Unit of competency
Modification History
Release 1.0 This is the first release of this unit of competency in the PUA Public Safety Training Package. |
Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to safely remove or stabilise trees when they have been affected by an emergency incident. It applies to trees that have been impacted by an emergency incident which present an unacceptable risk to residents, emergency personnel, utilities, the environment and/or structures. Tree removal can be undertaken using chainsaws and/or hand tools during emergency incidents. In removing trees, it is essential that safe systems of work to eliminate or minimise risk are implemented. Tree felling licensing and/or certification requirements may apply in some jurisdictions. The unit is applicable to emergency services personnel and volunteers who are required, under the direction of a crew leader, to remove trees that are no longer safe. It includes establishing operational management of work zones, determining the order of tree removal, removing trees and concluding tree removal operations. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication. |
Pre-requisite Unit
PUASES002 Develop work plan for tree stabilisation and removal |
Competency Field
SES |
Unit Sector
SES |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
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Elements describe the essential outcomes. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
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1 |
Establish operational management of work zone |
1.1 |
Confirm adherence to work zones identified in work plan |
1.2 |
Verify entry and exit routes for work zone where tree removal operations will take place |
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1.3 |
Brief crew members on plan of attack for chain saw and/or hand tool operations |
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1.4 |
Review communication methods and tools including hand signals to be used in the work zone |
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1.5 |
Ensure safety and evacuation plan for injured personnel is established |
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1.6 |
Ensure personal protective clothing and equipment is used, in accordance with organisational procedures |
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1.7 |
Crew members are asked to confirm their capability for tree removal tasks |
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1.8 |
Check and maintain equipment, including chainsaw, in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations |
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2 |
Prepare to commence cutting plan |
2.1 |
Assess requirements for additional equipment and tools |
2.2 |
Assess each tree to determine the order for stabilisation and/or removal work |
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2.3 |
Stabilise trees, as required |
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2.4 |
Develop plan for a sequence of cuts for tree removal |
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2.5 |
Review compression forces at the location of the proposed cuts |
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2.6 |
Determine effects and consequences of proposed cuts |
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2.7 |
Make adjustments to the cutting plan, as required |
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3 |
Remove trees |
3.1 |
Implement cutting plan, in accordance with organisational procedures |
3.2 |
Undertake dynamic and ongoing risk assessment, in accordance with organisational procedures, throughout cutting activities |
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3.3 |
Communicate changes to cutting activities to crew members within the work zone |
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3.4 |
Make adjustments to the cutting and safety plan, as required |
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3.5 |
Monitor hydration and fatigue level, in accordance with organisational procedures |
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3.6 |
Monitor tree operations equipment and personal safety, in accordance with organisational procedures |
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3.7 |
Clear working area for tree removal operations of debris, in accordance with organisational procedures |
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3.8 |
Review environmental hazards and risk control measures, as required |
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4 |
Conclude tree removal operations |
4.1 |
Conclude tree removal operations and recover equipment, in accordance with organisational procedures |
4.2 |
Complete and submit organisational documentation to conclude tree removal operations |
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4.3 |
Provide a final report to the crew leader, in accordance with organisational procedures |
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency. |
Range of Conditions
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. |
Unit Mapping Information
This is a new unit. |
Links
Companion Volume Implementation Guides are found in VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=3eca5672-6d5a-410b-8942-810d0ba05bbf