Elements and Performance Criteria

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

What trees are likely to be included in a pruning program?
Any tree that can be accessed by a ladder, the use of ropes or an elevated platform may be included in a pruning program.

What pruning requirements may be included in a pruning program?
Requirements may include size, light, shape, aesthetics, competition, density, structures, growth re-direction, modification of flowering or fruiting behaviour, removal of diseased, broken or damaged material, sight lines, habit and form.

What OHS hazards are likely to be associated with tree pruning?
Hazards may include solar radiation, dust, noise, and damp conditions, sharp/blunt pruning tools and equipment, moving machinery, slopes, water, rock, undergrowth, slash, depressions/holes, falling branches and debris, tangled ropes, power lines, power surges, interruption or disturbance of electricity supply, placement of ladders, climbing ladders, ladder instability and loss of balance.

What suitable controls are likely to be implemented to minimise OHS hazards?
Suitable controls may include personal protective clothing and equipment such as rubber soled/leather boots, cut resistant trousers, gloves, helmets, goggles, safety harnesses, sun hats, hearing protection, face shields and sunscreen lotion; signage and barriers, approved ladders and ropes, safe operation and maintenance of machinery and equipment, safe procedures for working outdoors, correct manual handling techniques, and basic first aid training.

What pruning tools and equipment are likely to be used?
Pruning tools and equipment may include pruners, jacksaws, handsaws, chainsaws, pole saws pouches, steps, epicormic removers, secateurs, chippers and mulchers.

What climbing equipment and machinery is likely to be used?
Climbing equipment and machinery may include ladders, climbing gear such as ropes and harnesses, elevated platforms and cherry pickers.

What pruning techniques are likely to be utilised in a pruning program?
Pruning techniques may include cleaning out, crown lifting, crown reduction, structural integrity, crown renewal, crown thinning, dead wooding, hedging, branch, epicormic and green shoot removal.

How might a pruning program be implemented so no damage occurs to equipment, property or personnel?
Implementation may involve inspecting overhead obstructions that may interfere with pruning works, lowering of branches on ropes, securing a tail line and tracking progress of the rope during a climbers ascent and descent, ensuring climbers ropes to the ground are clear of obstacles, monitoring climber progress and safety, sending up tools and equipment using ropes, and communicating with above ground workers both verbally and through hand signals.

What legislation and/or regulations may be relevant to a pruning program?
Legislation and/or regulations may include National, State and local government legislation and regulations such as the Environmental Protection Act and Australian Standards for Pruning of Amenity Trees AS4373: 1996, or area specific tree preservation orders, and significant tree registers and/or legislation.

How might a site be cleared and cleaned after a pruning program?
Clearing and cleaning a site may include the removal of all debris and rubbish, replacing and levelling soil that is disturbed, re-planting or repairing grassed areas and dead, dying or damaged plants, reinstating or repairing damaged or removed structures such as fences and pergolas, and sweeping and/or hosing down paths and pavements to remove soil and surface materials.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?Competence in implementing a tree pruning program requires evidence that a person can prepare for tree pruning, implement tree pruning and assess the quality of pruning in accordance with an established pruning program.The skills and knowledge required to implement a tree pruning program must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, this could include different trees, pruning requirements and work locations.
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:

identification of tree species and their pruning requirements
CODIT and target pruning techniques
principles and methods of pruning to achieve given objectives
relevant legislation and/or regulations that may impact on a tree pruning program
effect on plant growth and habit after pruning
rope types and uses
elevated work platform operations.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These skills are:

communicate orally and using hand signals with other site personnel to share relevant workplace information and to ensure effective and safe pruning
recognise common diseases, pests and nutrition deficiencies in trees
sharpen and maintain tools required for pruning
store and carry tools safely
use appropriate pruning techniques to meet pruning program requirements
conduct operations in such a way that no damage occurs to equipment, property, environment, trees or personnel.

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
Communication of ideas and information may be applied when instructing site personnel of the requirements of the pruning program. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Information from an established pruning program may need to be interpreted, analysed and organised to ensure the pruning program is carried out efficiently and safely. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Activities may need to be planned and organised according to local climatic conditions. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Team work may need to be applied when operating climbing equipment and machinery. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Mathematical techniques may need to be applied when calculating the extent of a pruning program. (2)

Solving problems
Problem-solving skills may need to be applied in the event of machinery and equipment failure, and dealing with branches that are difficult to prune. (2)

Using technology
The use of technology may be applied in the operation of elevated platforms and powered pruning equipment. (2)