Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to secure a service provider capable of manually preparing timber for thinning operations. Specifically, the service involves felling, debranching, log scaling, and crosscutting marked trees into various products according to SAFCOL’s specifications, with the logs being stacked appropriately for further processing or delivery.

Scope

The scope of work includes:

• Manual preparation of thinning timber for a volume of 3,000 m³ per geographical area, primarily in Roburnia and surrounding areas near Amsterdam.
• Felling, debranching, log scaling, and crosscutting of marked trees into specified products.
• Stacking processed logs in designated areas next to extraction routes, adhering to SAFCOL’s Integrated Management System and Best Operating Practices.
• Operations are to be carried out in steep terrain areas, with the understanding that volumes and geographical areas may change based on operational demands.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements for the service provider include:

• Execution of operations in accordance with industry norms and standards, including guidelines by Forest Engineering of South Africa (FESA).
• Compliance with relevant legislation such as the Safety Act and Basic Conditions of Employment Act.
• Provision of necessary equipment, including manual tools, chainsaws, PPE, fire beaters, rake hoes, and ancillary safety equipment.
• Use of at least 8 chainsaw operators fully equipped with PPE, chainsaw certificates (not older than 2 years), and functional chainsaws.
• Vehicles used must have current Certificates of Fitness, licenses, enclosed canopies with rollover protection, and safety harnesses where applicable.
• Implementation of safety, health, environmental, and quality standards, including having trained first aiders, SHE representatives, and safety officers on site.
• Legal compliance, including public liability insurance with relevant extensions.
• Physical verification of equipment and personnel prior to contract award, ensuring all safety and operational criteria are met.

Skills Requirements

The service provider must demonstrate:

• Experience in manual and/or hand roll thinning operations, with at least two years of relevant forestry thinning experience.
• Provision of references from forestry companies confirming experience, with evidence of ongoing projects if applicable.
• Qualified personnel, including trained chainsaw operators, safety officers, SHE representatives, and supervisors with relevant certifications.
• Competence in operating and maintaining safety equipment and tools, with adherence to safety standards and procedures.
• Ability to manage and coordinate labor resources efficiently, ensuring compliance with employment legislation and safety regulations.