. how to deal with fuel spillages, including the use of spill kits and how spillages should be reported
34. the importance of minimising environmental damage and preventing pollution incidents, including diffuse pollution
35. the issues that can occur when operating a base machine with attachments, the actions to take and organisational procedures for reporting issues that cannot be resolved
36. the scope and limitations of your competence, responsibilities and accountability
37. the legal and organisational requirements for the completion and storage of documentation

Attachments include:
• trailed
• front or rear mounted
• loaders
• PTO and hydraulic drive equipment

Efficiency factors:
• transmission speed setting
• hydraulics
• tyre pressure
• counter balance
• ballasting
• engine revs

Ground conditions:
• wet
• dry
• frost
• ice
• mud
• loose ground

Information required to carry out work activities could include:
• drawings
• plans
• schedules
• specifications
• method statements
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• manufacturer’s instructions
• customer requirements
• quality assurance requirements
• industry standards (e.g. British Standards)
• verbal or written instructions
• industry guidance (e.g. FISA)

Operator environment pre-use checks and adjustments:
• seat
• steering and movement controls
• braking system
• mirrors and/or cameras
• seat belt
• monitoring gauges
• information panels
• IT screens
• visual and audible warnings
• communication system

Organisational procedures refer to procedures set by the organisation you are employed by or the organisation that you are doing the work on behalf of (the client or customer)

Protection structures:
• Operator Protective Structures (OPS)
• Roll Over Protective Structures (ROPS)
• Falling Object Protective Structures (FOPS)

Safe System of Work (SSoW) – is a method of work that puts in place control measures arising from a risk assessment, in order to manage identified hazards, which are broken down into four elements: safe person; safe equipment; safe place; and safe practice.

Terrain:
• hard surfaces
• soft surfaces
• uneven surfaces
• slopes