AHCARB315 — Inspect trees for access and work

Elements & performance criteria

Performance evidence

• 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).

Knowledge evidence

• 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.

Foundation skills

• Writing: Use clear language and correct concepts and terminology to ensure clarity of meaning when reporting and recording work outcomes
• Oral communication: Use open and closed questions logically to clarify work instructions Use industry terminology to communicate with team members Accurately interpret verbal and nonverbal communication

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Questions about assessing AHCARB315