Modification History
Not Applicable
Unit Descriptor
Unit descriptor |
This unit covers the process of removing trees in confined spaces and in difficult/hazardous circumstances and defines the standard required to: conduct a site and tree hazard identification and risk control assessment; safely climb, ascend and descend a tree; dismantle a tree according to industry practice; use appropriate methods of rigging tree sections for load and balance; and coordinate dismantling operation with team members. |
Application of the Unit
Application of the unit |
This unit applies to arborists engaged in the process of removing trees in confined spaces and in difficult and hazardous circumstances and applies to appropriate selection of removal method and safe removal where clear felling techniques are not applicable. |
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Not Applicable
Pre-Requisites
Prerequisite units |
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Employability Skills Information
Employability skills |
This unit contains employability skills. |
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
Not Applicable
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Prepare for tree removal |
1.1. Site and tree hazards are identified, risks assessed and suitable controls implemented. 1.2. Tree is inspected to ensure the appropriate removal method is planned that confirms the risk controls selected and is in accordance with the documented low risk work methods. 1.3. Access to site is determined and approved by owner/site management. 1.4. Site preparations include notification of local residents and authorities where necessary. 1.5. Signage, barriers, warning devices and traffic management equipment are erected as necessary. 1.6. The drop zone is determined and communicated to all personnel. 1.7. Assets, property and vegetation related to work zone activities are protected, relocated, and/or secured from potential damage during tree removal. 1.8. Tools, equipment and machinery necessary to implement tree removal are selected, prepared, checked and used according to documented guidelines and manufacturer recommendations. |
2. Implement dismantling of trees |
2.1. Suspended, wind thrown or damaged trees are stabilised to ensure trunk movement does not occur, and are brought down safely and efficiently according to documented low risk work methods. 2.2. Mass of tree sections is calculated and does not exceed the safe working limit of equipment. 2.3. Branches and trunk sections are dismantled using the 'cut and drop' method, and cut and lowered by ropes and other lowering devices according to documented low risk work methods. 2.4. Dismantling techniques are employed to ensure branches and trunk sections fall or are lowered safely into the determined drop zone, with no damage to property and equipment or injury to personnel. 2.5. Directional felling techniques are employed to ensure trunk of dismantled tree falls safely into the determined drop zone with no damage to property and equipment or injury to personnel. 2.6. Friction devices are used and controlled where required by documented low risk work methods. 2.7. Elevated work platforms are used and controlled where required by documented low risk work methods. |
3. Complete tree removal |
3.1. Felled trunks are trimmed to manoeuvrable lengths without injury to the operator. 3.2. Sufficient material is removed from the stump to prevent re-growth and/or the stump is treated to prevent regrowth. 3.3. Plant material and debris is processed and removed from site according to documented guidelines. 3.4. Tools, equipment and machinery are cleaned, checked, replaced if faulty or worn, and stored according to documented guidelines and manufacturer recommendations. 3.5. Completed tree removal is recorded and communicated to management and/or the client. |
Required Skills and Knowledge
REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE |
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit. |
Required skills |
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Required knowledge |
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Evidence Guide
EVIDENCE GUIDE |
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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. |
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Overview of assessment |
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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:
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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
RANGE STATEMENT |
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The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. |
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Dismantling may involve: |
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Felling may be employed where: |
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Unit Sector(s)
Unit sector |
Arboriculture |
Co-requisite units
Co-requisite units |
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Competency field
Competency field |