Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:21 PM AWST
22/07/2026 9:21 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Fell trees with advanced techniques
Fell trees with advanced techniques
Unit of competency
National Code
AHCARB304A
AHCARB304A
State Code
D6658
D6658
TGA Status
Deleted
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Deleted
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
05/12/2011
Field of Education
050301 - Horticulture
Original Release Date
05/12/2011
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit covers the process of felling trees with advanced techniques and defines the standard required to: conduct a site and tree hazard identification and risk control assessment; prepare materials and equipment to specifications; set up safe fall and exclusion zones; use low risk dismantling procedures to fell a tree; fell wind thrown and suspended trees; use documented low risk work procedures and record worksite activities according to documented guidelines.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for tree removal
- 1.1. Trees are assessed for size, structural defects, weight distribution, spread/width, wind loading and canopy.
- 1.2. The fall site is assessed considering wind speed and direction, topography, safe fall zone, exclusion zone, any potential danger to the public or property, and environmental implications.
- 1.3. Tools, equipment and machinery are selected according to appropriate removal methods.
- 1.4. Pre-operational and safety checks are carried out on tools, equipment and machinery according to manufacturers specifications and enterprise guidelines.
- 1.5. OHS hazards are identified, risks assessed and risk controls are implemented.
- 1.6. Risk controls selected determine work method to cut and drop, or use rigging techniques.
- 1.7. Suitable safety equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is selected, used and maintained.
2. Coordinate site preparation
- 2.1. A safe fall zone and exclusion zone are determined considering tree characteristics, degree of lean of tree, and site, environmental, and safety assessments.
- 2.2. A planned escape route, noting debris and other potential hazards is determined.
- 2.3. Fall zone and escape route are cleared and surrounding features/structures are protected from damage.
- 2.4. Exclusion zone is identified, appropriate safety barriers erected and safety procedures implemented and monitored.
3. Dismantle branches
- 3.1. Weights of tree branches are ascertained so that they do not exceed the safe working limit of equipment.
- 3.2. Branches are dismantled using the "cut and drop" method, or cut and lowered by ropes in accordance with accepted rigging techniques.
- 3.3. Dismantling techniques are employed to ensure branches fall or are lowered safely into the determined drop zone with no damage to property and equipment, or injury to personnel.
4. Dismantle tree
- 4.1. A safety lanyard and climbing spurs are used to ascend tree to perform sectional felling.
- 4.2. An elevated platform is used for access to assist sectional felling.
- 4.3. Sections are cut and thrown using a directional scarf and back cut with an accepted industry method.
- 4.4. Sections are cut and dropped using a horizontal cut and appropriate hinge wood.
- 4.5. A pull rope is used to control fall of tree sections.
- 4.6. Industry standard hitches and knots are used in rope lowering of cut tree sections.
5. Fell wind thrown and suspended trees
- 5.1. The risk potential of wind thrown or suspended tree is assessed.
- 5.2. Safe work methods which apply to the removal of wind thrown or suspended trees are adopted.
- 5.3. Hand or power winches are used to pull out the suspended tree as necessary.
- 5.4. The root system of a wind thrown tree lying on the ground is propped.
- 5.5. Wind thrown tree is crosscut in correct position to reduce trunk movement and prepare it for removal.
6. Complete felling operations
- 6.1. Felled trunks and branches are crosscut and trimmed to manoeuvrable lengths ready for disposal.
- 6.2. The site is cleared of trunk, branches and tree debris.
- 6.3. Timber disposal methods and equipment are used in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and documented low risk work procedures.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Removal methods may include:
felling
dismantling.
Impacting factors may include:
site and location plans
site assessment details
tree characteristics
special instructions and/or conditions
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) risks and controls
environmental considerations
removal methods and techniques
tools, equipment and machinery requirements
access and exit details
personnel requirements
waste, organic waste and debris disposal
recycling and re-use guidelines
traffic control and management.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Removal methods may include:
felling
dismantling.
Impacting factors may include:
site and location plans
site assessment details
tree characteristics
special instructions and/or conditions
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) risks and controls
environmental considerations
removal methods and techniques
tools, equipment and machinery requirements
access and exit details
personnel requirements
waste, organic waste and debris disposal
recycling and re-use guidelines
traffic control and management.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:
conduct a site and tree hazard identification and risk control assessment
prepare materials and equipment to specifications
set up safe fall and exclusion zones
use low risk dismantling procedures to fell a tree
fell wind thrown and suspended trees
use documented low risk work procedures
record worksite activities according to documented guidelines.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:
conduct a site and tree hazard identification and risk control assessment
prepare materials and equipment to specifications
set up safe fall and exclusion zones
use low risk dismantling procedures to fell a tree
fell wind thrown and suspended trees
use documented low risk work procedures
record worksite activities according to documented guidelines.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S3314 | RTF3007A | Fell large trees | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D474 | AHC30810 | Certificate III in Arboriculture | Qualification |
| D473 | AHC30710 | Certificate III in Horticulture | Qualification |