AHCARB324 — Use cranes to access and dismantle trees

Elements & performance criteria

Performance evidence

• 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.
• 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.
• 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).

Knowledge evidence

• 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.

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Questions about assessing AHCARB324