Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

AHCARB504 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Develop an arboricultural impact assessment report

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency AHCARB504 - Develop an arboricultural impact assessment report
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan for and monitor the protection of trees at sites where there may be threats to the trees.This unit applies to individuals who take personal responsibility and exercise autonomy in undertaking complex work, to analyse and synthesise information and design, and to communicate solutions to complex problems. The role involves the self-directed application of knowledge with substantial depth in some areas such as tree assessment techniques, the impact of development on trees and specialist tree protection techniques and reporting methods.Licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit in some states and territories at the time of publication, and may differ according to jurisdiction. Specific determination should be sought through the relevant State or Territory. Works involving this unit of competency may be subject to local tree protection and preservation laws, and the relevant content of applicable Australian Standards such as the current AS 4970 Protection of trees on development sites.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.

Assessment must be demonstrated consistently over time in a suitable range of contexts and have a productivity-based outcome. No single assessment event or report is sufficient to achieve competency in this unit.

Assessment may be conducted in a simulated or real work environment, however determination of competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions.

The mandatory equipment and materials used to gather evidence for assessment include:

equipment:

computer

word processing software

internet connection

personal protective equipment (PPE)

digital camera/phone camera

loupe

basic diagnostic tools including sounding hammer, trowel, probe, cordless drill

basic soil testing equipment

trees

materials:

preliminary arboriculture report

arboricultural impact assessment report

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs in the assessment of arboriculture units of competency.

Assessment must be conducted only by persons who have:

arboriculture vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed

current arboriculture industry skills directly relevant to the unit of competency being assessed
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Undertake assessment of trees on site
  • Identify and research relevant legislation and Australian Standards
  • Determine specific requirements of Statutory authorities in relation to trees on development site
  • Determine local government planning laws, tree protection and preservation regulations
  • Conduct a site assessment and identify conditions that impact tree protection program
  • Identify work health and safety hazards that impact safety of staff and public, assess level of risk and apply controls
  • Identify hazards, activities and circumstances that have potential to harm trees and assess the level of risk
  • Locate and confirm trees plotted on survey plan
  • Plot trees not on plan onto survey plan
       
Element: Compile preliminary tree assessment data
  • Collect available relevant plans and documentation
  • Identify and record tree genus and species by botanical and common name
  • Record tree dimensions, height, crown spread and diameter-at-breast-height (DBH)
  • Determine age class and estimate life expectancy
  • Determine tree health in relation to tree physiology and pathology
  • Determine condition of tree structure in relation to tree anatomy
  • Consider heritage and cultural issues
  • Consider habitat, ecology and other matters relevant to the site
  • Consider location relative to existing and past site structures
  • Determine the retention value
  • Compile all tree assessment data required for report
       
Element: Document preliminary arboricultural report
  • Record all trees and groups of trees suitable for retention
  • Determine indicative tree protection zone for each tree
  • Plot tree identifiers and indicative tree protection zone on survey plan
  • Document preliminary arboricultural report
       
Element: Record impact of proposed development on trees
  • Interpret existing plans, working drawings, terms and symbols
  • Interpret development and design language
  • Consider how development can result in mechanical and chemical damage and determine appropriate controls
  • Determine impact of proposed development on trees
  • Provide preliminary feedback to client on potential areas of improvement
       
Element: Determine indicative and actual tree protection zones
  • Assess development requirements for site access and logistics
  • Consider indicative tree protection zone
  • Determine extent of encroachment into indicative tree protection zone
  • Determine whether works will impact on structural root zone
  • Determine extent and area of structural root zone
  • Determine actual tree protection zone for trees to be retained
  • Define and record the actual tree protection zones
       
Element: Demonstrate tree viability to major encroachment
  • Determine level of encroachment
  • Assess for a major encroachment: location and distribution of roots; potential loss of root mass; species tolerance to root loss; and age, health, size, lean and stability of tree
  • Consider impact of major encroachment on health, physiology and structural integrity of tree
  • Assess soil characteristics and volume and presence of existing or past structures and design factors
  • Consider how site and design factors minimise impact of proposed encroachment on tree
  • Demonstrate that the tree would remain viable
  • Determine additional remedial measures required
       
Element: Develop protection measures and advise client
  • Develop an evidentiary portfolio of tree protection devices, techniques, tree-sensitive design and construction measures and tree responses to development activities
  • Specify protection devices, techniques and systems to minimise impact of development
  • Determine installation and construction methods for tree protection and produce working drawings for on-site personnel for implementation
  • Provide advice on tree removal and tree pruning program to client
       
Element: Document the relevant reports
  • Prepare draft arboricultural impact assessment report
  • Develop tree protection plan and tree protection plan (drawing)
  • Prepare and document tree management and monitoring guidelines with alternative strategies for possible problems
  • Consolidate relevant reports, plans and guidelines into final version of arboricultural impact assessment report in digital and print format and present to client
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Undertake assessment of trees on site

1.1 Identify and research relevant legislation and Australian Standards

1.2 Determine specific requirements of Statutory authorities in relation to trees on development site

1.3 Determine local government planning laws, tree protection and preservation regulations

1.4 Conduct a site assessment and identify conditions that impact tree protection program

1.5 Identify work health and safety hazards that impact safety of staff and public, assess level of risk and apply controls

1.6 Identify hazards, activities and circumstances that have potential to harm trees and assess the level of risk

1.7 Locate and confirm trees plotted on survey plan

1.8 Plot trees not on plan onto survey plan

2. Compile preliminary tree assessment data

2.1 Collect available relevant plans and documentation

2.2 Identify and record tree genus and species by botanical and common name

2.3 Record tree dimensions, height, crown spread and diameter-at-breast-height (DBH)

2.4 Determine age class and estimate life expectancy

2.5 Determine tree health in relation to tree physiology and pathology

2.6 Determine condition of tree structure in relation to tree anatomy

2.7 Consider heritage and cultural issues

2.8 Consider habitat, ecology and other matters relevant to the site

2.9 Consider location relative to existing and past site structures

2.10 Determine the retention value

2.11 Compile all tree assessment data required for report

3. Document preliminary arboricultural report

3.1 Record all trees and groups of trees suitable for retention

3.2 Determine indicative tree protection zone for each tree

3.3 Plot tree identifiers and indicative tree protection zone on survey plan

3.4 Document preliminary arboricultural report

4. Record impact of proposed development on trees

4.1 Interpret existing plans, working drawings, terms and symbols

4.2 Interpret development and design language

4.3 Consider how development can result in mechanical and chemical damage and determine appropriate controls

4.4 Determine impact of proposed development on trees

4.5 Provide preliminary feedback to client on potential areas of improvement

5. Determine indicative and actual tree protection zones

5.1 Assess development requirements for site access and logistics

5.2 Consider indicative tree protection zone

5.3 Determine extent of encroachment into indicative tree protection zone

5.4 Determine whether works will impact on structural root zone

5.5 Determine extent and area of structural root zone

5.6 Determine actual tree protection zone for trees to be retained

5.7 Define and record the actual tree protection zones

6. Demonstrate tree viability to major encroachment

6.1 Determine level of encroachment

6.2 Assess for a major encroachment: location and distribution of roots; potential loss of root mass; species tolerance to root loss; and age, health, size, lean and stability of tree

6.3 Consider impact of major encroachment on health, physiology and structural integrity of tree

6.4 Assess soil characteristics and volume and presence of existing or past structures and design factors

6.5 Consider how site and design factors minimise impact of proposed encroachment on tree

6.6 Demonstrate that the tree would remain viable

6.7 Determine additional remedial measures required

7. Develop protection measures and advise client

7.1 Develop an evidentiary portfolio of tree protection devices, techniques, tree-sensitive design and construction measures and tree responses to development activities

7.2 Specify protection devices, techniques and systems to minimise impact of development

7.3 Determine installation and construction methods for tree protection and produce working drawings for on-site personnel for implementation

7.4 Provide advice on tree removal and tree pruning program to client

8. Document the relevant reports

8.1 Prepare draft arboricultural impact assessment report

8.2 Develop tree protection plan and tree protection plan (drawing)

8.3 Prepare and document tree management and monitoring guidelines with alternative strategies for possible problems

8.4 Consolidate relevant reports, plans and guidelines into final version of arboricultural impact assessment report in digital and print format and present to client

The candidate must compile reports, plans and guidelines into an arboricultural impact assessment report and develop an evidentiary tree protection portfolio.

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:

identifying and researching relevant legislation and Australian Standards

determining specific requirements of statutory authorities in relation to trees on development site

determining local government planning laws, tree protection and preservation regulations

conducting a site assessment and identify conditions that impact tree protection program

identifying work health and safety hazards that impact safety of staff and public, assess level of risk and apply controls

identifying hazards, activities and circumstances that have potential to harm trees and assess the level of risk

locating and confirming trees plotted on survey plan

plotting trees not on plan onto survey plan

collecting available relevant plans and documentation

identifying and record tree genus and species by botanical and common name

recording tree dimensions, height, crown spread and diameter-at-breast-height (DBH)

determining age class and estimate life expectancy

determining tree health in relation to tree physiology and pathology

determining condition of tree structure in relation to tree anatomy

considering heritage and cultural issues

considering habitat, ecology and other matters relevant to the site

considering location relative to existing and past site structures

determining the retention value

compiling all tree assessment data required for report

recording all trees and groups of trees suitable for retention

determining indicative tree protection zone for each tree

plotting tree identifiers and indicative tree protection zone on survey plan

documenting preliminary arboricultural report

interpreting existing plans, working drawings, terms and symbols

interpreting development and design language

considering how development can result in mechanical and chemical damage and determine appropriate controls

determining impact of proposed development on trees

providing preliminary feedback to client on potential areas of improvement

assessing development requirements for site access and logistics

considering indicative tree protection zone

determining extent of encroachment into indicative tree protection zone

determining whether works will impact on structural root zone

determining extent and area of structural root zone

determining actual tree protection zone for trees to be retained

defining and recording the actual tree protection zones

determining level of encroachment

assessing for a major encroachment: location and distribution of roots; potential loss of root mass; species tolerance to root loss; and age, health, size, lean and stability of tree

considering impact of major encroachment on health, physiology and structural integrity of tree

assessing soil characteristics and volume and presence of existing or past structures and design factors

considering how site and design factors minimise impact of proposed encroachment on tree

demonstrating that the tree would remain viable

determining additional remedial measures required

developing an evidentiary portfolio of tree protection devices, techniques, tree-sensitive design and construction measures and tree responses to development activities

specifying protection devices, techniques and systems to minimise impact of development

determining installation and construction methods for tree protection and produce working drawings for on-site personnel for implementation

providing advice on tree removal and tree pruning program to client

preparing draft arboricultural impact assessment report

developing tree protection plan and tree protection plan (drawing)

preparing and documenting tree management and monitoring guidelines with alternative strategies for possible problems

consolidating relevant reports, plans and guidelines into final version of arboricultural impact assessment report in digital and print format and presenting to client.

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

relevant legislation and Australian Standards

specific requirements of statutory authorities in relation to trees on development site

local government tree protection and preservation regulations

site assessment and conditions that impact tree protection programs

plotting trees/ tree identifiers onto survey plans

tree genus and species by botanical and common name

tree dimensions, height, crown spread and diameter-at-breast-height (DBH)

age class and estimate life expectancy

tree health in relation to tree physiology and pathology

heritage and cultural issues

habitat, ecology and other matters relevant to the site

methods of calculation of retention value

indicative tree protection zones

preliminary arboricultural reports

interpretation of existing plans, working drawings, terms and symbols

development and design language

principles and methods of mechanical and chemical damage control

impact of proposed development on trees

structural root zone

actual tree protection zones

level of encroachment

assessment of a major encroachment: location and distribution of roots; potential loss of root mass; species tolerance to root loss; and age, health, size, lean and stability of tree

soil assessment of characteristics and volume

viability of a tree

evidentiary portfolio of tree protection devices, techniques, tree-sensitive design and construction measures and tree responses to development activities

principles and techniques of tree protection devices, methods and systems

installation and construction methods for tree protection

principles and methods relating to protecting trees from human activities

working drawings for on-site personnel for implementation

methods of documentation of tree management and monitoring guidelines

draft arboricultural impact assessment report

anatomy, physiology and pathology of trees

interpretation of plans and working drawings

tree protection plan and tree protection plan (drawing)

documentation of tree management and monitoring guidelines

final version of arboricultural impact assessment report

digital and print formats.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Undertake assessment of trees on site

1.1 Identify and research relevant legislation and Australian Standards

1.2 Determine specific requirements of Statutory authorities in relation to trees on development site

1.3 Determine local government planning laws, tree protection and preservation regulations

1.4 Conduct a site assessment and identify conditions that impact tree protection program

1.5 Identify work health and safety hazards that impact safety of staff and public, assess level of risk and apply controls

1.6 Identify hazards, activities and circumstances that have potential to harm trees and assess the level of risk

1.7 Locate and confirm trees plotted on survey plan

1.8 Plot trees not on plan onto survey plan

2. Compile preliminary tree assessment data

2.1 Collect available relevant plans and documentation

2.2 Identify and record tree genus and species by botanical and common name

2.3 Record tree dimensions, height, crown spread and diameter-at-breast-height (DBH)

2.4 Determine age class and estimate life expectancy

2.5 Determine tree health in relation to tree physiology and pathology

2.6 Determine condition of tree structure in relation to tree anatomy

2.7 Consider heritage and cultural issues

2.8 Consider habitat, ecology and other matters relevant to the site

2.9 Consider location relative to existing and past site structures

2.10 Determine the retention value

2.11 Compile all tree assessment data required for report

3. Document preliminary arboricultural report

3.1 Record all trees and groups of trees suitable for retention

3.2 Determine indicative tree protection zone for each tree

3.3 Plot tree identifiers and indicative tree protection zone on survey plan

3.4 Document preliminary arboricultural report

4. Record impact of proposed development on trees

4.1 Interpret existing plans, working drawings, terms and symbols

4.2 Interpret development and design language

4.3 Consider how development can result in mechanical and chemical damage and determine appropriate controls

4.4 Determine impact of proposed development on trees

4.5 Provide preliminary feedback to client on potential areas of improvement

5. Determine indicative and actual tree protection zones

5.1 Assess development requirements for site access and logistics

5.2 Consider indicative tree protection zone

5.3 Determine extent of encroachment into indicative tree protection zone

5.4 Determine whether works will impact on structural root zone

5.5 Determine extent and area of structural root zone

5.6 Determine actual tree protection zone for trees to be retained

5.7 Define and record the actual tree protection zones

6. Demonstrate tree viability to major encroachment

6.1 Determine level of encroachment

6.2 Assess for a major encroachment: location and distribution of roots; potential loss of root mass; species tolerance to root loss; and age, health, size, lean and stability of tree

6.3 Consider impact of major encroachment on health, physiology and structural integrity of tree

6.4 Assess soil characteristics and volume and presence of existing or past structures and design factors

6.5 Consider how site and design factors minimise impact of proposed encroachment on tree

6.6 Demonstrate that the tree would remain viable

6.7 Determine additional remedial measures required

7. Develop protection measures and advise client

7.1 Develop an evidentiary portfolio of tree protection devices, techniques, tree-sensitive design and construction measures and tree responses to development activities

7.2 Specify protection devices, techniques and systems to minimise impact of development

7.3 Determine installation and construction methods for tree protection and produce working drawings for on-site personnel for implementation

7.4 Provide advice on tree removal and tree pruning program to client

8. Document the relevant reports

8.1 Prepare draft arboricultural impact assessment report

8.2 Develop tree protection plan and tree protection plan (drawing)

8.3 Prepare and document tree management and monitoring guidelines with alternative strategies for possible problems

8.4 Consolidate relevant reports, plans and guidelines into final version of arboricultural impact assessment report in digital and print format and present to client

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Identify and research relevant legislation and Australian Standards 
Determine specific requirements of Statutory authorities in relation to trees on development site 
Determine local government planning laws, tree protection and preservation regulations 
Conduct a site assessment and identify conditions that impact tree protection program 
Identify work health and safety hazards that impact safety of staff and public, assess level of risk and apply controls 
Identify hazards, activities and circumstances that have potential to harm trees and assess the level of risk 
Locate and confirm trees plotted on survey plan 
Plot trees not on plan onto survey plan 
Collect available relevant plans and documentation 
Identify and record tree genus and species by botanical and common name 
Record tree dimensions, height, crown spread and diameter-at-breast-height (DBH) 
Determine age class and estimate life expectancy 
Determine tree health in relation to tree physiology and pathology 
Determine condition of tree structure in relation to tree anatomy 
Consider heritage and cultural issues 
Consider habitat, ecology and other matters relevant to the site 
Consider location relative to existing and past site structures 
Determine the retention value 
Compile all tree assessment data required for report 
Record all trees and groups of trees suitable for retention 
Determine indicative tree protection zone for each tree 
Plot tree identifiers and indicative tree protection zone on survey plan 
Document preliminary arboricultural report 
Interpret existing plans, working drawings, terms and symbols 
Interpret development and design language 
Consider how development can result in mechanical and chemical damage and determine appropriate controls 
Determine impact of proposed development on trees 
Provide preliminary feedback to client on potential areas of improvement 
Assess development requirements for site access and logistics 
Consider indicative tree protection zone 
Determine extent of encroachment into indicative tree protection zone 
Determine whether works will impact on structural root zone 
Determine extent and area of structural root zone 
Determine actual tree protection zone for trees to be retained 
Define and record the actual tree protection zones 
Determine level of encroachment 
Assess for a major encroachment: location and distribution of roots; potential loss of root mass; species tolerance to root loss; and age, health, size, lean and stability of tree 
Consider impact of major encroachment on health, physiology and structural integrity of tree 
Assess soil characteristics and volume and presence of existing or past structures and design factors 
Consider how site and design factors minimise impact of proposed encroachment on tree 
Demonstrate that the tree would remain viable 
Determine additional remedial measures required 
Develop an evidentiary portfolio of tree protection devices, techniques, tree-sensitive design and construction measures and tree responses to development activities 
Specify protection devices, techniques and systems to minimise impact of development 
Determine installation and construction methods for tree protection and produce working drawings for on-site personnel for implementation 
Provide advice on tree removal and tree pruning program to client 
Prepare draft arboricultural impact assessment report 
Develop tree protection plan and tree protection plan (drawing) 
Prepare and document tree management and monitoring guidelines with alternative strategies for possible problems 
Consolidate relevant reports, plans and guidelines into final version of arboricultural impact assessment report in digital and print format and present to client 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCARB504 - Develop an arboricultural impact assessment report
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Assessor name:

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Assessment Record Sheet

AHCARB504 - Develop an arboricultural impact assessment report

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

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Student signature:

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