Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 2:30 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Undertake complex tree climbing

Undertake complex tree climbing

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCARB307A
State Code
D6661
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
10/06/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
04/08/2014
Field of Education
050301 - Horticulture
Original Release Date
04/08/2014
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit covers tree climbing and rigging associated with tree operations such as tree pruning and tree removal in complex situations and defines the standard required to: carry out and record pre-operational and safety checks; conduct a site and tree hazard identification and risk control assessment; inspect a tree and determine safest and best work method using risk controls established; select, inspect and prepare ropes, harnesses and other equipment associated with climbing trees; safely climb/ascend and descend large, hazardous and complex trees using a number of anchor points; climb using documented low risk work methods; inspect for faults and store ropes, harnesses and other climbing and safety equipment and replace if worn or faulty; practice an aerial rescue and document the hazards identified and the risk controls selected.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for climbing and tree operations
  • 1.1. Team members are informed of their role and duties in the climbing and tree operations.
  • 1.2. Ropes are selected according to industry specifications and required tree works.
  • 1.3. Ropes are assessed prior to use with damaged and faulty ropes discarded according to enterprise policy.
  • 1.4. Appropriate climbing tools and equipment are selected.
  • 1.5. Ropes, tools and equipment are checked.
  • 1.6. Tree is inspected for safe ascension route.
2. Ascend and descend from trees
  • 2.1. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified risks assessed and appropriate controls are documented and implemented.
  • 2.2. Personal protective and safety equipment is used and adjusted.
  • 2.3. Trees are ascended using appropriate techniques and equipment.
  • 2.4. Safe anchor points are selected according to strength and suitability requirements.
  • 2.5. Tree is descended in a controlled manner according to industry practice.
3. Undertake tree operations
  • 3.1. Required tree operations are carried out according to treatment plans, work procedures and rigging techniques.
  • 3.2. Load is balanced, tensioned and lowered in a staged controlled manner using appropriate cranage points according to safe work practices, branch weight and rope characteristics.
  • 3.3. Staff are communicated with during operations, as required, verbally and by hand signals.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Situations may include:
complex tree climbing incorporates situations made hazardous by tree branches vulnerable to failure under a load
trees affected by decay, disease and/or pests, trees with embedded objects such as wire, nails or spikes
proximity of power lines
adjacent property or intruding branches
the tree's height, size, trunk characteristics, shape and weight distribution of the crown may contribute to making conditions hazardous to a climber or a felling or trimming operation
inclement weather may also contribute to making working conditions difficult and hazardous.
Climbing tools and equipment may include:
ropes
safety harnesses
ascending and descending devices
ladders
safety equipment (helmets, ear and eye protection, gloves, boots, etc.)
pulleys and blocks
shackles and karabiners.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:
carry out and record pre-operational and safety checks
conduct a site and tree hazard identification and risk control assessment
inspect a tree and determine safest and best work method using risk controls established
select, inspect and prepare ropes, harnesses and other equipment associated with climbing trees
safely climb, ascend and descend large, hazardous and complex trees using a number of anchor points
climb using documented safe work methods
inspect for faults and store ropes, harnesses and other climbing and safety equipment and replace if worn or faulty.
document the hazards identified and the risk controls selected.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
S3377 RTF3031A Undertake complex tree climbing Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BAN54 AHCARB307 Use advanced climbing techniques Unit of competency