Attach and detach timber onto a skidder LEGACY

This standard is about attaching and detaching timber onto a skidder.

Skidders can include a grapple skidder or a line skidder, and they are used to extract trees and timber to an accumulation point and unload it for subsequent handling or processing.

You must be able to plan your work and the work site. You must also maintain safe extraction routes and timber landing areas, operating the skidder safely and efficiently and with minimal damage to the work site, the remaining standing trees, tracks, roads, drains and the wider environment.

When working with machinery you need to be appropriately trained, and hold current certification where required, in line with relevant legislation.

Your work must conform to all relevant legislation and codes of practice when carrying out this work.

This standard is only suitable for those who are already competent to operate a base machine with attachments.

1. assess the risks associated with the site and the proposed work
2. select and implement the appropriate working methods, in accordance with the assessed risks
3. select and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the work
4. select, prepare and use the appropriate tools and equipment, safely and effectively 
5. ensure all equipment has been checked and is fit for purpose
6. maintain the security of the machinery and equipment on site select, prepare and maintain access and egress routes in a serviceable condition
7. identify the timber to extract and plan how you will carry out the work
8. select single and multiple felled trees, poles or other timber for extraction, according to the specification 
9. position the machine and attach/load timber safely 
10. uplift timber to a capacity that ensures safe and effective skidding
11. use the skidder attachment to bunch products safely and effectively
12. uplift timber flush to the machine, as appropriate for the type of attachment
13. limit the size of load on the skidder to avoid damage to the product, instability of the machine, loss of load, or damage to standing trees, tracks, roads, drains and the wider environment
14. position the timber in the correct place for subsequent handling and detach/unload the timber from the machine safely and effectively at the accumulation point
15. ensure the site is left in a condition which meets environmental requirements, in accordance with the specification
16. maintain the health and safety of yourself and others at all times, in accordance with relevant legislation

1. how to identify hazards and assess risks
2. how to interpret risk assessments
3. the selection, use and care of personal protective equipment (PPE)
4. site procedures including communication systems and emergency planning
5. the types of tools and equipment required and how to maintain and use these safely and effectively in line with the manufacturer's recommendations
6. the legal requirements for checking equipment
7. why it is important to maintain the safety and security of equipment and vehicles on site
8. the current guidelines on machinery operation, risk zones, working at height and safety clearances from overhead electricity conductors, and what to do in the event of contact with power lines
9. the implications of terrain, ground conditions, season, weather, type of timber and species to attaching/loading timber onto a skidder
10. the capabilities and capacity limitations of the skidder when attaching/loading timber, including slope limitations and maximum safe working load
11. how to interpret product specifications, recognise the type of timber and species and select product categories to meet the required specification when attaching/loading timber
12. how to maintain the stability of the timber and the machine during attaching/loading
13. how and why produce might be segregated and/or graded to meet required specification when detaching/unloading
14. the implications of the load moving or falling when detaching/unloading
15. how and when to use bearers when unloading/detaching load
16. how and when to use a logging blade or butt plate to accumulate extracted timber
17. the additional safeguards required when timber is accumulated adjacent to roads or tracks in regard to stability and warning sign requirements
18. the potential impact of your work on the environment and how this can be minimised
19. your responsibilities under relevant environmental, health and safety legislation and codes of practice

Treework operations – clear felling, thinning, windblow clearance or other timber operations