Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to implement a tree protection program.
The work requires the application of a broad range of arboricultural and horticultural skills and knowledge. This unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work, including limited responsibility for the work of others. Work is implemented with low risk work procedures and to comply with Safe Work Method Statement documentation.
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.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Determine the implementation requirements of the tree protection program | 1.1 Determine location of above-and-below-ground services 1.2 Undertake a site-specific risk assessment by identifying work health and safety hazards and assessing risk 1.3 Identify trees to be protected, reasons for protection and types of protection methods from the tree protection plan 1.4 Assess and record the environmental impacts of the program 1.5 Identify resources required to implement the program and confirm availability with relevant personnel or suppliers 1.6 Determine, schedule and allocate implementation tasks and make allowances for contingencies 1.7 Discuss information relating to the implementation of the program with appropriate personnel |
2. Make site preparations | 2.1 Mark the location of protection areas on the site 2.2 Select, prepare, and carry out pre-operational and safety checks, on tools, equipment and machinery 2.3 Select and use personal protective equipment 2.4 Confirm first aid equipment and emergency procedures 2.5 Record and implement work health, safety, site, environmental and traffic control measures |
3. Construct protective devices | 3.1 Use tools, equipment and materials appropriate to the task 3.2 Construct or assemble tree protection devices with consideration for any needs specific to the species or individual tree 3.3 Install protection devices 3.4 Inspect completed protection devices for viability and take remedial action where necessary |
4. Monitor protection program | 4.1 Monitor tree health during program 4.2 Take remedial action to maintain tree health 4.3 Check protection devices periodically for their effectiveness 4.4 Report and repair broken, damaged or ineffective components 4.5 Dismantle and remove protection devices 4.6 Clean, maintain and store tools and equipment 4.7 Maintain records |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be observed determining the protection requirements of a tree, setting out a site according to the requirements of the protection program and constructing protective devices appropriate to the needs of the tree.
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:
determining location of above-and-below-ground services
undertaking a site-specific risk assessment by identifying work health and safety hazards and assessing risk
identifying trees to be protected, reasons for protection and types of protection methods
assessing and recording environmental impacts of the program
determining, scheduling and allocating implementation tasks
making allowances for contingencies
marking location of protection areas on the site
erect safety barriers and signage to ensure public and operator safety
carrying out pre-operational and safety checks
recording and implementing work health, safety, site, environmental and traffic control measures
constructing or assembling tree protection devices appropriate for needs of tree
installing tree protection devices
inspecting completed protection devices for viability
monitoring tree health
reporting and repairing broken, damaged or ineffective protection devices
dismantling and removing protection devices
maintaining records
recognising healthy, stressed and damaged trees
use of industry standard terminology to describe arboriculture and the work environment.
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
methods of identifying and protecting trees
tree protection systems, types and methods of protection
methods of marking sites
environmental impact assessment methods
selection, use and maintenance of suitable personal protective equipment
application of work health safety and environmental controls
task scheduling and contingency management
tree health (tree physiology)
systems for use installation of safety barriers and signage
tree protection plans
techniques for assembling or constructing tree protection devices suitable to the requirements of tree species
protection requirements of tree species
remedial actions for tree health
first aid and rescue personnel, equipment and procedures applicable to tree work
specifications and construction methods for installing protection devices
environmental factors affecting trees
principles, regulations and practices for restricting access and traffic management.
Assessment Conditions
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:
tree protection devices/equipment
construction tools
personal protective equipment (PPE)
first aid and emergency kit
traffic management kit
signage – work zone
trees
materials:
tree maintenance form
hazard identification and risk control form
equipment and PPE check form
emergency preparation form
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
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Arboriculture (ARB)