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 might be included in a cable and bracing plan?
A cable and bracing plan may include methods to cause minimal stress to the tree in accordance with compartmentalisation of decay in trees (CODIT) principles, it may include pruning requirements, the quantity of cable and bracing materials required, appropriate tools and equipment, OHS requirements, and any legislation or regulations that may need to be observed.

What tools and equipment are likely to be used when installing cable and bracing?
Tools and equipment may include ladders, ropes, pruning shears, secateurs, garden saws, clippers, hammers, wrenches, spanners and a safety harness.

What OHS hazards are likely to be associated with installing cable and bracing?
OHS hazards may include access, overhead services and utilities, space and height factors, position, angle, shape and condition of the tree.

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 boots and a safety harness, signage and barriers, first aid kit, and approved ladders and ropes.

Where are trees requiring cable and bracing likely to be located?
Trees may be located in parks, streetscapes, domestic environments, on farms or other rural properties, lining roads and highways, in established plantations and forests, or commercial enterprises.

What are the likely benefits of further pruning?
Further pruning may improve size, access to light, general clearances, sight lines, aesthetics, competition, structure, shape, density and growth re-direction, it may modify flowering/fruiting behaviour and minimise the possibility of further damage or decay.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?Competence in installing cable and bracing requires evidence that a cable and bracing plan can be interpreted, a pruning program implemented, and cable and bracing installed according to the provided plan.The skills and knowledge required to install cable and bracing must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, if cable and bracing can be installed in a relatively small backyard tree, the same principles can be applied to a large tree in parklands.
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:

pruning techniques
CODIT principles
OHS issues in relation to working in hazardous situations with trees
cable and bracing and the way an individual tree will respond
different types of trees and their structures.

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:

climb and manage heights
read and interpret plans
communicate information to other work team members regarding proposed cable and bracing plans
identify OHS hazards in relation to specific trees and situations.

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 informing work team members of the cable and bracing plan. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Information regarding the materials required for cable and bracing may need to be collected, analysed and organised. (1)

Planning and organising activities
Activities may need to be planned and organised to minimise OHS hazards. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Team work may need to be applied to cable and brace weakened tree limbs. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Mathematical ideas and techniques may need to be applied when measuring lengths of cable. (2)

Solving problems
Problem-solving skills may need to be applied when assessing what further pruning may be required after cable and bracing is installed. (2)

Using technology
The use of technology may be applied to brace tree limbs. (2)