Range of VariablesThe Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in particular training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations availabl |
Where may trees requiring pruning be located? | Trees might be located in domestic gardens, streets and roadways, commercial and industrial sites, city parks, institutions (e.g. schools and hospitals), local government parks and reserves, or bushland areas. Tree pruning may also occur near overhead electrical cabling. |
How might the overall health and vigour of trees be determined? | General health may be determined by leaf drop, leaf discolouration, leaf size (compared to a healthy specimen), die back, dead wood, cavities, decay, structure, condition of ground around the tree, impact of recent work around tree and previous pruning work. |
What questions may need to be considered when site conditions are assessed for a pruning program? | Questions to consider may include: Is the tree(s) close to buildings or other structures? Will the sections that need to be removed be likely to cause damage when falling? How will the work be staged? What signs and safety barriers need to be erected? Are there above and below ground services? What tools, equipment and machinery will be needed? What safety equipment will you need? How long will the job take? Are there special conditions such as weather, relevant legislation, timing or related work activities that need to be included in the planning of a pruning program? |
What legislationand/or regulations may need to be considered when planning a pruning program? | Legislation and/or regulations may include National, State and local government legislation and regulations such as the Environmental Protection Act, and Australian Standards for Pruning of Amenity Trees AS4373: 1996, or area specific tree preservation orders and significant tree registers and/or legislation. |
What OHS hazards are likely to be identified during a site assessment for a pruning program? | Hazards may include solar radiation, dust, noise, damp conditions, nearby buildings or structures, slopes, water, rocks, undergrowth, depressions/holes, fire hazards, dead or unstable branches, insect infestation, unstable or protruding root systems, power lines and other above or below ground services. |
What suitable controls are likely to be recommended to minimise OHS hazards? | Suitable controls recommended may include the use of personal protective clothing and equipment such as rubber soled/leather boots, cut resistant trousers, gloves, helmets, goggles, safety harnesses, sun hats, hearing protection, face shields and sunscreen lotion; placement of warning signs, barriers, hazard indicators and a safe drop zone, use of approved ladders and ropes, safe operation and maintenance of machinery and equipment, safe procedures for working outdoors, correct manual handling techniques, placement of rescue equipment on site, and basic first aid training. |
What pruning requirements may influence the planning program? | Requirements may include size, light, aesthetics, competition, structure, shape, density, growth re-direction, modification of flowering/fruiting behaviour, damage, general clearances, signage and sight lines. |
What pruning techniques are likely to be utilised in a pruning program? | Pruning techniques may include cleaning out, crown lifting, crown reduction, structural integrity, crown renewal, crown thinning, dead wooding, hedging, branch, epicormic and green shoot removal. |
What tools, equipment and machinery are likely to be used? | Pruning tools and equipment may include pruners, jacksaws, handsaws, chainsaws, pole saws pouches, steps, epicormic removers, secateurs, chippers and mulchers. Climbing equipment and machinery may include ladders, climbing gear such as ropes and harnesses, elevated platforms and cherry pickers. |
What pruning strategies are likely to be considered in the planning of a pruning program? | Pruning strategies to take into consideration may include the different response times to pruning of different species (e.g. some trees will recover quickly from severe pruning while others can be killed or suffer a major setback in growth), the varying reasons for pruning (e.g. crown lifting may be needed for street trees while crown reduction may be used in a garden setting, and some trees require annual pruning for flowering or fruiting while others need pruning as a maintenance measure to reduce potential hazards), and the influence that seasons and weather conditions has on the success of pruning programs (incorrect timing of pruning may lead to new growth being damaged by extremes in temperature or insects and diseases). |
What information may be documented in a pruning program? | A pruning program may include site and location plans, site assessment details, special instructions and/or conditions, OHS requirements and controls, environmental considerations, pruning requirements and techniques, tools, equipment and machinery requirements, access and removal details, personnel requirements, waste, organic waste and debris disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines. |
For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment, refer to the Sector Booklet. |
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