Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of installing cable and bracing and defines the standard to: interpret a cable and bracing plan; examine the structural integrity of tree components and install cable and bracing in a manner that achieves the intended purpose.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to the process of installing hardware into the structure of a tree.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Read and interpret a plan for cable and bracing

1.1. Cable and bracing plan is read and understood.

1.2. Materials required for installing cable and bracing are determined from the plan and obtained with adequate lead time for the proposed work.

1.3. Tools and equipment are selected according to enterprise guidelines.

1.4. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risks assessed and suitable controls implemented.

2. Prepare trees for cable and bracing

2.1. Branches are examined and their vitality and integrity of attachment ascertained to ensure the bracing can be safely implemented according to the provided plan.

2.2. Preliminary pruning is undertaken to aid cable and bracing installation.

3. Install cable and bracing

3.1. Planned approach to cable and bracing is communicated to other members in the work team in a clear and concise manner.

3.2. Cable and bracing is installed in line with the provided plan and enterprise guidelines.

3.3. Completed program is checked for quality of work and recorded.

3.4. Further pruning is carried out to ensure the tree is able to sustain its growth and be restored to its natural habit and form.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• climb trees or operate elevated work platforms
• identify OHS hazards in relation to specific trees and situations
• 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 

• cable and bracing techniques appropriate to the tree species
• identification of tree species
• structure of trees
• tree pruning techniques appropriate to the requirements of the species
• principles and methods of pruning
• effect of pruning on tree growth and habit
• tree anatomy and physiology
• Compartmentalisation of Decay in Trees (CODIT) principles
• implications of pruning cuts and the way trees respond
• climbing or elevated work platform operations
• OHS issues in hazardous situations with trees
• relevant legislation that may impact on a tree pruning program
• 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:

• interpret a cable and bracing plan
• examine the structural integrity of tree components
• install cable and bracing in a manner that achieves the intended purpose.

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.

RANGE STATEMENT 

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

Cable and bracing may include:

• cable and bracing plans
• a wide range of tree hardware
• methods that cause minimal stress to the tree in accordance with the principles of compartmentalisation of decay in trees
• pruning requirements
• appropriate tools and equipment
• OHS requirement and
• any legislation or regulations that may need to be observed.

Unit sector 

Arboriculture

Co-requisite units 

Competency field