Harvesting flora*

Flora

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 

Identify the species or specimen(s) to be harvested. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 

The correct harvest site is found within a reasonable amount of time. 

The area in which the species is that you wish to harvest must be identified, logged and monitored all in a time line acceptable by the person that contracted you or employed you as a harvester.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 

The relevant species or specimen(s) to be harvested is identified. 

Monitor the area to locate the species that you wish to harvest and identify. Keep records of your finding, time, date and season. Identify what the species can be used for and how money can be rendered from it. Make sure you can identify problem plants, endangered species and what you cant use like Tambotie tree for fire wood.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 

The precise location of the relevant species or specimen(s) is determined. 

In the area you chose for harvest identify how many and precisely where the species is that you would like top harvest. Get an estimation of numbers to be harvested and determine that the expenses put into the operation will be covered and a reasonable profit will be made by the harvest. Whether it is even worth the operation.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 

Relevant species are correctly identified by sight. 

Before actual harvest it is required that you be able to identify the correct species as well as briefing your team via picture, texture, sight, leaf structure etc. to ensure that maximum product is harvested and less incorrect species are harvested.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 

Species is identified in the language of harvesters. 

During operation it is very important that you communicate in clear and simple language with the team, with the common name of the species and in language that is understood by all members of the operation. That is way a brief before operation is so important. The harvesters are most probably not familiar with Flora species. So make a point of correctly identifying the specie to be harvested to them.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 

Carry out the harvesting process. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 

Appropriate harvesting techniques are selected to ensure compliance with organisational procedures and the requirements of relevant legislation. 

Identify techniques to be used for the specific harvest e.g. chainsaw, circular table saw. Make sure techniques used are in order with organisational procedures and meet legal requirements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 

The harvesting of flora is conducted according to organisational and legislative procedures. 

The harvest done should be complied by organisational as well as legislative organisation. This is important to protect yourself as well as the company from law suits and accidents. The correct procedure leaves less change for accidents to occur in the first place.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 

Correct species are harvested in the correct locality by means of the correct method. 

When harvesting it is important that the correct location and correct species are harvested to prevent cutting the wrong species and getting a fine.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 

Harvesting is carried out according to occupational health and safety procedures. 

Keeping health and safety in mind while harvesting is extremely important as it lowers the risk of accidents and health issues. Safety gear must be worn at all times like gloves, boots, goggles etc. and trying to eliminate all hazards as far as the operation goes.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 

Supervise the harvesting process where conducted by authorised temporary harvesters. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 

Steps are taken to ensure that the agreed-to 'rules of harvest' are effectively communicated and upheld. 

While harvesting it is important to monitor the work performance as well as the species harvested and that the information is being correctly communicated to the team to make sure that all the rules are being followed. Like in any other organisation you must check up on the safety conditions the staff is working in as well as their techniques used.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 

Provisions are made for the adequate care of temporary harvesters. 

You must be able to efficiently provide for temporary harvesters. E.g. shelter, transport to and from work, clean drinking and bathing water, food while working and medical care if needed.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 

Steps are taken to ensure that harvesters remain in the general area of harvest. 

Steps must be taken to ensure that harvesters don’t exceed the area of harvest. You can dangertape the area limits or make colour marks on the border trees.  Whichever as long as you can clearly mark the area for the harvesters.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 

The harvesting process is supervised in such a manner that sound human relations are maintained at all times. 

The harvesting process is subject to contracts and rules. To ensure a decent work relationship between harvesters rules must be followed like no sexual discrimination and no verbal abuse is allowed. Respect between team members must be present. A supervisor can teach them this by example.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 

Record, report and reflect on the harvest. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 

The harvest is measured in a practical, efficient and timeous manner. 

the harvest must be measured and packed/bundeled and weighed to ensure that the correct amount was  harvested to make a profit. It is important that the time line for the procedure is followed in order not to disappoint the buyer.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 

The harvest is accurately weighed according to the standard weighing system prescribed for each species by the employer/landowner. 

It is important to weigh an record each harvest to record the amount harvested a year in total and whether it is compliance with the permits. Also for comparing to other years.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 

The harvest is recorded in the format required by operational procedures (that is, accurately recorded using the system prescribed by the employer/landowner). 

It must be recorded what is harvested and where. It will help solve problems with bush encroachment and problem plants as well as area succession.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 

A harvest report is prepared containing all the information required to maintain a harvest management system. 

Everything that was recorded and monitored should be compared to previos harvests and a draft pulled up to show results of improvement over a time to assist in managing a sustainable business and prevent future decrease in profit.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 

Lessons learnt are identified and built into plans for future harvesting. 

Identify the problems that occurred during operation and identify a procedure to improve that in the future. Form a salution and work it into the plans for the next harvest. It is important to debrief the team and get suggestions from everyone.

UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 

Anyone assessing an individual against this unit standard must meet the assessor requirements of the relevant ETQA. In particular, such assessors must demonstrate that they assess in terms of the scope and context defined in all the range statements.

Any institution offering learning towards this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.

External moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures.

UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 

Communication skills needed to maintain good relations.

Supervisory skills.

Species identification.

Weighing systems and equipment prescribed for particular species.

Reporting and recording systems required.

Purpose of reporting.

Occupational health and safety.

Purpose of harvesting.

Ecologically sustainable methods of harvesting.

UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 

N/A 

UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 

N/A 

Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 

Operate in a group or a team:

Following instructions from management and providing direction to temporary harvesters and assistants requires the learner to become a good team player.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 

Self-management and organisation:

Successfully conducting and concluding a harvesting operation requires that the learner work in a methodical and systematic manner.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 

Communication:

This unit standard promotes effective communication with management and with temporary harvesters and assistants. Record keeping in the correct format is also an important aspect of communication promoted.

here is an example of native harvesting