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.
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions. |
1. Prepare for pruning | 1.1 Review work order and where required check with appropriate personnel. 1.2 Determine existing and potential site hazards and assess associated risks in line with organisational procedures. 1.3 Select appropriate personal protective and other equipment and check for operational effectiveness. |
2. Select and prune trees | 2.1 Identify and select trees for pruning in line with work order. 2.2 Use ladder handling and pruning techniques in line with organisational safety procedures. 2.3 Prune trees; remove branches, epicormics and green shoots to meet quality requirements. |
3. Assess pruning quality | 3.1 Assess pruned trees visually to ensure pruning quality and pruned stock level is in line with work order. 3.2 Rectify incorrect pruning to ensure quality of grown trees. 3.3 Dispose of pruned material in line with environmental protection practices. 3.4 Record and report pruning process and equipment faults to appropriate personnel. |
A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy all of the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit. If a specific volume or frequency is not stated below, then evidence must be provided that the following requirements have been performed on at least one occasion:
complete pruning jobs in line with an individual work order for each prescribing different quantities and species of trees to be pruned, utilising the following equipment:
pruners
jacksaw
pouch
steps
epicormic remover
pole saw
ladder
climbing gear
elevated work platform according to site requirements
at the completion of each of the above jobs:
dispose of pruned materials in line with environmental protection practices
compete a basic report on pruning processes and equipment faults
A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
typical workplace hazards associated with pruning trees and methods of minimising risks:
slope and uneven ground
falling or fallen branches
ladder instability
climbing ladders
loss of balance
damp conditions
reasons for pruning trees and form pruning techniques
best seasonal timing for pruning of tree species relevant to the organisation
what to look for when selecting trees for pruning:
prescribed defects
green crowns
dominance
vigour straightness
lean
size
angle
number of branches
overall tree health
stocking
spacing and quality requirements
purpose, features and safe operation of tree pruning tools and equipment:
pruners
jacksaw
pouch
steps
epicormic remover
pole saw
ladder
climbing gear
elevated work platform according to site requirements
environmental protection practices for disposing of pruned materials:
recycling pruned material where appropriate
sending pruned material to landfill only where it cannot be recycled
redirecting pruned material for energy recovery.
organisational procedures specific to pruning trees:
workplace health and safety with particular emphasis on risk control and use of personal protective equipment
communication reporting lines
recording and reporting pruning processes and equipment faults.
The following resources must be made available:
pruners
jacksaw
pouch
steps
epicormic remover
pole saw
ladder
climbing gear
elevated work platform according to site requirements
a commercial quantity trees to be pruned
personal protective equipment suitable for pruning trees
environmental regulations affecting site operations or plain English equivalent documents
work order with instructions for types and quantities of trees to be pruned
relevant personnel for the purposes of communicating information
documents, spreadsheets and commonly used proformas documents for recording pruning process and equipment faults
organisational procedures for pruning trees.
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.
Assessor requirements
Assessors must:
hold the appropriate assessor competency standards as outlined in regulations; and
be able to demonstrate vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed; and
be able to demonstrate how they are continuing to develop their VET knowledge and skills as well as maintaining their industry currency and assessor competence.