Unit of competency

Modification History

Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to inspect a tree from the ground for the selection of access and tree work methods, and advise client of outcome.

The unit applies to individuals who work in arboriculture under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources and for solving problems.

The arboriculture industry requires that all tree inspection work is undertaken according to preferred industry practices (as outlined in the Companion Volume).

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

Pre-requisite Unit

Nil

Unit Sector

Arboriculture (ARB)

Elements and Performance Criteria

Foundation Skills

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.

Unit Mapping Information

Links

Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet: - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=c6399549-9c62-4a5e-bf1a-524b2322cf72

Assessment requirements

Modification History

Performance Evidence

An individual demonstrating competency must satisfy all of the elements and performance criteria in this unit.

There must be evidence that the individual has inspected at least six trees, each with a client specified scope of works for access and tree work, and where:

• at least 1 tree is inside the safe approach distance of power lines
• at least 2 trees have defects and hazards that will require additional controls specified in the scope of works
• at least 2 trees have defects and hazards that require a change in the work method specified in the scope of works
• at least 1 tree is within the specifications for the scope of works.

There must also be evidence that the individual has for each of the six trees:

• confirmed access to site and identified tree and scope of works
• completed a job safety analysis documenting site-specific items including:

• work health, safety and environmental hazards
• risks that were not controlled by the organisational Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)
• risk control measures
• identification of overhead and underground services and approach distances
• use of personal protective equipment

• inspected tree for structural defects, disease, insects, fauna and other considerations in trunk, roots and branches that may impact tree access or work
• selected an appropriate tree access or tree work method, considering:

• the scope of works required
• site and tree hazards identified
• limitations imposed by crew skill level and resources available

• informed work team of hazards and control measures to implement during access and tree work
• documented control measures, and tree access and work method according to workplace procedures
• advised stakeholders where tree works were altered or rescheduled according to workplace procedures.

All tree inspection work is required to be performed according to preferred industry practices (as outlined in the Companion Volume).

Knowledge Evidence

An individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge required to perform the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit. This includes knowledge of:

• preferred industry practices (as outlined in the Companion Volume) for tree inspection work
• the use of organisational policies, procedures and documents to conduct a site-specific job safety analysis
• personal protective equipment when conducting tree inspections
• workplace health, safety, site, environmental and traffic control measures
• tree inspection methods and principles, including:

• locating and identifying trees
• tree inspection methodology
• determination of location of above and below ground services

• methods of identifying tree species
• tree species and characteristics that impact on the selection of access to trees and undertaking tree works
• selection of tree access and tree work methods that are appropriate for:

• the scope of works required
• site and tree hazards identified
• limitations imposed by crew skill level and resources available

• recognising limitations and identifying where risks will affect tree access and work methods, and prevent work
• preparation and use of job safety analysis and/or safe work method statement (SWMS) when managing safety risk and local traffic
• safety considerations and procedures when working near overhead power lines, including:

• basics of electrocution
• power line types and insulation
• approach distances and safety zones, voltage and arching
• authorisations to work near power lines
• tools, equipment, tree loads, personnel and power line contact
• legal liability

• safety considerations and procedures when working near underground services, including:

• underground power
• gas lines
• wire and optical fibre
• water
• damage and legal liabilities
• safe work practices

• conducting a hazard evaluation of trees and their surrounds
• risk due to work site environment, including wind and weather conditions
• risk due to condition of tree surrounds, including:

• soil disturbance
• trip hazards
• excavations
• other trees
• foot and vehicle traffic

• risk due to roots and trunk flare hazards, including:

• movement
• decay
• mechanical damage
• compromised structure

• risk due to tree trunk and canopy hazards, including:

• structural defects
• decay
• disease
• cavities
• swellings
• aggressive insects and wildlife
• integrity of attachment of limbs
• hangers
• presence of allergic plants or vines

• ecological impediments to accessing trees, including:

• insects and other fauna
• habitat and hollows

• field tests on trees to investigate extent of hazards, including:

• load testing
• probing cavities
• testing hollows by sounding

• documentation and reporting requirements relevant to tree inspections and communicating with clients.

Assessment Conditions

Assessment of the skills in this unit of competency must take place under the following conditions:

• physical conditions:

• six trees as stipulated in the performance evidence

• resources, equipment and materials:

• personal protective equipment used for tree inspections

• specifications:

• legislation, regulations, codes of practice and standards relating to working near services and power lines
• preferred industry practices (as outlined in the Companion Volume) for tree inspection work
• documentation for planning and reporting tree inspection work

• relationships:

• work team.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards. In particular, assessors must have:

• arboriculture vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed
• current arboriculture industry skills directly relevant to the unit of competency being assessed.

Links

Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet: - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=c6399549-9c62-4a5e-bf1a-524b2322cf72