Assessor Resource

AHCARB324
Use cranes to access and dismantle trees

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to use cranes to access and dismantle trees in close proximity to assets and in difficult or hazardous circumstances.

The unit applies to individuals who work in arboriculture under broad supervision 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 work with a crane is undertaken according to preferred industry practices (as outlined in the Companion Volume).

Legislation, regulations and by-laws relating to the treatment and removal of trees, and the use of cranes, apply in some states and territories.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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

There must be evidence that the individual has fully dismantled at least one tree of a minimum 15 metres in height and with a canopy spread of 10 metres or greater using a crane. The tree must be in close proximity to structures or other assets. The individual must take charge of the process from planning to completion, including the safeguarding of assets.

There must also be evidence that in dismantling the tree, the individual has:

controlled the process from start to finish

devised a plan, communicated the plan to work team and crane operator, and executed the plan

selected and implemented appropriate rigging strategy and sequence for crane work

planned and dismantled the tree without damage to the assets

selected appropriate tree components and attached rigging to crane correctly

performed accurate cuts appropriate to safe crane lifting operations

maintained constant communication with work team and crane operator

completed the work safely.

There must also be evidence that the individual has:

identified work requirements and obtained relevant compliance approvals

determined the site access, inspected site for safety hazards for crane set-up and dismantling works and confirmed working areas and set-up with crane operator and crew

undertaken a site-specific job safety analysis and recorded and implemented control measures including:

confirmed the availability of emergency procedures, rescue personnel and equipment

appointed a spotter to ensure crane clearances from overhead services and obstructions

selected, checked and used personal protective equipment

selected and used safe access methods for crane dismantling work

carried out pre-operational and safety checks on arborist tools and equipment

accessed tree and safe working positions and communicated with work team throughout dismantling operations

performed dismantling operations including:

determined weight of tree section and communicated requirements to crane operator

attached tree section to crane with lifting gear according to load limits, centre of gravity and lifting operations

controlled and monitored tree section removal and directed crane operator throughout operation

applied arborist rigging and felling techniques

adjusted work pace and methods to match ground crew processing operations

confirmed completion of dismantling work with crane operator

cleaned, checked and stored tools and equipment according to workplace procedures

recorded completion of works and reported to stakeholders.

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

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:

requirements for crane access and safe operation and limitations when deciding on dismantling operations with cranes, including:

sizes and weight of cranes for purpose

types and methods for stabilising and impact on surfaces

surface structures, including: fill, storm water pipes, retention tanks, driveways

soil and ground stability and slope

clearances from buildings and structures

no-go zones above and near electrical conductors

clearances from other trees and potential root zone damage

distance of reach to weight

regulatory requirements for use of cranes on sites, including:

local government roadside permits

energy authority permits

preferred industry practices (as outlined in the Companion Volume) for tree dismantling work

selection criteria for using cranes for arboriculture work

arborist requirements for crane set-up, including:

crane footprint and set-up area

working area

working radius

largest estimated lift

order of dismantle

workplace health, safety, site, environmental and traffic control measures, including:

completing JSAs for site-specific risks

purpose of first aid and rescue personnel, equipment and procedures

pre-operational and safety checks, on ropes, harnesses, tools and equipment

personal protective equipment used when climbing

work planning procedures and collaboration when working with crane operator, including:

preparing a dismantling strategy

tree access procedures and resources

arborist climbing equipment and techniques to access and work in trees

purpose, function, selection, tying, dressing, setting and finishing of arborist knots used for climbing techniques

safety when climbing trees, including:

safe working limits, ropes and equipment

defects in ropes, tools and equipment

controlled descent operations

controlled removal of access equipment

forces applied to anchor points during access and work positioning using MRT and SRT

forces applied at primary anchor points and at redirects

hazards to avoid when working within the tree canopy near cranes, including:

spatial awareness for crane and cabling components

power line, no-go zones, safe approach distances and vegetation clearances

tree structural defects

animals or insects

deciding on low-risk access routes

access to tree canopy using cranes, including:

local state or territory legislation and regulations

attaching to the crane hook

safety implications

communications strategies between ground crews, crane operators or crane crew, including:

hand and whistle signals

UHF or Bluetooth communications

crane industry standards for communication

attaching tree components and loads to crane hooks, including:

crane attachment slings

chains and cables

dead-eye slings

estimating load and balance of tree components

controlling tree sections during crane lift, including:

controlling balance

methods for controlling branches, leaders and trunk

dismantle techniques for branches and trunk sections, including:

cut and drop method

directional felling

arborist rigging techniques

records and reporting procedures for crane supported tree dismantling operations.

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

physical conditions:

a crane and a tree to be dismantled as stipulated in the performance evidence

resources, equipment and materials:

rigging equipment

personal protective equipment

first aid and emergency response equipment

crane slings and rigging equipment

pruning and cutting tools and equipment

specifications:

workplace procedures and instructions for dismantling trees with cranes

legislation, regulations, codes of practice and standards relating to crane use and dismantling of trees

preferred industry practices (as outlined in the Companion Volume) for tree dismantling work

documentation for planning, obtaining permits and reporting tree dismantling work with cranes

relationships:

work team and crane operator.

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.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

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

There must be evidence that the individual has fully dismantled at least one tree of a minimum 15 metres in height and with a canopy spread of 10 metres or greater using a crane. The tree must be in close proximity to structures or other assets. The individual must take charge of the process from planning to completion, including the safeguarding of assets.

There must also be evidence that in dismantling the tree, the individual has:

controlled the process from start to finish

devised a plan, communicated the plan to work team and crane operator, and executed the plan

selected and implemented appropriate rigging strategy and sequence for crane work

planned and dismantled the tree without damage to the assets

selected appropriate tree components and attached rigging to crane correctly

performed accurate cuts appropriate to safe crane lifting operations

maintained constant communication with work team and crane operator

completed the work safely.

There must also be evidence that the individual has:

identified work requirements and obtained relevant compliance approvals

determined the site access, inspected site for safety hazards for crane set-up and dismantling works and confirmed working areas and set-up with crane operator and crew

undertaken a site-specific job safety analysis and recorded and implemented control measures including:

confirmed the availability of emergency procedures, rescue personnel and equipment

appointed a spotter to ensure crane clearances from overhead services and obstructions

selected, checked and used personal protective equipment

selected and used safe access methods for crane dismantling work

carried out pre-operational and safety checks on arborist tools and equipment

accessed tree and safe working positions and communicated with work team throughout dismantling operations

performed dismantling operations including:

determined weight of tree section and communicated requirements to crane operator

attached tree section to crane with lifting gear according to load limits, centre of gravity and lifting operations

controlled and monitored tree section removal and directed crane operator throughout operation

applied arborist rigging and felling techniques

adjusted work pace and methods to match ground crew processing operations

confirmed completion of dismantling work with crane operator

cleaned, checked and stored tools and equipment according to workplace procedures

recorded completion of works and reported to stakeholders.

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

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:

requirements for crane access and safe operation and limitations when deciding on dismantling operations with cranes, including:

sizes and weight of cranes for purpose

types and methods for stabilising and impact on surfaces

surface structures, including: fill, storm water pipes, retention tanks, driveways

soil and ground stability and slope

clearances from buildings and structures

no-go zones above and near electrical conductors

clearances from other trees and potential root zone damage

distance of reach to weight

regulatory requirements for use of cranes on sites, including:

local government roadside permits

energy authority permits

preferred industry practices (as outlined in the Companion Volume) for tree dismantling work

selection criteria for using cranes for arboriculture work

arborist requirements for crane set-up, including:

crane footprint and set-up area

working area

working radius

largest estimated lift

order of dismantle

workplace health, safety, site, environmental and traffic control measures, including:

completing JSAs for site-specific risks

purpose of first aid and rescue personnel, equipment and procedures

pre-operational and safety checks, on ropes, harnesses, tools and equipment

personal protective equipment used when climbing

work planning procedures and collaboration when working with crane operator, including:

preparing a dismantling strategy

tree access procedures and resources

arborist climbing equipment and techniques to access and work in trees

purpose, function, selection, tying, dressing, setting and finishing of arborist knots used for climbing techniques

safety when climbing trees, including:

safe working limits, ropes and equipment

defects in ropes, tools and equipment

controlled descent operations

controlled removal of access equipment

forces applied to anchor points during access and work positioning using MRT and SRT

forces applied at primary anchor points and at redirects

hazards to avoid when working within the tree canopy near cranes, including:

spatial awareness for crane and cabling components

power line, no-go zones, safe approach distances and vegetation clearances

tree structural defects

animals or insects

deciding on low-risk access routes

access to tree canopy using cranes, including:

local state or territory legislation and regulations

attaching to the crane hook

safety implications

communications strategies between ground crews, crane operators or crane crew, including:

hand and whistle signals

UHF or Bluetooth communications

crane industry standards for communication

attaching tree components and loads to crane hooks, including:

crane attachment slings

chains and cables

dead-eye slings

estimating load and balance of tree components

controlling tree sections during crane lift, including:

controlling balance

methods for controlling branches, leaders and trunk

dismantle techniques for branches and trunk sections, including:

cut and drop method

directional felling

arborist rigging techniques

records and reporting procedures for crane supported tree dismantling operations.

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

physical conditions:

a crane and a tree to be dismantled as stipulated in the performance evidence

resources, equipment and materials:

rigging equipment

personal protective equipment

first aid and emergency response equipment

crane slings and rigging equipment

pruning and cutting tools and equipment

specifications:

workplace procedures and instructions for dismantling trees with cranes

legislation, regulations, codes of practice and standards relating to crane use and dismantling of trees

preferred industry practices (as outlined in the Companion Volume) for tree dismantling work

documentation for planning, obtaining permits and reporting tree dismantling work with cranes

relationships:

work team and crane operator.

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.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Identify requirements for crane assisted tree work 
Determine the requirements for crane access 
Inspect site to identify site conditions, features and hazards that may affect crane set-up and operation 
Determine crane type and size, and develop plan for crane assisted tree work 
Communicate requirements to crane operator to confirm plan 
Confirm availability of emergency procedures, rescue personnel and equipment 
Determine access to site and gain approval from stakeholders 
Confirm site preparations and notification of local residents and authorities according to dismantling plan 
Liaise with crane operator and crane crew to confirm set-up, clearances from electrical services and working area 
Undertake a site-specific job safety analysis (JSA) and record and implement control measures according to workplace safety procedures 
Liaise with crane operator to determine load limit at working radius 
Inspect trees for defects to inform planned tree access and dismantling strategy 
Discuss strategy with crane operator and crew to confirm site, environment and crane working limitations 
Determine lowering and processing zones and communicate to work team 
Carry out pre-operational and safety checks on arboriculture tools and equipment required for dismantling 
Select, check and use personal protective equipment 
Select and use safe access methods to conduct crane dismantling work 
Use climbing techniques to access trees to conduct crane work 
Use crane to access trees using an approved crane access method according to industry codes, procedures and legislative and regulatory requirements 
Communicate with crane operator and observer using agreed communication methods 
Use climbing techniques to access work positions and perform dismantling operations 
Maintain communication with crane operator and work team during operations using agreed communication methods 
Use hand and whistle signals to communicate with crane operator according to industry standards 
Select and apply crane lifting methods and sequence according to dismantling strategy and safety procedures 
Determine weight of each tree section and communicate to crane operator 
Attach crane with lifting gear to each tree section according to load limits, centre of gravity and planned lifting operation 
Communicate pre-tension requirements to crane operator 
Perform cuts to remove tree sections according to desired lifting operation 
Control and monitor tree section removal and direct crane operator throughout lifting operations 
Communicate with crane operator regarding lifting operation and adjust dismantling strategy 
Apply arborist rigging and felling techniques when crane support is not required 
Adjust work pace and methods to match processing capacity of ground crew and environmental conditions 
Perform final dismantling and lifting operations for tree removal work according to specifications 
Confirm completion of tree dismantling work with crane operator according to workplace procedures 
Clean, check and store tools and equipment according to workplace procedures 
Record completion of tree removal, and report to stakeholders according to workplace procedures 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCARB324 - Use cranes to access and dismantle trees
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

AHCARB324 - Use cranes to access and dismantle trees

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: