This unit covers the process of release and rescue of a tree climber working near live electrical apparatus, where an injured or unconscious tree climber is safely brought to the ground from a tree. Rescue and release safe working procedures requires hazard identification, basic first aid and emergency procedures, and tree climbing techniques. Release and rescue are likely to be undertaken in emergency situations with little or no supervision. Discretion and judgement are required in the selection of equipment, organisation of rescue, and associated actions. Competency is demonstrated by the application of knowledge and skills to a range of rescue tasks and roles usually within established enterprise guidelines.

It includes safely accessing trees from above ground level to install restraints/slings, removing tree limbs in a safe manner, and clearing debris from the felling site to eliminate the occurrence of electrical incidents. It does not include entry of persons, mobile plant, equipment, and/or specialised tools into to the safe approach distance (SAD) as defined.

Also included is the preparation of risk assessment control measures that encompass job safety assessment. All work and zones are in compliance with relevant state or territory regulatory agencies/bodies, local government legislation, industry bi-partite bodies, guidelines/codes of practices or other related requirements for safe work and access near live electrical and mechanical apparatus.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit may only be practiced under the regulations pertaining to each state and territory for the safe planning and removal of vegetation around live powerlines up to the live work zone, including near live electrical apparatus, and regulations that directly relate to work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) and/or contracts of training where they apply.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare for release and rescue from a tree near live electrical apparatus

1.1

WHS/OHS policies and procedures to be followed for the work to be performed are received and confirmed

1.2

Relevant requirements and established procedures to be followed for the work to be performed in accordance with the aerial rescue are discussed with all personnel to establish and confirm the work schedule

1.3

Enterprise electrical apparatus and voltages are identified and safe working clearances and conductive path determined

1.4

Rescue equipment and first aid kit are checked to ensure they are complete and placed within easy access

1.5

Resources, including, equipment, tools, approved platforms and personal protective equipment (PPE), required for the job are selected, checked in working order and maintained according to established procedures

1.6

Emergency communication system used to summon emergency services is checked according to manufacturer specifications and enterprise work procedures

1.7

Emergency plan is confirmed and clarified with work team prior to work being undertaken

1.8

Hazards are identified and WHS/OHS risks associated with working near live electrical apparatus are identified and reported according to established procedures

1.9

Scope of responsibility under the relevant work permits/access authorisations is identified according to requirements and established procedures with relevant personnel

1.10

Relevant responsibilities associated with first aid, working aloft, and/or other related work safety procedures at the worksite are confirmed in accordance with requirements and established procedures to ensure safety measures are followed in the instance of an incident

1.11

Road signs, barriers and warning devices are obtained and positioned in accordance with given instructions and requirements

1.12

Pre-operational checks are undertaken to confirm safe and correct operation of tools and equipment for safe use near live electrical apparatus according to requirements and established procedures

2

Carry out the release and rescue from a tree near live electrical apparatus

2.1

WHS/OHS and sustainable energy principles and practices to reduce the incidents of accidents and minimise waste are followed in accordance with given instructions, requirements and/or established procedures

2.2

Lifting, climbing, working aloft, and use of tools/equipment, techniques and practices are safely followed in accordance with given instructions and according to requirements to eliminate the prospects of incidents

2.3

Operational knowledge for the release and rescue from a tree near electrical apparatus is confirmed according to requirements and established procedures

2.4

Emergency situation is assessed and emergency management plan activated according to enterprise requirements and established procedures

2.5

Assistance is requested from work team and/or public according to requirements and enterprise procedures, where required

2.6

Hazard warnings and safety signs are recognised and hazards and assessed WHS/OHS risks monitored and suitable controls implemented/reported/referred to immediate authorised personnel for directions according to established procedures

2.7

Appropriate access equipment to effect rescue is identified according to enterprise standards

2.8

Nature of the injury is assessed according to established procedures

2.9

Casualty and rescuer are safely secured according to enterprise standards

2.10

Injuries are assessed to determine whether or not to move casualty based on standard first aid procedures and risk assessment

2.11

Casualty with possible neck or spinal injuries is supported (but not moved) to await expert medical treatment

2.12

First aid able to be performed above ground is applied, as required, in line with standard procedures

2.13

Instructions to ground staff and climbers are communicated clearly and concisely according to established procedures

2.14

Casualty is prepared for descent according to first aid and risk assessments

2.15

Casualty is lowered safely to the ground with support of rescuer

2.16

Non-routine events are referred to immediate authorised personnel for directions according to established procedures

3

Complete the release and rescue from a tree near live electrical apparatus

3.1

First aid is applied on the ground according to need and industry standard procedures

3.2

Emergency assistance is obtained in accordance with emergency plan

3.3

Accidents and/or incidents are actioned and reported to authorised personnel in accordance with established procedures

3.4

Worksite is rehabilitated, cleaned up, made safe and sustainable energy principles and practices applied in accordance with given instructions and established procedures or an agreed standard

3.5

Tools, equipment and any surplus resources and materials are, where appropriate, cleaned, checked and returned to storage in accordance with established procedures

3.6

Appropriate personnel are notified of work completion according to established procedures

3.7

Post-operational checks, minor maintenance and/or relevant documentation of equipment and tools/platforms are conducted according to requirements

3.8

Work completion records of release and rescue, report forms/data sheets are completed accurately in accordance with given instructions and established procedures

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

Not applicable.

Vegetation