Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to procure manual preparation of thinnings for a forwarder, specifically for a volume of 3,000m³. The service involves felling, debranching, log scaling, crosscutting marked trees into various products according to SAFCOL’s specifications, and stacking processed logs appropriately within designated areas.

Scope

The scope of work includes:

• Felling, debranching, log scaling, and crosscutting of marked trees into specified products.
• Stacking processed logs in separate stacks per client and diameter class, next to extraction routes inside the compartment, following SAFCOL’s Integrated Management System and Best Operating Practices.
• Execution of operations in designated geographical areas, with volumes not guaranteed and subject to operational demands.
• Adherence to safety, environmental, and industry standards during manual thinning operations.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements include:

• Execution of work 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 supervision and training.
• Availability of competent on-site supervision.
• Labour resources complying with employment legislation, including UIF and other statutory requirements.
• Ancillary equipment such as chainsaws (with appropriate PPE), fire beaters, rake hoes, and vehicles in good standing (current fitness certificates, licenses, and compliance with traffic laws).
• Vehicles must have enclosed canopies with rollover protection, safety harnesses, and valid permits.
• Implementation of safety, health, environmental, and quality standards, including trained first aiders, SHE representatives, and safety officers.
• Legal compliance, including public liability insurance with extensions relevant to forestry operations.

Skills Requirements

The skills and personnel requirements include:

• Trained facilitators registered with SAQA for supervision and training roles.
• A competent supervisor on-site during operations.
• Chainsaw operators equipped with PPE compliant with EN 381-5 standards (B+20), gloves, and other protective gear.
• Drivers with valid Public Driver Permits (PrDP) and vehicles with current Certificates of Fitness and licenses.
• Personnel trained in safety, health, and environmental protocols, including first aiders (Level 2), SHE reps, and safety officers.