What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole

Competence in climbing small trees requires evidence that a person can prepare tools and equipment for climbing operations tie knots required for tree climbing according to industry standards and climb small trees in low hazard environments

The skills and knowledge required to climb small trees must be transferable to a different work environment For example a person should be able to climb a range of tree species and use a variety of climbing methods

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below basic climbing principles and preparation procedures basic climbing techniques and planning safe working limit of ropes safe work practices relevant to tree climbing activities

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:
1. basic climbing principles and preparation procedures
2. basic climbing techniques and planning
3. safe working limit of ropes
4. safe work practices relevant to tree climbing activities.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria

To achieve the performance criteria appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required These include the ability to participate and contribute to team objectives follow guidelines instructions and supervision interpret supervisors directions and communicate with fellow team members estimate and calculate tree heights and loads minimise noise dust and high activity vehicle traffic to prevent nuisancelevel environmental disturbance

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:
5. participate and contribute to team objectives
6. follow guidelines, instructions and supervision
7. interpret supervisors directions and communicate with fellow team members
8. estimate and calculate tree heights and loads
9. minimise noise, dust, and high activity vehicle traffic to prevent nuisance-level environmental disturbance.

What processes should be applied to this competency standard

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life which are required in all jobs They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions Some of these are covered by the key competencies although others may be added The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where not required perform the process perform and administer the process and perform administer and design the process

How can communication of ideas and information be applied

Information about specific tasks associated with the job such as climbing techniques communication arrangements work completion and hazards encountered may be communicated to work colleagues and the supervisor

How can information be collected analysed and organised

Ideas and information about climbing strategy methods and safety requirements should be discussed and analysed with the supervisor and work team members

How are activities planned and organised

All tools equipment and materials used for climbing small trees should be selected and prepared before climbing work begins

How can team work be applied

Climbing small trees may involve working with other members of a team to safely complete the climbing program

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied

Mathematical techniques may be applied when calculating heights of trees and safe working loads

How can problemsolving skills be applied

Problems relating to climbing techniques and methods workplace safety including working above ground level tools and equipment inclement weather and interruption in climbing activities may require problem solving

How can the use of technology be applied

Technology such as arboriculture equipment and machinery may be used to climb small trees safely

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one

This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function for example

RTFA Perform above ground pruning

RTF2009A Perform above ground pruning

RTFA Apply a range of treatments to trees

RTF2001A Apply a range of treatments to trees

There is essential information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance and where and how it may be assessed in the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package All users of these competency standards must have access to the Assessment Guidelines Further advice may also be sought from the relevant sector booklet

What work procedures are appropriate for this standard?

What hazards may be identified in the work area?

What toolsand equipment may be used in climbing operations?

What industry recognised knots may be applicable to this standard?

What constitutes low hazard climbing conditions?

What PPE and safety equipment may be used to climb small trees?

What standard industry methods are used when climbing?

What enterprise OHS requirements may be relevant to this standard?