Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to use cranes to access and dismantle trees in close proximity to assets and in difficult or hazardous circumstances.
The unit applies to individuals who work in arboriculture under broad supervision 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 work with a crane 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, and the use of cranes, apply in some states and territories.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
1. Plan for the use of cranes for tree access and dismantling | 1.1 Identify requirements for crane assisted tree work 1.2 Determine the requirements for crane access 1.3 Inspect site to identify site conditions, features and hazards that may affect crane set-up and operation 1.4 Determine crane type and size, and develop plan for crane assisted tree work 1.5 Communicate requirements to crane operator to confirm plan 1.6 Confirm availability of emergency procedures, rescue personnel and equipment |
2. Prepare to conduct crane work | 2.1 Determine access to site and gain approval from stakeholders 2.2 Confirm site preparations and notification of local residents and authorities according to dismantling plan 2.3 Liaise with crane operator and crane crew to confirm set-up, clearances from electrical services and working area 2.4 Undertake a site-specific job safety analysis (JSA) and record and implement control measures according to workplace safety procedures 2.5 Liaise with crane operator to determine load limit at working radius |
3. Prepare arborist equipment ready for dismantling operations | 3.1 Inspect trees for defects to inform planned tree access and dismantling strategy 3.2 Discuss strategy with crane operator and crew to confirm site, environment and crane working limitations 3.3 Determine lowering and processing zones and communicate to work team 3.4 Carry out pre-operational and safety checks on arboriculture tools and equipment required for dismantling 3.5 Select, check and use personal protective equipment |
4. Access trees to conduct work | 4.1 Select and use safe access methods to conduct crane dismantling work 4.2 Use climbing techniques to access trees to conduct crane work 4.3 Use crane to access trees using an approved crane access method according to industry codes, procedures and legislative and regulatory requirements 4.4 Communicate with crane operator and observer using agreed communication methods 4.5 Use climbing techniques to access work positions and perform dismantling operations |
5. Prepare for crane dismantling and attach crane to tree sections | 5.1 Maintain communication with crane operator and work team during operations using agreed communication methods 5.2 Use hand and whistle signals to communicate with crane operator according to industry standards 5.3 Select and apply crane lifting methods and sequence according to dismantling strategy and safety procedures 5.4 Determine weight of each tree section and communicate to crane operator 5.5 Attach crane with lifting gear to each tree section according to load limits, centre of gravity and planned lifting operation 5.6 Communicate pre-tension requirements to crane operator |
6. Use crane to dismantle tree | 6.1 Perform cuts to remove tree sections according to desired lifting operation 6.2 Control and monitor tree section removal and direct crane operator throughout lifting operations 6.3 Communicate with crane operator regarding lifting operation and adjust dismantling strategy 6.4 Apply arborist rigging and felling techniques when crane support is not required 6.5 Adjust work pace and methods to match processing capacity of ground crew and environmental conditions 6.6 Perform final dismantling and lifting operations for tree removal work according to specifications |
7. Complete tree dismantling procedures | 7.1 Confirm completion of tree dismantling work with crane operator according to workplace procedures 7.2 Clean, check and store tools and equipment according to workplace procedures 7.3 Record completion of tree removal, and report to stakeholders according to workplace procedures |
Evidence of Performance
An individual demonstrating competency must satisfy all of the elements and performance criteria in this unit.
There must be evidence that the individual has fully dismantled at least one tree of a minimum 15 metres in height and with a canopy spread of 10 metres or greater using a crane. The tree must be in close proximity to structures or other assets. The individual must take charge of the process from planning to completion, including the safeguarding of assets.
There must also be evidence that in dismantling the tree, the individual has:
controlled the process from start to finish
devised a plan, communicated the plan to work team and crane operator, and executed the plan
selected and implemented appropriate rigging strategy and sequence for crane work
planned and dismantled the tree without damage to the assets
selected appropriate tree components and attached rigging to crane correctly
performed accurate cuts appropriate to safe crane lifting operations
maintained constant communication with work team and crane operator
completed the work safely.
There must also be evidence that the individual has:
identified work requirements and obtained relevant compliance approvals
determined the site access, inspected site for safety hazards for crane set-up and dismantling works and confirmed working areas and set-up with crane operator and crew
undertaken a site-specific job safety analysis and recorded and implemented control measures including:
confirmed the availability of emergency procedures, rescue personnel and equipment
appointed a spotter to ensure crane clearances from overhead services and obstructions
selected, checked and used personal protective equipment
selected and used safe access methods for crane dismantling work
carried out pre-operational and safety checks on arborist tools and equipment
accessed tree and safe working positions and communicated with work team throughout dismantling operations
performed dismantling operations including:
determined weight of tree section and communicated requirements to crane operator
attached tree section to crane with lifting gear according to load limits, centre of gravity and lifting operations
controlled and monitored tree section removal and directed crane operator throughout operation
applied arborist rigging and felling techniques
adjusted work pace and methods to match ground crew processing operations
confirmed completion of dismantling work with crane operator
cleaned, checked and stored tools and equipment according to workplace procedures
recorded completion of works and reported to stakeholders.
All tree dismantling work with a crane is required to be performed according to preferred industry practices (as outlined in the Companion Volume).
Evidence of Knowledge
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:
requirements for crane access and safe operation and limitations when deciding on dismantling operations with cranes, including:
sizes and weight of cranes for purpose
types and methods for stabilising and impact on surfaces
surface structures, including: fill, storm water pipes, retention tanks, driveways
soil and ground stability and slope
clearances from buildings and structures
no-go zones above and near electrical conductors
clearances from other trees and potential root zone damage
distance of reach to weight
regulatory requirements for use of cranes on sites, including:
local government roadside permits
energy authority permits
preferred industry practices (as outlined in the Companion Volume) for tree dismantling work
selection criteria for using cranes for arboriculture work
arborist requirements for crane set-up, including:
crane footprint and set-up area
working area
working radius
largest estimated lift
order of dismantle
workplace health, safety, site, environmental and traffic control measures, including:
completing JSAs for site-specific risks
purpose of first aid and rescue personnel, equipment and procedures
pre-operational and safety checks, on ropes, harnesses, tools and equipment
personal protective equipment used when climbing
work planning procedures and collaboration when working with crane operator, including:
preparing a dismantling strategy
tree access procedures and resources
arborist climbing equipment and techniques to access and work in trees
purpose, function, selection, tying, dressing, setting and finishing of arborist knots used for climbing techniques
safety when climbing trees, including:
safe working limits, ropes and equipment
defects in ropes, tools and equipment
controlled descent operations
controlled removal of access equipment
forces applied to anchor points during access and work positioning using MRT and SRT
forces applied at primary anchor points and at redirects
hazards to avoid when working within the tree canopy near cranes, including:
spatial awareness for crane and cabling components
power line, no-go zones, safe approach distances and vegetation clearances
tree structural defects
animals or insects
deciding on low-risk access routes
access to tree canopy using cranes, including:
local state or territory legislation and regulations
attaching to the crane hook
safety implications
communications strategies between ground crews, crane operators or crane crew, including:
hand and whistle signals
UHF or Bluetooth communications
crane industry standards for communication
attaching tree components and loads to crane hooks, including:
crane attachment slings
chains and cables
dead-eye slings
estimating load and balance of tree components
controlling tree sections during crane lift, including:
controlling balance
methods for controlling branches, leaders and trunk
dismantle techniques for branches and trunk sections, including:
cut and drop method
directional felling
arborist rigging techniques
records and reporting procedures for crane supported tree dismantling operations.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment of the skills in this unit of competency must take place under the following conditions:
physical conditions:
a crane and a tree to be dismantled as stipulated in the performance evidence
resources, equipment and materials:
rigging equipment
personal protective equipment
first aid and emergency response equipment
crane slings and rigging equipment
pruning and cutting tools and equipment
specifications:
workplace procedures and instructions for dismantling trees with cranes
legislation, regulations, codes of practice and standards relating to crane use and dismantling of trees
preferred industry practices (as outlined in the Companion Volume) for tree dismantling work
documentation for planning, obtaining permits and reporting tree dismantling work with cranes
relationships:
work team and crane operator.
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.
Foundation Skills
Sectors
Arboriculture (ARB)