Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of inspecting trees, and informing a client on general tree health and condition and defines the standard required to: act on a request to inspect a tree; perform site, equipment and administration preparations and checks; inspect trees for general condition, structural defects, damage and disease; conduct a site and tree hazard identification and risk control assessment; document the hazards identified and the risk controls selected; record findings and inform client.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to the evaluation of trees for the purpose of work proposed in a local government area including parks and gardens, building and construction sites and public and private environments.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare tree inspection requirements

1.1. Scope of inspection is identified in line with client-stakeholder needs and local regulations.

1.2. All requirements for inspection are identified and prepared.

1.3. Methods and forms for recording inspection are planned and available for use.

1.4. Equipment for tree inspection and personal protection is checked, appropriate for the tree and site conditions and prepared for use.

1.5. Traffic management requirements are documented and implemented where required.

1.6. Environmental conditions are evaluated in relation to relevant legislation and/or regulations.

2. Inspect the tree

2.1. Site specific hazards are documented in appropriate risk control forms.

2.2. Trees are inspected to determine the type, location, condition and hazard status.

2.3. Trees are visually inspected for structural damage, defects, signs of disease and fauna.

2.4. Branches are examined for vitality and integrity of attachment.

2.5. Tree hazards identified and recorded in the inspection form.

2.6. Scope of work is determined.

2.7. Methods of work are selected and tests may be conducted to confirm selections.

2.8. Method of treatment of risk is selected and controls applied.

2.9. Toolbox meeting record confirms work team agreement and understanding of the work methods selected.

3. Record findings and advise client

3.1. Site details, site and tree hazards, and risk controls are recorded in the inspection form.

3.2. Trees identified as hazardous are recorded.

3.3. Appropriate remedial action is recommended.

3.4. Forms for recording inspection are completed and client-stakeholder is advised.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• identify a range of tree species and cultivars common to the region
• recognise tree problems and defects
• perform hazard identification and risk control assessment
• 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 

• recognition of a wide range of trees common to the region
• signs of structural defects, decay, damage and stress in trees
• botany and tree physiology
• methods of low risk work
• methods of determining tree dimensions
• local government tree protection and preservation regulations
• AS4373-2007 Pruning of amenity trees
• relevant Code of Practice.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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:

• act on a request to inspect a tree
• perform site, equipment and administration preparations and checks
• inspect trees for general condition, structural defects, damage and disease
• conduct a site and tree hazard identification and risk control assessment
• document the hazards identified and the risk controls selected
• record findings and inform client.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

The candidate is to be assessed against the relevant types of systems and processes applicable in the Arboriculture sector. 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.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Species may include:

• tree species and tree like vegetation forms.

Inspections may include:

• tree inspections are included as a standard form for recording and reports undertaken within the fields of arboriculture and horticulture and are conducted in all areas of urban and regional settings such as residential areas and public open spaces.

Reports may include:

• botanical and common names, age, health, types of defects, problems and conditions are required information for each specific tree in an inspection report.

Unit sector 

Arboriculture

Co-requisite units 

Competency field