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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Prepare work site
  2. Design and prepare rigging system
  3. Perform rigging operations
  4. Complete tree rigging operations

Range Statement


Performance Evidence

The candidate must be observed demonstrating rigging techniques for lowering, controlling and redirecting loads during tree pruning and tree removal.

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence for and demonstrate:

confirming location of worksite and location of correct tree as identified in scope of works

ensuring scope of works is within capacity and limits of team and equipment

obtaining required site permits and licenses

determining location of above-and-below-ground services

undertaking a site-specific risk assessment by identifying work health and safety hazards and assessing risk

inspecting trees and identifying structural defects in relation to taxonomic tree species, tree anatomy, and tree physiology

considering impact of wind speed and direction on rigging methods

considering ‘cycles to failure‘ of load-bearing equipment

selecting, preparing, and carrying out pre-operational and safety checks, on tools, equipment and machinery

selecting and using personal protective equipment

discussing and confirming work-zones locations and areas with work team

recording and implementing work health, safety, site, environmental and traffic control measures

communicating with work team during operations using voice, hand and whistle signals

determining load limit of rigging system

selecting appropriate anchor and attachment points

considering mass and dimensions of tree part, centre of gravity, dimensions in relation to working space

calculating load and balance

consider breaking strength and safety factor of equipment in use

determining impact of force under normal and failure conditions and apply safety factor

designing rigging system to allow for load and impact of force

discussing rigging system with work team

selecting appropriate rigging equipment and inspecting for defects

assembling and installing rigging equipment

identifying problems, unsafe rigging practices and provide alternative rigging solutions

maintaining effective communication with work team during rigging process

attaching rigging and using appropriate knots as required

monitoring and adjusting rigging system, taking into account environmental conditions

testing tensioned load

controlling load and raise, lowering or redirecting as required and in a manner appropriate to worksite

operating lowering and friction devices

performing tip lowering, butt lowering, horizontal lowering and lifting as required

matching load frequency and size to processing capacity of ground crew

retrieving appropriate components of rigging system

checking proper completion of rigging operations

cleaning and checking tools, equipment and machinery, replacing if faulty or worn, and storing

use of industry standard terminology to describe arboriculture, equipment and work environment.


Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

site-specific risk assessments

above-and-below-ground services

selection, tying methods and purpose of appropriate industry knots

types and purposes of a range of rigging equipment and devices

estimation of distances and dimensions of tree parts and equipment

estimation of centre of gravity for balancing a load

how to estimate areas for safe work zones

estimation of breaking strength, safety factor and cycles to failure

signals and communication systems

common problems and hazards with rigging and their potential consequences and solutions

breaking strain, safe working load and ‘cycles to failure’ for rigging equipment

anatomy, physiology, and taxonomy of tree species for a range of trees

how variations in weather such as wind speed and direction affect work

signs of equipment defects

structural defects in trees

operational use of lowering and friction devices

first aid and rescue personnel, equipment and procedures applicable to tree work.