Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available.

What treatments may trees require?
Treatments may be chemical (fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides), biological, (beneficial insects, fungi, viruses) and environmental (modifying soil, removal of soil covering, reducing compaction, removing competition).

What work procedures are appropriate for this standard?
These may include supervisors instructions, company standard operating procedures (SOPs), waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines, and OHS procedures.

What OHS hazards may be identified in the work area?
Hazards may include solar radiation, dust, noise, pests and diseases, chemical spills, hand tools and equipment, use of chainsaws, moving machinery, manually handling of heavy and irregular shaped objects, and using ladders.

What tools and equipment are used in the treatment process?
Tools and equipment may include chemical applicators, secateurs, handsaws, rakes, mattocks, shovels, and chainsaws, climbing and rigging equipment and trenching machines.

What PPE may be needed to carry out tree treatments?
PPE may include boots, overalls, gloves, goggles, face shields, sun hats, hearing protection and sunscreen lotion.

What OHS requirements may be relevant to this standard?
OHS requirements may include guidelines for handling, transporting, storing and disposing of chemicals and hazardous substances and maintaining public and worker safety from falling tree limbs or debris on the ground. Guidelines may also include wearing protective clothing, safe operation of machinery and equipment, safety of general public, correct manual handling techniques, disposing of debris in an environmentally safe manner, basic first aid, and recognising and reporting problems to the supervisor. When a Code of Practice for Arboriculture is registered it will provide additional information on OHS requirements.

What environmental implications may be relevant when treating trees?
Environmental implications may include spray drift, noisy machinery, waste material including plant debris, soil and dust, spread of disease or pests, effect on habitat of wildlife and chemical contamination.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?Competence in treating trees for a range of problems requires evidence that a person can prepare for tree treatments according to work procedures, modify trees to alleviate stress, modify environment to maintain health and vigour of tree, apply appropriate treatments for a range of tree problems, and install root barriers.The skills and knowledge required to treat trees for a range of problems must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, this could include different treatments and different tree species.
What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:

how trees react to drainage and stresses
industry code of practice
environmental considerations associated with the treatment program including use of chemical treatments and the environmentally safe disposal of plant, equipment and chemical debris
principles and methods relating to identification of pests and disease
factors affecting the timing and method of applying tree treatments
different broad chemical types, for example, insecticides, herbicides and fungicides and the environmental implications of using these chemicals
health, safety and environmental considerations when applying chemical treatments
timing and placement of fertilisers and the need to minimise fertiliser use to limit environmental impact.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

work using a variety of chemical application tools and pieces of equipment that are suitable for the particular application task while minimising environmental impact
dispose of plant and equipment debris in an environmentally aware and sensitive manner, such as sorting plant and paper-based waste for recycling
dispose of chemical substances and their containers in a way designed to minimise environmental impact
interpret directions
read labels
record information
communicate with fellow team members.

What processes should be applied to this competency standard?There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
Communicating ideas and information
Information about specific tasks associated with the job such as work completion and hazards encountered should be discussed with work colleagues and the supervisor. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Information about tree treatments such as tree species and appropriate treatments should be discussed with the supervisor and work team members. (1)

Planning and organising activities
Equipment, materials, relevant OHS guidelines and production schedules should be established and organised before and during work periods. (1)

Working with others and in teams
Treating trees may involve working with other members of a team to complete the treatment program. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Mathematical techniques may be applied when calibrating application equipment and calculating safe working loads. (1)

Solving problems
Problems relating to treatment techniques, chemical application, workplace safety, other team members and interruption in treatment program may arise during the treatment process. (1)

Using technology
Technology such as horticultural hand tools and equipment may be applied in treatment operations. (1)