This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify trees in need of temporary protection and implement a protection program according to specifications.

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 protection work is undertaken according to preferred industry practices (as outlined in the Companion Volume), including Australian Standard AS4970.

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 demonstrated the ability to implement a tree protection program for at least two trees, including:

received and interpreted a tree protection program and identified:

trees to be protected

protection methods to use

schedule required

equipment necessary to perform work

assessed site-specific health and safety issues and completed a job safety analysis (JSA) and ensured first aid resources and emergency procedures were available

scheduled and allocated tasks to work team

surveyed and marked out the tree protection zone

erected barriers and signage

selected materials and equipment required for tree protection measures

conducted pre-operational safety checks and post-operational maintenance of equipment and tools

installed tree protection measures following specifications in plan

inspected completed protection installations and rectified where out-of-specification

monitored tree health during protection scheduled period and implemented remedial action where protection has been compromised

dismantled and removed protection measures

maintained records and reports of tree protection outcomes.

All tree protection work is required to be performed according to preferred industry practices (as outlined in the Companion Volume), including Australian Standard AS4970.

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 protection work, including Australian Standard AS4970

use and interpretation of tree protection plans and specifications, including:

tree protection systems, types and methods of protection

surveying and marking out tree protection zones (TPZ)

application of workplace health, safety and environmental controls, including job safety analysis and personal protective equipment (PPE)

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

task scheduling and contingency planning for tree protection

possible damage to tree physiology, and prevention requirements on development and construction sites, including:

barriers and signage

techniques for assembling or constructing tree protection measures suitable to the requirements of tree species

protection requirements of tree species

specifications and construction methods for installing protection measures

environmental factors affecting trees on development and construction sites, including:

soil compaction and contamination

shading

impact on scaffolding

excavations and root damage

principles, regulations, codes of practice and Australian standards for the protection of trees on development and construction sites

methods used to protect trees on development sites, including:

fencing tree protection zones (TPZ) and signage

trunk and branch protection

soil within the TPZ and root zone protection

tools, equipment and materials used in tree protection, including preparation, maintenance and biosecurity procedures

record keeping and reporting procedures for tree protection.

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

physical conditions:

trees growing on development and construction sites or an environment that accurately represents workplace conditions

resources, equipment and materials:

tree protection materials and equipment

tools to construct or assemble tree protection measures

PPE

first aid and emergency response equipment

signage for tree protection zones

specifications:

workplace and manufacturer instructions for safe operation, cleaning and storage of equipment used for tree protection work

tree protection plans and specifications

preferred industry practices (as outlined in the Companion Volume) for tree protection work, including Australian Standard AS4970

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)