What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?

Competence in climbing small trees requires evidence that a person can prepare tools and equipment for climbing operations, tie knots required for tree climbing according to industry standards, and climb small trees in low hazard environments.

The skills and knowledge required to climb small trees must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, a person should be able to climb a range of tree species, and use a variety of climbing methods.

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:
1. basic climbing principles and preparation procedures
2. basic climbing techniques and planning
3. safe working limit of ropes
4. safe work practices relevant to tree climbing activities.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:
5. participate and contribute to team objectives
6. follow guidelines, instructions and supervision
7. interpret supervisors directions and communicate with fellow team members
8. estimate and calculate tree heights and loads
9. minimise noise, dust, and high activity vehicle traffic to prevent nuisance-level environmental disturbance.

What processes should be applied to this competency standard?

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.

1. How can communication of ideas and information (1) be applied?

Information about specific tasks associated with the job such as climbing techniques, communication arrangements, work completion and hazards encountered, may be communicated to work colleagues and the supervisor.

2. How can information be collected, analysed and organised (1)?

Ideas and information about climbing strategy, methods and safety requirements should be discussed and analysed with the supervisor and work team members.

3. How are activities planned and organised (1)?

All tools, equipment and materials used for climbing small trees should be selected and prepared before climbing work begins.

4. How can team work (1) be applied?

Climbing small trees may involve working with other members of a team to safely complete the climbing program.

5. How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (1) be applied?

Mathematical techniques may be applied when calculating heights of trees and safe working loads.

6. How can problem-solving skills (1) be applied?

Problems relating to climbing techniques and methods, workplace safety including working above ground level, tools and equipment, inclement weather and interruption in climbing activities may require problem solving.

7. How can the use of technology (1) be applied?

Technology such as arboriculture equipment and machinery may be used to climb small trees safely.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?

This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function, for example:

RTF2009A Perform above ground pruning

RTF2001A Apply a range of treatments to trees

There is essential information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance and where and how it may be assessed, in the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package. All users of these competency standards must have access to the Assessment Guidelines. Further advice may also be sought from the relevant sector booklet.

Range of Variables

The 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 training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available

What work procedures are appropriate for this standard?

These may include supervisors instructions and orders, communication arrangements, climbing plans and specifications, location and site plans, manufacturers guidelines, work schedules, emergency rescue procedures, enterprise standard operating procedures (SOPs), and OHS procedures.

What hazards may be identified in the work area?

Hazards may include solar radiation, dust, noise, faulty tools and equipment, sharp tools, power lines, tangled ropes, insecure harnesses, poor attachment/anchor point, inadequate or incorrect use of personal protective clothing, and team members inadequately trained for the climbing task and in emergency rescue procedures.

What toolsand equipment may be used in climbing operations?

These may include ropes, work position harness, pulleys, cambium/rope saver, ascenders and descenders, throw line and bag, pole belt, wire core flip line, rope lanyard, ladders, carabines.

What industry recognised knots may be applicable to this standard?

Knots may include but are not limited to bowline, bowline on a bight, tautline, prussik, figure 8, clove hitch and half hitch.

What constitutes low hazard climbing conditions?

Low hazard climbing conditions are those situations where trees are NOT prone to branch failure, are healthy, free from decay, disease and pests, and are free from embedded objects such as wire, nails or spikes.

What PPE and safety equipment may be used to climb small trees?

Equipment may include boots, overalls, gloves, helmets, work position harness, chainsaw trousers or chaps, sun hats and sunscreen lotion.

What standard industry methods are used when climbing?

Standard industry methods may include setting a ladder, body thrust and footlock, and climbing spike.

What enterprise OHS requirements may be relevant to this standard?

OHS requirements may include safe operation and maintenance of machinery and equipment, safe systems for working at heights in trees, safe procedures for working outdoors, appropriate use of personal protective clothing and equipment, correct manual handling techniques, procedures for calling emergency services and identifying and reporting problems to the supervisor.

For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment, refer to the Sector Booklet.