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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare for tree removal
   • 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.
2. Implement dismantling of trees
   • 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.
3. Complete tree removal
   • 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.

Required Skills

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 skillslanguage 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

Evidence Required

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

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Range Statement

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.

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