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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare tree inspection requirements
   • Confirm access to site and location of tree
   • Determine the scope of tree works required in consultation with client
   • Undertake a site-specific job safety analysis and record and implement site-specific control measures according to workplace safety procedures
   • Identify above and below ground services and determine limits of approach
   • Confirm accessibility of first aid and emergency personnel, equipment and procedures
   • Select, check and use personal protective equipment
2. Inspect tree and surrounds
   • Inspect tree for access and tree work methods
   • Identify tree species and assess impact of tree characteristics on selection of access and work method
   • Conduct a hazard evaluation of the tree and surrounds
   • Conduct tests on tree components to determine integrity when visual inspection is insufficient
   • Identify and assess presence of fauna habitat and other ecological impediments to tree access
3. Determine method of access and work method
   • Select tree access and tree work methods according to tree inspection results
   • Review workplace health and safety hazards, risk assessment and planned controls for selected method of access and tree work method
   • Implement additional control measures and adjust tree access and work methods according to site requirements
   • Advise site work team of identified hazards and control measures to implement
4. Maintain records and advise stakeholders
   • Document control measures, tree access and work method according to workplace procedures
   • Advise stakeholders where tree work is altered or rescheduled according to workplace procedures

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).

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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.

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