Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to procure manual preparation services for thinning operations, specifically to fell, debranch, log scale, crosscut, and stack timber according to SAFCOL’s specifications. The service aims to support forestry operations within specified geographical areas, ensuring efficient and compliant timber thinning processes.

Scope

The scope of work includes:

• Manual thinning of approximately 3,000 m³ of timber per geographical area, specifically around Roburnia and surrounding areas near Amsterdam town.
• Felling, debranching, log scaling, crosscutting marked trees into various products for different clients.
• Stacking processed logs in designated areas next to extraction routes, adhering to SAFCOL’s Integrated Management System and Best Operating Practices.
• Execution of operations in steep terrain areas, complying with industry norms and safety standards.

Volumes are indicative and subject to operational demands and geographical adjustments.

Technical Requirements

Specifications & Standards

• Execution according to accepted industry norms and guidelines, including Forest Engineering of South Africa (FESA) standards.
• Compliance with relevant legislation such as the Safety Act and Basic Conditions of Employment Act.

Equipment & Resources

• Provision of necessary manual thinning equipment suitable for steep terrain operations.
• Team comprising trained facilitators registered with SAQA.
• Management with a competent supervisor on-site.
• Labour resources meeting minimum employment legislation requirements, including UIF and other statutory contributions.
• Ancillary equipment such as fire beaters, rake hoes, first aid kits, PPE, and safety gear.
• Vehicles must have current Certificates of Fitness, licenses, enclosed canopies with rollover protection, and safety harnesses where applicable.

Safety & Environmental Standards

• Implementation of safety, health, environmental, and quality standards aligned with SAFCOL policies.
• At least one trained first aider, SHE representative, and safety officer per operation.
• Compliance with all relevant safety legislation and the requirement for public liability insurance with forestry-specific extensions.

Skills Requirements

• Chainsaw operators must be fully dressed in PPE, with valid chainsaw certificates not older than two years, and equipped with chainsaws compliant with EN 381-5 – B+20 standards.
• Operators must have gloves providing sufficient protection for the back of the hand.
• Drivers must possess a valid Public Driver Permit (PrDP) and ensure vehicles are compliant with traffic legislation, including current licenses and Certificates of Fitness.
• Personnel must be trained in safety, first aid (Level 2), and SHE practices, with valid certificates.
• Management must include a competent supervisor and safety personnel to ensure efficient and compliant operations.