This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to inspect a tree from the ground for the selection of access and tree work methods, and advise client of outcome.

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 inspection work is undertaken according to preferred industry practices (as outlined in the Companion Volume).

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

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).

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.

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

physical conditions:

six trees as stipulated in the performance evidence

resources, equipment and materials:

personal protective equipment used for tree inspections

specifications:

legislation, regulations, codes of practice and standards relating to working near services and power lines

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

documentation for planning and reporting tree inspection work

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.

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.

Arboriculture (ARB)