Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to procure manual preparation of thinnings for a forwarder, specifically for 3,000m³ of timber. The service aims to fell, debranch, log scale, crosscut marked trees into various products according to SAFCOL’s specifications, and stack processed logs appropriately within designated areas, ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards.

Scope

The scope of work includes:

• Felling, debranching, log scaling, and crosscutting marked trees into specified products for multiple clients.
• Stacking processed logs in two rows next to extraction routes within the compartment, segregated by client and diameter class if needed.
• Operational area covers various geographical regions, including Witklip, Bergvliet, Brooklands, Tweefontein, Blyde, and Wilgeboom, with volumes not guaranteed and subject to operational demands.
• Execution according to industry norms, safety standards, and SAFCOL’s integrated management system.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements include:

• Execution of thinning operations in steep areas, with a volume target of 3,000m³ per geographical area.
• Compliance with industry standards such as Forest Engineering of South Africa (FESA), Safety Act, and Basic Conditions of Employment Act.
• Provision of trained personnel, including facilitators registered with SAQA, competent supervisors, and trained safety officers.
• Use of appropriate ancillary equipment such as chainsaws (with protective gear), fire beaters, rake hoes, and vehicles in good standing (current fitness certificates, licenses, compliance with traffic legislation).
• Vehicles must have enclosed canopies with rollover protection and safety harnesses where applicable.
• Implementation of safety, health, environmental, and quality standards, including trained first aiders, SHE representatives, and safety officers.
• Legal compliance, including public liability insurance with forestry and plantation extensions.
• Pricing based on a R/m³ rate, inclusive of VAT, with detailed cost components.

Skills Requirements

The tender specifies the following skills requirements:

• Personnel must be trained facilitators registered with SAQA.
• Supervisors on-site must be competent and capable of managing operations efficiently.
• Chainsaw operators must be issued with protective gear compliant with EN 381-5 standards and SATRA Technology.
• All vehicle drivers must hold valid driver permits (PrDP) and ensure vehicles meet fitness and safety standards.
• Safety personnel, including first aiders and SHE representatives, must hold current valid certificates and be available on-site.