FWPFGM2215
Measure trees


Application

This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to measure trees, record tree measurement data and identify tree abnormalities.

The unit applies to measuring trees in a forest environment.

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 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. Identify tree measuring requirements

1.1 Interpret and check work order, as required with appropriate personnel

1.2 Select tools appropriate to work requirements and check for operational effectiveness in line with manufacturer recommendations

1.3 Establish and maintain communication with colleagues and others in line with WHS requirements..

2. Measure and record tree measurements and abnormalities

2.1 Undertake work by using established safe operating practices in line with site procedures and environmental requirements

2.2 Select, use and maintain suitable personal protective equipment and clothing

2.3 Identify site environmental concerns in line with relevant regulations and workplace requirements

2.4 Identify from the work order the forest area to be worked within and locate on the ground

2.5 Obtain, check and record accurately tree measurements in the appropriate style and format in line with organisational and environmental requirements

2.6 Identify, assess and record tree abnormalities in line with workplace 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:

on native or plantation trees, carry out tree measuring procedures without causing damage to tree, environment, equipment or personnel and including:

calculating stand height in line with sampling technique

measuring log volume and length

diameter and girth (over or under bark at breast height or ground level)

classifying stem form or crown class

identify and follow applicable commonwealth, state or territory legislative and regulatory requirements and codes of practice relevant to measuring trees

identify tree form and abnormalities, including:

butt swell

double leaders

heavy branching

ramicorns

use and maintain appropriate measuring tools including:

diameter tapes

length tapes

optical wedges

clinometers

locate forest or plot area from map or plan

communicate effectively and work safely with others


Evidence of Knowledge

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

tree measuring techniques, including relevant mathematical calculations and basic trigonometry including:

tolerances, allowances, calibration requirements and special procedures

tree diameter and girth (over or under bark at breast height or ground level)

tree height

log length

organisational and site standards, requirements, policies and procedures for measuring trees

environmental risks and hazards

species and characteristics of vegetation to be measured, including plantation and native forest trees

tree abnormalities including:

butt swell

double leaders

heavy branching

ramicorns

types of measuring tools, and procedures for their safe use and maintenance, including:

diameter tapes

length tapes

optical wedges

clinometers

established communication channels and protocols

problem identification and resolution strategies, and common fault finding techniques

procedures for recording and reporting workplace information


Assessment Conditions

The following resources must be made available:

workplace location or simulated workplace that includes plantation or native forest trees

materials and equipment relevant to undertaking work applicable to this unit including:

diameter tapes

length tapes

optical wedges

clinometers

specifications and work instructions

relevant personnel for the purposes of communicating information

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.

Learning skills to:

review own skills in relation to assessing abnormalities in trees

Numeracy skills to:

use mathematical techniques to calculate stand height and measure dimension and volume in relation to trees

identify, estimate and measure common angles and shapes when measuring trees

Oral communication skills to:

select and use appropriate spoken communication strategies with work colleagues and other personnel when measuring and assessing trees

Reading skills to:

interpret instructions which combine pictorial and written information on equipment , site plans and in workplace manuals when measuring and assessing trees

Writing skills to:

record accurately and legibly tree measurements and factual information about tree abnormalities

Problem solving skills to:

identify problems and equipment faults when measuring trees and demonstrate appropriate response procedures


Range Statement

Not Applicable


Sectors

Forest Growing and Management