This unit applies to the process of small tree felling where hazards have been assessed as low risk.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Identify tree felling requirements

1.1. Instructions for tree felling operations are received and clarified with supervisor prior to work being undertaken.

1.2. Topography and site conditions are assessed and factors influencing the natural direction of fall are identified and confirmed with supervisor.

1.3. Tree is visually assessed and factors influencing the tree felling operation are identified and confirmed with supervisor.

1.4. Natural direction of fall, safe fall zone and exclusion zone are determined and confirmed with supervisor.

1.5. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards associated with felling operation are identified, risks assessed and reported to the supervisor.

2. Prepare for tree felling

2.1. Felling equipment and component options that are appropriate to the task being undertaken are selected and prepared.

2.2. Appropriate support tools are prepared, transported and placed to minimise felling delays.

2.3. Suitable safety equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are selected, checked, used, maintained and stored.

2.4. Fall zone is cleared of obstacles and articles which may be damaged by felled tree.

2.5. Clear escape route is established appropriate to the site and according to recognised guidelines.

3. Fell tree

3.1. Location of other personnel is noted and monitored.

3.2. Standard tree felling techniques are determined by ground conditions and state of canopy.

3.3. Corrective action is taken in response to changing conditions or problems encountered.

3.4. Planned escape route is used when tree starts to fall.

3.5. Fall of tree and movement on ground are monitored until felled tree is stable.

3.6. Safe working practices are employed according to OHS requirements.

4. Complete tree felling operation

4.1. Appropriate method of clearing the site of felled tree is determined.

4.2. Machinery required for removal of felled tree is selected and used according to manufacturer's specifications and OHS requirements.

4.3. Fall site is cleared of tree and all tree debris.

Required skills

interpret work procedures

demonstrate safe working practices

communicate orally and using hand signals with other personnel

participate in teams and contribute to team objectives

determine safe fall zones and exclusion zones

measure distances

monitor and maintain tree felling tools and equipment

recognise structural defects, common diseases, pests, and nutrition deficiencies

operate a chainsaw

recognise caution or hazard signs and symbols

interpret tasks or information from labels, manuals or written instructions

record information accurately or verbally report information

use literacy skills to follow sequenced written instructions and record information accurately and legibly

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

basic operational and maintenance requirements of tree felling equipment

safe working practices for chainsaw operation

safety procedures and potential hazards for working safely in the amenity tree industry

emergency and first aid procedures

the effect of tree removal on the environment

local government regulations that apply to tree removal where appropriate

identification of services and other hazards that affect the performance of the unit

principles and methods of inspecting trees to identify structural defects.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

prepare and properly maintain equipment

determine the tree felling conditions, direction of fall, safe fall zone, exclusion zone and escape route

use safe tree felling techniques

use safe tree removal techniques

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Trees may include:

all species of trees and woody tree like vegetation forms.

Unit sector

Arboriculture

This unit contains employability skills.