This unit applies to the recognition of the need for tree protection and the construction or installation of protective devices.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Determine the implementation requirements of the tree protection program

1.1. Trees to be protected, reason for protection and type of protection methods are identified according to the tree protection plan and enterprise work procedures.

1.2. Any Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) controls necessary to ensure the safety of operators, the public and property throughout the tree protection program are identified and taken into account during implementation planning.

1.3. Any environmental implications of the tree protection program are assessed and taken into account during implementation planning.

1.4. Resources required to implement the tree protection program are identified from the plan, and availability confirmed with relevant personnel or suppliers.

1.5. Implementation tasks are determined, scheduled, tasks allocated, and allowance made for contingencies.

1.6. Information relating to the implementation of the tree protection program is communicated to appropriate personnel in accordance with enterprise guidelines.

2. Make site preparations

2.1. Suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is selected, used and maintained.

2.2. Location of protection areas are marked out on the site according to protection plan and specifications.

2.3. Safety barriers and signage are erected around holes, other disturbed surfaces and hazardous areas during and between work periods to ensure public and operator safety.

2.4. Pre-operational and safety checks are carried out on all tools, equipment and materials with defective, faulty or out-of-standard components discarded and replaced.

3. Construct protective devices

3.1. Tools, equipment and materials appropriate to the task are used according to enterprise work procedures.

3.2. Tree protection devices are constructed and/or assembled according to tree protection plan and any needs specific to the species or individual tree.

3.3. Protection devices are installed according to enterprise work procedures and protection program.

3.4. Completed protection devices are inspected for viability and remedial action undertaken when necessary.

4. Monitor protection program

4.1. Tree health is monitored during the protection program and remedial action taken to ensure the health and vigour of the tree is maintained.

4.2. Protection devices are periodically checked for their effectiveness according to protection plan requirements.

4.3. Broken, damaged or ineffective components are reported and/or repaired according to enterprise guidelines.

4.4. Damaged trees are repaired and/or replaced according to protection plan requirements.

4.5. Protection devices are dismantled and removed according to protection plan requirements.

4.6. Tools and equipment are cleaned, maintained and stored consistent with enterprise guidelines.

4.7. Records are maintained in accordance with enterprise guidelines.

Required skills

build protection devices

recognise healthy/stressed and damaged trees

participate in a team working situation

work in chemical, toxic or hazardous areas

dispose of chemical substances and their containers to minimise environmental impact

disposal of plant and equipment debris in an environmentally aware and sensitive manner, such as sorting plant and paper-based waste for recycling

minimise noise, dust, high activity vehicle traffic and water run-off to prevent nuisance-level environmental disturbance

construct and install protection devices

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

protection requirements in relation to tree species, position, location and potential threats

principles of evaluating the effect of damage to trees during construction programs

environmental factors that may affect individual and plantation trees

improvements to tree health that can be achieved through modifying environmental influences

principles, regulations and practices relating to restricting access

AS4373-2007 Pruning of amenity trees

AS1742 Pt 3 1985 - Australian Standard Code of Practice, Work Site Traffic Management

industry codes of practice

specifications and construction methods when installing protection devices

local tree protection and preservation regulations

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:

determine the protection requirements of trees consistent with recognised industry practice

construct protective devices appropriate to the needs of the tree and site restrictions

comply with public safety and environmental guidelines on completion of tree protection activities.

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.

Protection methods may include installation of:

fences

tree guards

tree plantings

barriers

retaining walls and soil coverings

erection of signs and bunting

traffic re-direction.

Unit sector

Arboriculture

This unit contains employability skills.