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

Overall competence in undertaking stump removal requires evidence that a person working in a horticultural environment is aware of the procedures and methods that are used to undertake stump removal and is confident in applying these procedures Skills and knowledge relating to the task such as operating powered machinery and hand tools interpreting site and service plans identifying and minimising hazards and maintaining clean and safe work areas is also required when undertaking stump removal

The skills and knowledge required to undertake stump removal must be transferable to a different work environment For example this could include different situations tree species and degrees of site access

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

manufacturer guidelines for operating stump grinding machinery

environmental implications of removal activities including run off drainage salinity and soil erosion and soil disturbance

removal practices associated with different soil types

the effect of adverse outdoor climatic conditions eg rain hail or wind which may prevent or impede removal operations

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

prepare for stump removal operations

undertake removal operations

complete stump removal operations

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 work completion and hazards encountered may be communicated to work colleagues and the supervisor

How can information be collected analysed and organised

Information such as removal techniques site and service plans and appropriate tools and equipment should be discussed with the supervisor and work team members

How are activities planned and organised

Preoperational checks and organisation of all tools equipment and materials should be arranged before removal begins Work schedules location of services site plans and personnel involved should also be arranged before removal activities begin

How can team work be applied

Undertaking stump removal may involve working with other members of a team to complete the removal program

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied

Mathematical techniques may be applied when calculating plan dimensions and depth and volume of removal holes

How can problemsolving skills be applied

Problems relating to removal techniques processes the removal area tools and equipment workplace safety other team members environmental issues and interruption of removal program may require problemsolving

How can the use of technology be applied

Technology such as horticultural hand tools and equipment including stump grinders may be used in removal operations

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

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 workplace information may be relevant to stump removal operations?

What services may need to be located?

What tools andequipment may be used to undertake stump removal?

What OHS hazards may apply to stump removal operations?

What PPE may be needed to remove stumps?

What OHS requirements may be relevant to this standard?

What tasks may be undertaken to maintain a clean and safe work area?

What records may apply to this standard?