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.

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.

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.

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)