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 type of trees are likely to be assessed for removal?
Trees that can be safely felled, trees that must be removed in sections due to height and width, and location and hazardous trees such as wind thrown or suspended trees.

What environmental implications may impact on tree felling operations?
Environmental implications may include National, State and local legislation and/or regulations that may address natural heritage, cultural heritage and community use issues.

What tools, equipment and machinery are relevant for this standard?
Tools, equipment and machinery may include axes, sledge hammers, alloy and plastic wedges, ropes, hand winches, ladders, hand saws, secateurs, tape measures, height meters, climbing and rigging equipment, mobile phones or 2-way radios, tree jacks, chain saws and appropriate maintenance equipment, chippers, elevated platforms such as cherry pickers and cranes, bulldozers and vehicles for loading and removing felled trees.

What removal methods may be used to fell large trees?
Removal methods may involve climbing or access via elevated platforms, and may include conventional felling and directional felling techniques, which may require the use of multiple back cuts and/or boring techniques. For example, directional felling techniques include cutting a scarf and making a plunge cut, making a back release leaving standard hinge depth using a falling wedge in the back cut to avoid chainsaw jamming, and to assist the fall and ensure trees fall into desired drop zone.

What OHS hazards associated with felling operations may need to be considered?
OHS hazards may include working near power lines, tree integrity, climbing, manual handling, vehicular and pedestrian traffic, moving equipment and vehicles, sharp hand tools; falling trees, branches and equipment; uneven surfaces, UV radiation, heat and cold, fatigue, working alone, noise, insects and animals.

What suitable controls are likely to be implemented?
Suitable controls may include procedures for handling, transporting and storing petrol, oils, and chemicals; appropriate PPE, approved ladders and ropes, safe operation and maintenance of machinery and equipment, safe procedures for working outdoors, correct manual handling techniques, basic first aid and emergency procedures training, and a two-way radio or mobile phone on site.

What safety equipment may be required?
Safety equipment may include safety signs, barricades, first aid kit, and rescue climbing kit.

What PPE may be required to undertake tree-felling operations?
PPE may include steel cap boots, hard hat, ear protection, eye protection, cut resistant trousers or chaps, reflective vest, gloves and sunscreen lotion.

What methods are likely to be employed to dismantle branches?
Dismantling may involve the use of elevated platforms or tree climbers, cutting sections of branches and throwing them into a drop zone, or lowering branches to ground level using ropes.

What branch releasing cuts are likely to be employed in the cut and drop method of dismantling?
Branch releasing cuts may include a single top cut, an undercut then a top cut, a box cut, a scarf undercut then a top cut, and a spearing cut.

What type of ropes are likely to be used?
Different types of ropes may include polyamide (nylon), polypropylene and polyester.

What rigging techniques are likely to be employed to lower branches?
Rigging techniques may include using a branch as friction, setting a pulley or false crotch, setting the rope above branches to be removed, pulling a large section of trunk to ground level, lowering block sections, speed lining and vertical speed lines.

How is the hazard potential of wind thrown or suspended trees assessed?
The hazard potential of a tree may be assessed by visual inspection, and may involve a careful hazard analysis of the tree integrity and structure in terms of operator safety, potential danger to public or property, access hazards for equipment.

What safe work practices are likely to be adopted when felling wind thrown or suspended trees?
Safe work practices may include the erection of warning signs and barriers, the correct use of tools and equipment according to manufacturers specifications, and the wearing of appropriate PPE.

What timber disposal methods are likely to be used?
Timber disposal methods may include logging, chipping or burning the branches that are cut off the trunk, and removal from site in trucks or trailers. Felled trees may be cut into manageable lengths, loaded, secured and removed from the site. Processed organic waste may be recycled as compost or mulch, and larger timber milled or sold as firewood.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?Competence in felling large trees requires evidence that a person can complete a tree felling assessment, and can undertake felling operations on large and hazardous trees with due regard for safety and environmental requirements.The skills and knowledge required to fell large trees must be transferable to a different work environment following induction to that new workplace. For example, a person who is competent in felling large trees should have sufficient knowledge and skills to work with a range of tree species and conditions, recognising a variety of tree hazards, and select appropriate techniques and equipment for safely removing those trees.
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:

safe tree removal methods based on results of tree, site and safety assessments
maintenance, operation and Safe Working Loads of the tools, equipment and machinery required for given removal methods
safe working practices for chainsaw operation
safety procedures and potential hazards for working safely in the amenity tree industry
emergency and first aid procedures
environmental implications of tree removal, including National, State and local legislation and/or regulations
natural heritage, cultural heritage and community use issues that impact on tree removal programs
principles and methods of inspecting trees to identify structural defects.

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:

communicate with work team members, supervisors, suppliers and clients
interpret felling plans, work procedure documents, and survey symbols and information
co-ordinate work group, materials, equipment and own activities to sequentially and effectively complete felling operations in a safe and timely manner
estimate tree height, distance and quantities; and calculate area, angles and fuel requirements
measure site plan specifications
apply basic rigging and rope handling techniques in tree removal operations
describe falling sequence for individual trees
use basic surveying methods and/or equipment.

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
Written, oral and telecommunication of ideas and information relating to felling operations and problems encountered will be required with the supervisor, work group, clients, consultants or suppliers. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Enterprise work procedures, site assessment, OHS and environmental requirements should be consulted, interpreted and applied to co-ordinate felling operations, with further clarification sought from the supervisor, clients or consultants where necessary. (1)

Planning and organising activities
Work activities for the work group and self will be planned prior to and adjusted during felling operations. Traffic and weather variations may need to be considered when planning and organising schedules. (2)

Working with others and in teams
The felling operation will involve facilitating and leading members of a team to complete the schedule safely, on time and within budgetary constraints. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Mathematical application will be required to calculate the spatial and logistical requirements of the felling site, in estimating and calculating tree and branch weights and sizes, and calculating fuel requirements. (2)

Solving problems
Unexpected hazards such as movement and condition of the tree or branches; rigging, loss of control of tree in falling, equipment malfunction, workplace safety, other team members, environmental issues and interruption of works may require problem-solving. (2)

Using technology
Technological understanding will be required to operate advanced felling machinery, to prepare, use and maintain chainsaws and arboricultural tools, to research information on felling techniques and characteristics of different species of tree, and to communicate and keep records. (2)