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 ensure the felling, debranching, log scaling, crosscutting, and stacking of marked trees according to SAFCOL’s specifications, adhering to safety, environmental, and operational standards.

Scope

The scope of work includes:

• Felling, debranching, log scaling, and crosscutting of marked trees into various products for different clients.
• Processing logs and stacking them within designated areas next to extraction routes, following SAFCOL’s Integrated Management System and Best Operating Practices.
• Handling a volume of approximately 3,000m³ per geographical area, with specific areas including Witklip, Bergvliet, Brooklands, Tweefontein, Blyde, and Wilgeboom.
• Ensuring operations are carried out in compliance with industry norms, safety standards, and environmental regulations.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements encompass:

• Execution of operations according to accepted industry norms and guidelines, including Forest Engineering of South Africa (FESA) standards.
• Compliance with safety legislation such as the Safety Act and Basic Conditions of Employment Act.
• Provision of trained facilitators registered with SAQA for training and supervision.
• Availability of competent on-site supervision and management.
• Labour resources meeting minimum employment legislation requirements, including UIF and adherence to employment laws.
• Use of ancillary equipment such as fire beaters, rake hoes, chainsaws with appropriate protective gear, and vehicles compliant with traffic legislation, Certificates of Fitness, and safety standards.
• 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-specific extensions.
• Pricing based on a comprehensive R/m³ cost model, including VAT, with payment upon delivery at roadside.

Skills Requirements

The tender specifies the following skills and qualifications:

• Trained facilitators registered with SAQA for training and supervision roles.
• Competent supervisors on-site with experience in forestry operations.
• Chainsaw operators equipped with certified protective gear (chainsaw trousers compliant with EN 381-5 B+20, gloves).
• Drivers of vehicles must hold valid Public Driver Permits (PrDP), Certificates of Fitness, and comply with traffic laws.
• Personnel trained in safety, health, and environmental standards, including first aiders (Level 2), SHE reps, and safety officers.
• Ability to adhere to safety, environmental, and quality standards throughout the operation.