Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:36 AM AWST

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Assess trees at emergency incidents

Assess trees at emergency incidents

Unit of competency
National Code
PUASES001
State Code
OCR92
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
18/12/2020
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
18/03/2021
Field of Education
050501 - Forestry Studies
Original Release Date
18/03/2021
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake the assessment of trees at emergency incidents. It includes trees that are no longer standing and are on the ground, are partially fallen or are lying against a structure. The unit applies to trees that have been impacted by an emergency incident which present an unacceptable risk to residents, emergency personnel, utilities, the environment and/or structures.Tree removal can be undertaken using chainsaws and/or hand tools during emergency incidents. In removing trees, it is essential that safe systems of work to eliminate or minimise risk are implemented. Tree felling licensing and/or certification requirements may apply in some jurisdictions.The unit is applicable to emergency services personnel who are required to assess trees for removal or stabilisation, under the direction of a crew leader, during an emergency incident. It includes preparing for a tree assessment, undertaking an initial scene assessment, conducting a tree assessment and recording and reporting on tree assessments.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Prepare for tree assessment
  • 1.1 Select and wear personal protective clothing and equipment, in accordance with organisational procedures, to undertake assessment of trees at the emergency incident
  • 1.2 Identify and comply with organisational procedures for assessing trees, including safety requirements and Work, Health and Safety (WHS)/Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) obligations
  • 1.3 Establish and maintain communication with crew members whilst assessing trees using approved methods and tools, including hand signals
2 Undertake initial scene assessment
  • 2.1 Review environmental conditions, including storm and fire, at emergency incident
  • 2.2 Conduct an initial assessment of emergency incident scene
  • 2.3 Identify and communicate environmental and other hazards, in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 2.4 Assess each scene condition likely to affect safety, including the stability of each tree
  • 2.5 Identify entry and exit routes, in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 2.6 Complete organisational procedures and/or documentation for tree assessments
3 Conduct tree assessments
  • 3.1 Visually assess trees, estimate mass and identify defects
  • 3.2 Identify effect of gravity on compression, tension and torsion forces that occur in various parts of the trees
  • 3.3 Identify the major load bearing branches of the trees and potential pivot points
  • 3.4 Determine and review other factors that may affect removal of trees at emergency incident
4 Record and report on tree assessments
  • 4.1 Finalise and record tree assessments, in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 4.2 Report tree assessments to approved personnel, in accordance with organisational procedures
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State Code National Code Title Type
BGF4 PUA30420 Certificate III in Public Safety (SES Rescue) Qualification
AE419 PUASS00094 Tree Operations Skill set