This unit applies to the process of installing hardware into the structure of a tree.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Read and interpret a plan for cable and bracing

1.1. Cable and bracing plan is read and understood.

1.2. Materials required for installing cable and bracing are determined from the plan and obtained with adequate lead time for the proposed work.

1.3. Tools and equipment are selected according to enterprise guidelines.

1.4. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risks assessed and suitable controls implemented.

2. Prepare trees for cable and bracing

2.1. Branches are examined and their vitality and integrity of attachment ascertained to ensure the bracing can be safely implemented according to the provided plan.

2.2. Preliminary pruning is undertaken to aid cable and bracing installation.

3. Install cable and bracing

3.1. Planned approach to cable and bracing is communicated to other members in the work team in a clear and concise manner.

3.2. Cable and bracing is installed in line with the provided plan and enterprise guidelines.

3.3. Completed program is checked for quality of work and recorded.

3.4. Further pruning is carried out to ensure the tree is able to sustain its growth and be restored to its natural habit and form.

Required skills

climb trees or operate elevated work platforms

identify OHS hazards in relation to specific trees and situations

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

cable and bracing techniques appropriate to the tree species

identification of tree species

structure of trees

tree pruning techniques appropriate to the requirements of the species

principles and methods of pruning

effect of pruning on tree growth and habit

tree anatomy and physiology

Compartmentalisation of Decay in Trees (CODIT) principles

implications of pruning cuts and the way trees respond

climbing or elevated work platform operations

OHS issues in hazardous situations with trees

relevant legislation that may impact on a tree pruning program

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:

interpret a cable and bracing plan

examine the structural integrity of tree components

install cable and bracing in a manner that achieves the intended purpose.

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.

Cable and bracing may include:

cable and bracing plans

a wide range of tree hardware

methods that cause minimal stress to the tree in accordance with the principles of compartmentalisation of decay in trees

pruning requirements

appropriate tools and equipment

OHS requirement and

any legislation or regulations that may need to be observed.

Unit sector

Arboriculture

This unit contains employability skills.