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 conditions may affect the health and vigour of a tree?
Conditions may include soil types, moisture content, pH levels, salinity, texture, compaction, aspect, pollutants, toxicity, climate, buildings, road works or shade.

What stress inducing factors may impact upon the health of the tree?
Factors that may cause a tree stress may include pests and diseases, fungal, structural, storm damage, root damage, gassing, compaction, incineration, nutrient deficiencies, chemical, changes in levels, competition, poor drainage, vandalism, salt and drought.

What environmental issues may impact upon the growth of trees?
Environmental issues may include compacted soil, unwettable soil, inadequate irrigation, poor drainage, run off, salinity, soil erosion, lack of companion plants, lack of mycorrhizal fungi, impervious layer covering the soil surface, and intrusion of weeds and pests.

What OHS hazards may be identified?
Hazards may include solar radiation, dust, noise, pruning tools and equipment, falling debris, chemical spills, interruption or disturbance of electricity supply, and moving machinery or empty chemical containers.

What PPE may be used to carry out tree maintenance operations?
PPE may include but is not limited to, boots, overalls, gloves, goggles, sun hats, hearing protection, face shields, hard hats and sunscreen lotion.

What treatment methods may be applied to trees?
Treatment methods may include pruning, repair of damaged material, application of pesticides, application of fertilizers, treatment of soil, reducing compaction/improving aeration and drainage.

What equipment may be used in the maintenance program?
Equipment used in the tree maintenance program may include pruning equipment, chemical applicators, digging and aeration devices.

What OHS requirements are relevant to this standard?
OHS procedures may include safe operation and maintenance of machinery and equipment, safe procedures for working outdoors, appropriate use of personal protective clothing and equipment, correct manual handling techniques, safe use and storage of chemicals, correct disposal of waste chemicals and chemical containers, and basic first aid. When a Code of Practice for Arboriculture is registered, it will provide additional information on OHS requirements.

How is infected plant material disposed of?
Disposal methods may include burning, burying or chemical destruction.

What information relating to tree maintenance is recorded?
Information recorded may include date and type of treatment, recommended follow up, identified problems associated with this and/or surrounding trees, and relevant site issues.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?Competence in implementing a tree maintenance program requires evidence that a person can contribute to a tree assessment and undertake a tree maintenance program with due regard for safety and environmental requirements. The skills and knowledge required to implement a tree maintenance program must be transferable to a different work environment following induction to that new workplace. For example, a person who is competent in implementing a tree maintenance program should have sufficient knowledge and skills to work with a range of trees, recognising a variety of tree health or stress problems, and select appropriate treatments and treatment methods for 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:

the environmental implications of implementing a tree maintenance program in a range of locations such as urban, rural - farming, rural - native vegetation, seaside, and water catchment area
AS1742 Pt 3 1985 - Australian Standard Code of Practice, Work Site Traffic Management
industry code of practice
identification and evaluation of structural defects in trees
the principles of identifying pests, diseases and physiological damage to trees
methods of attack of tree pests and diseases
methods of analysing the nutritional status of trees
statutory requirements relating to the use of pesticides and herbicides and the environmental implications of using chemicals
recognition and identification of a range of tree species
treatments and treatment methods commonly used with trees
methods of collecting and storing specimens for identification and diagnostic tests
methods of recording, storing and processing data.

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 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 to minimise environmental impact
research published data
read labels
record field data
communicate with fellow team members
calibrate chemical application equipment
measure quantities, area and distance and time.

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
Ideas and information will be communicated both in writing and verbally. Data will need to be recorded as part of the workers contribution towards the assessment of a tree, and again to record treatments given as part of the treatment program. Some enterprises may request this to also be done in a verbal report. Selection of treatment methods and confirmation of treatment program requirements are most likely to be discussed with others in the work team. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Information on stressed material specimens, species characteristics and treatments required should be collected, researched and discussed with other members of the work team. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Daily work activities carried out by individuals and team members, worker safety systems, program requirements and timeframes should be arranged before and during work periods. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Implementing a maintenance program may involve working with other members of a team to complete the program. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Mathematical techniques may be applied when calibrating chemical application equipment, measuring quantities, area, distance and time. (1)

Solving problems
Problems relating to tree health, workplace safety, tools and equipment, team members, environmental issues and interruption of program due to inclement weather may require problem-solving. (3)

Using technology
Equipment may be used to measure tree health, the Internet may be used for research into species specific information, data relating to tree health or chemical usage, and a database or spreadsheet may be used to record information about the tree and the maintenance program. (2)