Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

AHCARB320 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Install tree support systems

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency AHCARB320 - Install tree support systems
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to install tree support systems including cable and bracing hardware into the structure of a tree.The unit applies to individuals who work in arboriculture under broad direction 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 support systems work 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 apply in some states and territories.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.

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

physical conditions:

trees with defects requiring cabling and bracing as stipulated in the performance evidence

resources, equipment and materials:

equipment to access a working position for installation of cables and bracing

PPE

safety equipment, including first aid and emergency response equipment

tools and equipment for preparing wire and synthetic ropes, attaching cables to trees and installation of braces

specifications:

workplace and manufacturer documentation for safe operation, cleaning and storage of tree support system equipment

preferred industry practices (as outlined in the Companion Volume) for tree support systems

arboriculture hygiene and biosecurity standards

specifications for the installation of tree support system for specific tree defects

relationships:

work team.

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.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Prepare trees for tree support system
  • Locate tree stems and position of tree support system according to specifications
  • Assess structural integrity of tree and select low-risk access method for tree support system installation
  • Determine a safe procedure for installation and confirm approach with work team
  • Access tree safely and attain secure work positions to conduct installation
  • Maintain inspection of tree for above-ground hazards throughout installation activities
  • Examine stems to be braced for defects to ensure tree support system will comply with specifications
  • Undertake pruning activities prior to tree support system installation according to current industry standards
       
Element: Install tree support system
  • Select and prepare tree support system materials according to specifications
  • Prepare the stems to be braced according to tree support system design
  • Install tree support system components according to arborist specifications and manufacturer instructions
  • Adjust cables and braces to specified tension
  • Dress tree support system components for neat finish
  • Remove tools, equipment and waste from canopy
  • Descend and remove equipment
       
Element: Finalise tree support system activity
  • Clean and sanitise tools and equipment according to workplace and biosecurity procedures
  • Check, maintain and store tools and equipment according to workplace procedures and manufacturer instructions
  • Record and report completed works according to workplace procedures
       


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 installed three different types of tree support systems according to a specification, including:

steel cable

textile or synthetic cable

bracing.

There must also be evidence that the individual has:

interpreted plans and specifications and determined the materials, tools and equipment required for tree support system work

identified health, safety and environmental hazard and risks and implemented controls for the installation, including:

conducted and completed a job safety analysis (JSA)

prepared and used personal protective equipment (PPE)

maintained awareness of above-ground hazards while performing work

assembled tree support system ready for installation

examined structural integrity of the tree

determined and confirmed the safest access to location of the tree support system

pruned tree to aid tree support system installation

accessed the tree safely and secured into work position

removed, checked, maintained, cleaned, sanitised and stored tools and equipment according to biosecurity procedures

recorded and reported completed works.

All tree support systems work 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:

preferred industry practices (as outlined in the Companion Volume) for tree support systems

the effect of pruning on tree growth, habit and form

tree anatomy and tree physiology related to tree support systems, including:

pruning techniques appropriate to tree species and their response

natural habit and form of trees

visual tree assessment

tree defects and tree support system solutions

tree support systems principles and techniques suited to tree species, including:

steel cabling

synthetic cabling

bracing

impact of tree support system on trees, including:

the impact on the tree's natural range of movement

the impact on the tree's strategy of flexibility

the impact on the tree's formation of reactive growth

tree support system materials, tools and equipment, including:

preparation of steel cabling systems and terminations, including eyes, swaging, wire whipping

components and preparation of synthetic cabling systems

hardware, including installation requirements for eye bolts, lag hooks, wire stops and grips

cable types and sizes, tensile strength and selection criteria as related to arborist specifications

preparation of bracing components, including types of rod, threading, terminations and tensile strength

cable tension and tensioning methods

finishing techniques of cables for aesthetics and function

finishing techniques of bracing for safety, aesthetics and function

checks and adjustments to installed systems over time

identification of workplace health and safety hazards, risk assessment and risk control application

selection of suitable PPE

completing a job safety analysis (JSA)

first aid and rescue personnel, equipment and procedures applicable to tree work

monitoring and managing above-ground hazards

electrical safety

principles of compartmentalisation of decay in trees (CODIT) in relation to the installation of cables and bracing

hygiene practices and biosecurity when cable bracing, including:

reasons for managing hygiene

biosecurity principles and procedures

record keeping and reporting procedures for cable bracing.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, 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.
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
Locate tree stems and position of tree support system according to specifications 
Assess structural integrity of tree and select low-risk access method for tree support system installation 
Determine a safe procedure for installation and confirm approach with work team 
Access tree safely and attain secure work positions to conduct installation 
Maintain inspection of tree for above-ground hazards throughout installation activities 
Examine stems to be braced for defects to ensure tree support system will comply with specifications 
Undertake pruning activities prior to tree support system installation according to current industry standards 
Select and prepare tree support system materials according to specifications 
Prepare the stems to be braced according to tree support system design 
Install tree support system components according to arborist specifications and manufacturer instructions 
Adjust cables and braces to specified tension 
Dress tree support system components for neat finish 
Remove tools, equipment and waste from canopy 
Descend and remove equipment 
Clean and sanitise tools and equipment according to workplace and biosecurity procedures 
Check, maintain and store tools and equipment according to workplace procedures and manufacturer instructions 
Record and report completed works according to workplace procedures 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCARB320 - Install tree support systems
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

AHCARB320 - Install tree support systems

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: