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.

In what situations may trees require protection?
Protection devices are installed for the following situations: construction, vandals, animals, vermin, pollution, chemical, mechanical, insects, waterlogging and weeds. Type and extent of protection required may be influenced by site conditions, tree size, aesthetics, duration of program, expected threats, cost and significance of tree.

What protection methods may be installed to protect trees?
Protection methods may include installation of fences, tree guards, tree plantings, barriers, retaining walls, and soil coverings. It may also include erection of signs and bunting, and traffic re-direction.

What work procedures are appropriate for this standard?
These may include tree protection plans and specifications, site and location plans, manufacturers guidelines, client instructions, work schedules, waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines, company standard operating procedures (SOP), and OHS procedures.

What OHS controls may be relevant to this standard?
These may include procedures for handling, transporting, storing and disposing of chemicals and fertilisers, safe operation and maintenance of machinery and equipment, safe control of traffic, safe procedures for working outdoors, appropriate use of PPE, and correct manual handling techniques.

What environmental implications may be relevant to implementing a tree protection program?
Detrimental environmental implications may include effect of dust and noise, spread of pests and diseases, disposal of waste soil and debris, risk of chemical spillage, fertiliser and chemicals flowing into drains and water sources, and damage to flora and fauna. Ensuring that the health of trees is not compromised by external factors means that the trees are available for the purpose intended, for example, shade, shelter, aesthetic value, habitat to native fauna, effect on water table, etc.

What resources that may need to be considered as part of the implementation of the tree protection program?
Resources required may include the type and level of skill, number of personnel, protection devices or materials to construct them, tools and equipment, time, transport, traffic control devices, safety barriers and signage.

What contingencies may occur during a tree protection program?
Contingencies may include inclement weather, supply of materials/devices not reliable, tools, equipment breakdown, human resource issues, and unexpected traffic movement.

What communications (to appropriate personnel) might be applicable?
Communications may be written or verbal and be directed to supervisor, management and/or client. It may also include information directed to work team members, and communicating with other contractors on work sites.

What PPE may be relevant to this standard?
Equipment may include boots, overalls, gloves, goggles, hearing protection, sun hats and sunscreen lotion.

What tools, equipment and materials may be used in the protection program?
Tools and equipment may include digging equipment, carpentry tools, traffic control devices, fencing materials, tree guards, tree plantings and barriers.

What information relating to tree protection is recorded?
Information recorded may include date and description of protection device, 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 protection program requires evidence that a person can determine the protection requirements of trees, set out a site according to the requirements of the protection program, construct protective devices appropriate to the needs of the tree, and monitor the protection program.The skills and knowledge required to implement a tree protection program must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, this could include different tree species, protection approaches and programs, and enterprises.
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:

protection requirements in relation to tree species, position, location and potential threats
principles of evaluating the effect of damage to trees during construction programs
environmental factors that may affect individual and plantation trees
improvements to tree health that can be achieved through modifying environmental influences
principles, regulations and practices relating to restricting access
AS1742 Pt 3 1985 - Australian Standard Code of Practice, Work Site Traffic Management
industry codes of practice
specifications and construction methods when installing protection devices.

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:

build protection devices
recognise healthy/stressed and damaged trees
participate in a team working situation
work in chemical, toxic or hazardous areas
dispose of chemical substances and their containers to minimise environmental impact
disposal of plant and equipment debris in an environmentally aware and sensitive manner, such as sorting plant and paper-based waste for recycling
minimise noise, dust, high activity vehicle traffic and water run-off to prevent nuisance-level environmental disturbance
read protection plans
interpret site maps
read chemical labels
interpret and communicate instructions with fellow team members
estimate and calculate program requirements
construct and install protection devices.

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
Information about specific tasks associated with the job such as protection methods, appropriate tools and equipment, and hazards encountered should be discussed with work colleagues.
Estimated completion dates, costs, timeframes and methods should be communicated with suppliers, clients and end users. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
A visual inspection of the site may reveal site characteristics, site access, size of the tree, potential threats and environmental factors, which should be discussed with other members of the work team. Information and ideas on protection techniques, methods and requirements, worker safety systems and work schedules should also be discussed with the work team. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Daily work activities carried out by individuals and team members, and project timeframes should be arranged before and during work periods to ensure the protection program is completed on time. (3)

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

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Mathematical techniques may be applied when estimating and calculating project resources and costs. (3)

Solving problems
Problems relating to site conditions, site access, protection program and methods, workplace safety, tools and equipment, team members, inclement weather and environmental issues may require problem-solving. (3)

Using technology
Technology such as arboricultural tools, equipment and materials may be used in the tree protection program. Records may be kept in electronic files. (2)