This unit applies to advanced techniques used to climb trees in arboriculture and applies to a climbing arborist.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for climbing and tree operations

1.1. Team members are informed of their role and duties in the climbing and tree operations.

1.2. Ropes are selected according to industry specifications and required tree works.

1.3. Ropes are assessed prior to use with damaged and faulty ropes discarded according to enterprise policy.

1.4. Appropriate climbing tools and equipment are selected.

1.5. Ropes, tools and equipment are checked.

1.6. Tree is inspected for safe ascension route.

2. Ascend and descend from trees

2.1. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified risks assessed and appropriate controls are documented and implemented.

2.2. Personal protective and safety equipment is used and adjusted.

2.3. Trees are ascended using appropriate techniques and equipment.

2.4. Safe anchor points are selected according to strength and suitability requirements.

2.5. Tree is descended in a controlled manner according to industry practice.

3. Undertake tree operations

3.1. Required tree operations are carried out according to treatment plans, work procedures and rigging techniques.

3.2. Load is balanced, tensioned and lowered in a staged controlled manner using appropriate cranage points according to safe work practices, branch weight and rope characteristics.

3.3. Staff are communicated with during operations, as required, verbally and by hand signals.

Required skills

climb trees and use twin ropes

select and inspect appropriate equipment

select and tie a wide range of knots

select low risk anchor points

apply a range of tree treatments

attach and use rigging equipment

balance and tension a load

operate chainsaws and pole-saws

perform aerial rescue techniques

use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legible information collected and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required

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

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

Required knowledge

identification of tree species and their pruning requirements

tree pruning techniques appropriate to the pruning requirements of the species

tree morphology, physiology and Compartmentalisation of Decay in Trees (CODIT) principles

advanced tree climbing practices and principles including the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and secondary attachments

types, uses and safe working limit of ropes and all other equipment

impact of force under normal/failure conditions

capability of lifting and lowering equipment

Safe Working Loads (SWL) relationship between Breaking Strength (BS), Safety Factor (SF), Working Load Limit (WLL) and Cycles to Failure (CTF)

awareness of power line clearances

first aid and rescue procedures applicable to tree work

industry codes of practice

a broad range of trees and treatments

advanced chainsaw techniques

local government tree protection and preservation regulations

AS4373-2007 Pruning of amenity trees

relevant Code of Practice.

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:

carry out and record pre-operational and safety checks

conduct a site and tree hazard identification and risk control assessment

inspect a tree and determine safest and best work method using risk controls established

select, inspect and prepare ropes, harnesses and other equipment associated with climbing trees

safely climb, ascend and descend large, hazardous and complex trees using a number of anchor points

climb using documented safe work methods

inspect for faults and store ropes, harnesses and other climbing and safety equipment and replace if worn or faulty.

document the hazards identified and the risk controls selected.

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.

Situations may include:

complex tree climbing incorporates situations made hazardous by tree branches vulnerable to failure under a load

trees affected by decay, disease and/or pests, trees with embedded objects such as wire, nails or spikes

proximity of power lines

adjacent property or intruding branches

the tree's height, size, trunk characteristics, shape and weight distribution of the crown may contribute to making conditions hazardous to a climber or a felling or trimming operation

inclement weather may also contribute to making working conditions difficult and hazardous.

Climbing tools and equipment may include:

ropes

safety harnesses

ascending and descending devices

ladders

safety equipment (helmets, ear and eye protection, gloves, boots, etc.)

pulleys and blocks

shackles and karabiners.

Unit sector

Arboriculture

This unit contains employability skills.