Assessor Resource

AHCARB305A
Remove trees in confined spaces

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


This unit applies to arborists engaged in the process of removing trees in confined spaces and in difficult and hazardous circumstances and applies to appropriate selection of removal method and safe removal where clear felling techniques are not applicable.

This unit covers the process of removing trees in confined spaces and in difficult/hazardous circumstances and defines the standard required to: conduct a site and tree hazard identification and risk control assessment; safely climb, ascend and descend a tree; dismantle a tree according to industry practice; use appropriate methods of rigging tree sections for load and balance; and coordinate dismantling operation with team members.

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:

conduct a site and tree hazard identification and risk control assessment

safely climb, ascend and descend a tree

dismantle a tree according to industry practice

use appropriate methods of rigging tree sections for load and balance

coordinate dismantling operation with team members.

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

identify site and tree hazards and assess and control risk

select low risk tree removal methods

select and tie appropriate knots

use advanced climbing, rope handling and rigging techniques

calculate tree dimensions, mass of tree section and balance of load

coordinate and sequence the work team activities

use personal protective equipment (PPE)

rescue techniques

operate lowering devices where required by enterprise guidelines

operate elevated work platforms where required by enterprise guidelines

use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legible information collected and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required

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

Required knowledge

identification and evaluation of structural defects in trees

safe working limit of all climbing, rigging and lowering equipment

methods of estimation of mass and balance of load

density of tree sections

methods of lowering including friction devices

awareness of the impact of force, breaking strength, safety factor and cycles to failure

first aid and rescue procedures

methods minimising environmental impact

legislation and local regulations governing tree removal

relevant codes of practice.

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

Dismantling may involve:

the use of elevated platforms or tree climbers

cutting sections of branches and trunks and throwing them into a drop zone

lowering branches and trunk sections to ground level using ropes

NB: tree dismantling may be employed where a tree is too high or wide, or directly above a target.

Felling may be employed where:

a tree can be felled without damaging or getting hung up in another tree

causing damage to a target (e.g. a building)

in a confined situation this may entail the rigging of 'head' and 'stay' ropes to keep positive control of the felled tree and to ensure it lands into its designated drop zone.

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
Site and tree hazards are identified, risks assessed and suitable controls implemented. 
Tree is inspected to ensure the appropriate removal method is planned that confirms the risk controls selected and is in accordance with the documented low risk work methods. 
Access to site is determined and approved by owner/site management. 
Site preparations include notification of local residents and authorities where necessary. 
Signage, barriers, warning devices and traffic management equipment are erected as necessary. 
The drop zone is determined and communicated to all personnel. 
Assets, property and vegetation related to work zone activities are protected, relocated, and/or secured from potential damage during tree removal. 
Tools, equipment and machinery necessary to implement tree removal are selected, prepared, checked and used according to documented guidelines and manufacturer recommendations. 
Suspended, wind thrown or damaged trees are stabilised to ensure trunk movement does not occur, and are brought down safely and efficiently according to documented low risk work methods. 
Mass of tree sections is calculated and does not exceed the safe working limit of equipment. 
Branches and trunk sections are dismantled using the 'cut and drop' method, and cut and lowered by ropes and other lowering devices according to documented low risk work methods. 
Dismantling techniques are employed to ensure branches and trunk sections fall or are lowered safely into the determined drop zone, with no damage to property and equipment or injury to personnel. 
Directional felling techniques are employed to ensure trunk of dismantled tree falls safely into the determined drop zone with no damage to property and equipment or injury to personnel. 
Friction devices are used and controlled where required by documented low risk work methods. 
Elevated work platforms are used and controlled where required by documented low risk work methods. 
Felled trunks are trimmed to manoeuvrable lengths without injury to the operator. 
Sufficient material is removed from the stump to prevent re-growth and/or the stump is treated to prevent regrowth. 
Plant material and debris is processed and removed from site according to documented guidelines. 
Tools, equipment and machinery are cleaned, checked, replaced if faulty or worn, and stored according to documented guidelines and manufacturer recommendations. 
Completed tree removal is recorded and communicated to management and/or the client. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCARB305A - Remove trees in confined spaces
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

AHCARB305A - Remove trees in confined spaces

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: