FWPFGM2204
Plant trees mechanically


Application

This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to select suitable tree stock and plant trees mechanically. Work is completed in a forest environment setting.

The unit applies to Forestry worker, Arboriculture worker, Farm forestry worker, Nursery worker

Plantation establishment worker, Plantation forest officer, Silviculturist

No licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions.

1. Prepare for planting operations

1.1 Review work order and where required check with appropriate personnel.

1.2 Select appropriate personal protective and other equipment and check for operational effectiveness.

1.3 Obtain and prepare planting stock in line with work order

2. Prepare for planting

2.1 Assess plant site for suitability and prepare in line with work order.

2.2 Select stock quantity from tree stock in line with production target and stock quality.

2.3 Select work methods and patterns to suit tree type, plant site and type of equipment.

2.4 Identify and resolve site or equipment hazards in line with organisational safety procedures.

3. Plant forest trees

3.1 Check planting machine operational effectiveness prior to planting and report faults if identified.

3.2 Use planting machine to plant tree stock in line with production target, manufacturer’s instructions and organisational safety and risk minimisation procedures.

3.3 Identify and dispose of unsuitable tree stock in line with environmental protection practices.

3.4 Maintain and store equipment and remaining tree stock in line with organisational procedures.

Evidence of Performance

A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy all of the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit. If a specific volume or frequency is not stated below, then evidence must be provided that the following requirements have been performed on at least one occasion:

follow work order to plant trees mechanically, according to specific work order requirements

assess the site and plant tree stock mechanically by:

checking for appropriate atmosphere, moisture content and seasonal suitability for planting

ensuring appropriate spacing and growth suitability for each tree

handling tree stock minimally

use the following tools and equipment safely and efficiently when handling tree stock:

planting machine

tube planter

planting frame

harness

auger

identify and resolve the following problems when planting tree stock:

site or equipment issues:

equipment faults and malfunctions

environmental safety hazards

unsuitable planting stock affected by:

pests

disease

nutritional deficiencies.


Evidence of Knowledge

A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:

typical hazards present in forest planting situations:

slope

water

rock

undergrowth

slash

depressions and holes

falling or fallen branches

typical stock defects and visual characteristics:

pests

diseases

nutritional deficiencies

factors to consider for planting trees and how these affect quality and characteristics of grown trees:

planting depth

spacing and row positioning of seedlings

root placement

purpose, features, operation and maintenance of tree planting machines

organisational procedures specific to planting trees mechanically

workplace health and safety with particular emphasis on equipment lock-out, risk control and use of personal protective equipment

communication reporting lines.

environmental protection practices for forest settings:

cleaning plant, tools and equipment

disposing of and recycling waste

returning the environment to its original or near to original condition on completion of activity

safe manual handling techniques for operating in forest settings, specifically those for:

shifting

lifting

carrying tree stock


Assessment Conditions

The following resources must be made available:

planting machine

tube planter

planting frames

harnesses

augers

personal protective equipment suitable for planting trees

commercial quantities of tree stock for planting

work order with specific instructions for types and quantities of trees to be planted

relevant personnel for the purposes of communicating information

organisational procedures for planting trees mechanically.

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.

Assessor requirements

Assessors must:

hold the appropriate assessor competency standards as outlined in regulations; and

be able to demonstrate vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed; and

be able to demonstrate how they are continuing to develop their VET knowledge and skills as well as maintaining their industry currency and assessor competence.


Foundation Skills

This section describes those core and employment skills that are essential to performance and are not explicit in the performance criteria.

Numeracy skills to:

complete routine calculations involving depth, width and spacing in to plant trees.

Oral communication skills to:

ask open and closed probe questions and actively listen to clarify contents of work orders.

Reading skills to:

interpret:

workplace health and safety and other organisational procedures

work orders

manufacturers’ instructions.


Range Statement

Not Applicable


Sectors

Forest Growing and Management