Assessor Resource

AHCARB202A
Fell small trees

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit applies to the process of small tree felling where hazards have been assessed as low risk.

This unit covers the process of small tree felling and defines the standard required to: prepare and properly maintain equipment; determine the tree felling conditions, direction of fall, safe fall zone, exclusion zone and escape route; use safe tree felling techniques; use safe tree removal techniques.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

prepare and properly maintain equipment

determine the tree felling conditions, direction of fall, safe fall zone, exclusion zone and escape route

use safe tree felling techniques

use safe tree removal techniques

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

interpret work procedures

demonstrate safe working practices

communicate orally and using hand signals with other personnel

participate in teams and contribute to team objectives

determine safe fall zones and exclusion zones

measure distances

monitor and maintain tree felling tools and equipment

recognise structural defects, common diseases, pests, and nutrition deficiencies

operate a chainsaw

recognise caution or hazard signs and symbols

interpret tasks or information from labels, manuals or written instructions

record information accurately or verbally report information

use literacy skills to follow sequenced written instructions and record information accurately and legibly

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

basic operational and maintenance requirements of tree felling equipment

safe working practices for chainsaw operation

safety procedures and potential hazards for working safely in the amenity tree industry

emergency and first aid procedures

the effect of tree removal on the environment

local government regulations that apply to tree removal where appropriate

identification of services and other hazards that affect the performance of the unit

principles and methods of inspecting trees to identify structural defects.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Trees may include:

all species of trees and woody tree like vegetation forms.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Instructions for tree felling operations are received and clarified with supervisor prior to work being undertaken. 
Topography and site conditions are assessed and factors influencing the natural direction of fall are identified and confirmed with supervisor. 
Tree is visually assessed and factors influencing the tree felling operation are identified and confirmed with supervisor. 
Natural direction of fall, safe fall zone and exclusion zone are determined and confirmed with supervisor. 
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards associated with felling operation are identified, risks assessed and reported to the supervisor. 
Felling equipment and component options that are appropriate to the task being undertaken are selected and prepared. 
Appropriate support tools are prepared, transported and placed to minimise felling delays. 
Suitable safety equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are selected, checked, used, maintained and stored. 
Fall zone is cleared of obstacles and articles which may be damaged by felled tree. 
Clear escape route is established appropriate to the site and according to recognised guidelines. 
Location of other personnel is noted and monitored. 
Standard tree felling techniques are determined by ground conditions and state of canopy. 
Corrective action is taken in response to changing conditions or problems encountered. 
Planned escape route is used when tree starts to fall. 
Fall of tree and movement on ground are monitored until felled tree is stable. 
Safe working practices are employed according to OHS requirements. 
Appropriate method of clearing the site of felled tree is determined. 
Machinery required for removal of felled tree is selected and used according to manufacturer's specifications and OHS requirements. 
Fall site is cleared of tree and all tree debris. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCARB202A - Fell small trees
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

AHCARB202A - Fell small trees

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: