Range of VariablesThe Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in particular training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available |
What OHS hazards may be associated with the planting of trees and shrubs? | Hazards may include, solar radiation, dust, noise, air and soil-borne microorganisms, chemicals and hazardous substances, sharp hand tools and equipment, manual handling, holes, slippery and uneven surfaces, and spider and insect bites. |
What environmental implications may be associated with planting trees and shrubs? | Environmental implications associated with the planting program may be beneficial to the external environment (particularly in regard to planting of windbreaks and shelter belts, programmed environmental maintenance, and the reversal of environmental degradation), when the trees and shrubs planted are consistent with the needs of the flora and fauna indigenous to the geographic region. However, work activities undertaken may have immediate detrimental effects on the surrounding environment, including misuse of chemicals, contamination of ground water or stormwater from excess run-off, levels of noise, dust, and inappropriate waste disposal. |
What tools andequipment may be used to complete tree and shrub planting works? | Tools and equipment may include secateurs, knives, spades, forks, trowels, rakes, hoes, spray equipment, augers, buckets, brooms, wheelbarrows, hoses and hose fittings, ancillary equipment such as stabilising materials, weed mats, stakes, tree guards. |
What PPE may be required to carry out tree planting works? | PPE may include hat, boots, overalls, gloves, goggles, respirator or facemask, face guard, hearing protection and sunscreen lotion. |
What enterprise work procedures are appropriate for this standard? | These may include supervisors instructions and orders, planting plans and specifications, client's instructions, sketches, work schedules, manufacturers guidelines, company Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines, and OHS procedures. |
How might competing plants be controlled to reduce competition? | Competing plants may be controlled by the application of herbicide to weeds by spray, wick, cut and paint or injection, hand grubbing of seedlings, trimming or removal of whole plants or seed heads. |
How might soil be modified to make it suitable for the planting program? | Soil modifications may include tilling, deep ripping, addition of nutrition/fertiliser or other organic compounds, conditioning additives to effect a change in the water holding capacity of the soil, soil structure, soil texture, and pH, such as gypsum, sand, lime, dolomite, chemicals, mulches. |
What specifications may apply to the excavation of planting holes? | Specifications for planting holes may include dimensions to match plant size and root depth, gouging sides of planting hole to remove glazing of sidewalls. |
What trees and shrubs may be relevant to this standard? | Trees and shrubs may include container grown, tube grown or bare rooted plants across a range of species and growth habits (e.g., groundcovers, climbers, bulbs, annuals, grasses, lilies, etc.) that do not require mechanised lifting devices. |
What root treatments may be required prior to planting? | Root treatment may include trimming diseased or damaged roots, cutting off lower section of root ball, separating bound roots, teasing out roots to fit planting hole, removing excess potting media, dips (fungicides, bacterial, hormone). |
What post-planting treatments may be required to maintain plant health and quality? | Post-planting treatments may include weed and disease control, mulching, fertilising, watering, pruning (formative pruning, removal of damaged or dead materials, canopy reduction, thinning, lifting), securing (tying, staking, bracing, anchoring, guying) and installation of tree guards and protective materials. |
What waste material may be relevant to this standard? | Waste material may include unused work material, plant debris, litter and broken components.Plant-based material may be mulched or composted, plastic, metal, paper-based materials may be recycled, re-used, returned to the manufacturer or disposed of according to enterprise work procedures. |
What records may be relevant to this standard? | Records may include number and type of plants and materials used in the planting program, injury and dangerous occurrence reports, treatments and/or amendments applied, chemical use, date, problems encountered. |
For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment, refer to the Sector Booklet. |
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