This unit covers cutting and/or pruning vegetation above ground level (using climbing techniques) and removal of vegetation obstructions up to the climber exclusion zone as defined for both authorised and instructed persons in the industry guidelines associated with live electrical apparatus, using the established cutting plan relevant to the vegetation type. It encompasses the safe use of appropriate specialised tools and equipment according to requirements and established procedures. It includes the utilisation of climbing techniques in conjunction with aerial emergency rescue procedures, and inspection and preparation of climbing equipment with recommendations for corrective action being referred to appropriate authorities.

It includes safely accessing trees from above ground level to install restraints/slings, removing tree limbs in a safe manner, and clearing debris from the felling site to eliminate the occurrence of electrical incidents. It does not include entry of persons, mobile plant, equipment, and/or specialised tools into to the safe approach distance (SAD) as defined.

Also included is the preparation of risk assessment control measures that encompass job safety assessment. All work and zones are in compliance with relevant state or territory regulatory agencies/bodies, local government legislation, industry bi-partite bodies, guidelines/codes of practices or other related requirements for safe work and access near live electrical and mechanical apparatus.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit may only be practiced under the regulations pertaining to each state and territory for the safe planning and removal of vegetation around live powerlines up to the live work zone, including near live electrical apparatus, and regulations that directly relate to work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) and/or contracts of training where they apply.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare to cut/prune vegetation above ground (using climbing technique) up to the vegetation exclusion zone near live electrical apparatus

1.1

Work instructions and cutting plan are received and confirmed

1.2

Relevant requirements and established procedures to be followed for the work to be performed in accord with the cutting are discussed with all personnel to establish and confirm the work schedule

1.3

WHS/OHS policies and procedures to be followed for the work to be performed are received and confirmed

1.4

Suggestions to assist and/or improve meeting the cutting of vegetation above ground level outside the climber exclusion zone near electrical apparatus outcomes are made to others involved in the work

1.5

Hazards are identified and WHS/OHS risks associated with working near live electrical apparatus are identified and reported according to established procedures

1.6

Scope of responsibility under the relevant work permits/access authorisations are identified according to requirements and established procedures with relevant personnel

1.7

Resources, including, equipment, tools, approved platforms and personal protective equipment (PPE), required for the job are obtained and confirmed safe and in working order according to established procedures

1.8

Relevant responsibilities associated with first aid, working aloft, and/or other related work safety procedures at the worksite are confirmed in accordance with requirements and established procedures to ensure safety measures are followed in the instance of an incident

1.9

Client issues, including environmental values, are identified and referred to appropriate personnel in accordance with industry//community standards

1.10

Site is prepared to produce a quality outcome, follow sustainable energy principles and practices, and to minimise risk and damage to property, commerce, stock and individuals in accordance with established procedures

1.11

Road signs, barriers and warning devices are obtained and positioned in accordance with given instructions and requirements

1.12

Pre-operational checks are undertaken to confirm safe and correct operation of tools and equipment for safe use near live electrical apparatus according to requirements and established procedures

1.13

Work permits/access authorisations are confirmed and received, where applicable, with relevant personnel for commencement of the work according to requirements and established procedures

2

Carry out the cutting/pruning of vegetation above ground (using climbing technique) up to the vegetation exclusion zone near live electrical apparatus

2.1

WHS/OHS and sustainable energy principles and practices to reduce the incidents of accidents and minimise waste are followed in accordance with given instructions, requirements and/or established procedures

2.2

Lifting, climbing, working aloft, and use of tools/equipment, techniques and practices are safely followed in accordance with given instructions and according to requirements to eliminate the prospects of incidents

2.3

Operational knowledge for the cutting of vegetation above ground level outside the climber exclusion zone near electrical apparatus is confirmed to ensure completion in an agreed timeframe and to quality standards with a minimum of waste according to requirements and established procedures

2.4

Cutting of vegetation above ground level outside the climber exclusion zone near electrical apparatus is carried out in accordance with the cutting plan and work schedule and given instructions and established procedures

2.5

Hazard warnings and safety signs are recognised and hazards and assessed WHS/OHS risks monitored and reported/referred to immediate authorised personnel for directions according to established procedures

2.6

Non-routine events are referred to immediate authorised personnel for directions according to established procedures

2.7

Problems associated with cutting vegetation above ground level outside of the vegetation exclusion zone near electrical apparatus are attended to using acquired known solutions and skills related to routine procedures to ensure work instructions and established procedures are met

2.8

Ongoing checks of quality of the work are undertaken in accordance with given instructions and established procedures

3

Complete the cutting/pruning of vegetation above ground (using climbing technique) up to the vegetation exclusion zone near live electrical apparatus

3.1

Work undertaken is checked against cutting plan and work schedule and anomalies reported to authorised personnel in accordance with established procedures

3.2

Accidents and/or incidents are actioned and reported to authorised personnel in accordance with established procedures

3.3

Worksite is rehabilitated, cleaned up and made safe using sustainable energy principles and practices in accordance with given instructions and established procedures or an agreed standard

3.4

Tools, equipment and any surplus resources and materials are, where appropriate, cleaned, checked and returned to storage in accordance with established procedures

3.5

Appropriate personnel are notified of work completion according to established procedures

3.6

Post-operational checks, minor maintenance and/or relevant documentation of equipment and tools/platform are conducted according to requirements

3.7

Requirements for returning work permits and/or access authorisation permits are confirmed, where applicable

3.8

Work completion records and report forms/data sheets are completed accurately in accordance with given instructions and established procedures

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

Not applicable.

Vegetation