Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 4:00 PM AWST
22/07/2026 4:00 PM 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.
Perform above ground pruning
Perform above ground pruning
Unit of competency
National Code
AHCARB203A
AHCARB203A
State Code
D6650
D6650
TGA Status
Deleted
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Deleted
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
14/02/2014
Field of Education
050301 - Horticulture
Original Release Date
14/02/2014
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit covers the process of aerial pruning of ornamental trees and shrubs and defines the standard required to: carry out pre-operational and safety checks; identify and report site and tree hazards and implement risk controls for pruning; climb using documented safe work methods; perform pruning to AS4373 - 2007 Pruning of amenity trees; drop pruned material safely; record pruning activities.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for pruning operations
- 1.1. Pruning instructions are obtained and confirmed from supervisor.
- 1.2. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risks assessed and reported to the supervisor.
- 1.3. Tools and equipment are selected that are appropriate to the task being undertaken.
- 1.4. Pre-operational and safety checks are carried out on pruning tools and equipment, according to manufacturer's specifications and work procedures.
- 1.5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required for above ground pruning is selected and used.
2. Perform remedial and corrective pruning of trees
- 2.1. Safety harness is fitted and adjusted according to manufacturer's guidelines and workplace safety requirements.
- 2.2. Ascent to a given position for the pruning operation is achieved using communication and signage techniques according to enterprise requirements.
- 2.3. Tools are used to perform remedial and corrective pruning operations according to supervisor's instructions.
- 2.4. Pruning operations are carried out according to strict OHS requirements, and industry codes of practice and AS4373 - 2007 Pruning of amenity trees.
- 2.5. Pruning material is dropped in a safe manner into designated drop zone and may include the use of ropes.
- 2.6. Descent at the conclusion of the pruning operation is completed in accordance with industry safe work standards.
3. Complete pruning operations
- 3.1. Tools and equipment are cleaned, maintained and stored according to manufacturer's specifications and enterprise Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- 3.2. Pruned material is collected and disposed of and/or recycled in a manner that causes minimal damage to the environment.
- 3.3. Workplace records are maintained according to enterprise guidelines.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Trees may include:
all species of trees and woody tree like vegetation forms.
Pruning may include:
formative or corrective pruning and may be divided into the areas of:
crown cleaning
crown thinning
crown reduction
crown lifting
crown renewal.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Trees may include:
all species of trees and woody tree like vegetation forms.
Pruning may include:
formative or corrective pruning and may be divided into the areas of:
crown cleaning
crown thinning
crown reduction
crown lifting
crown renewal.
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 pre-operational and safety checks
identify and report hazards, and implement risk controls for pruning
climb using documented safe work methods
perform remedial and corrective pruning to AS4373 - 2007 Pruning of amenity trees
drop pruned material safely
record pruning activities.
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.
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 pre-operational and safety checks
identify and report hazards, and implement risk controls for pruning
climb using documented safe work methods
perform remedial and corrective pruning to AS4373 - 2007 Pruning of amenity trees
drop pruned material safely
record pruning activities.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| S3341 | RTF2009A | Perform above ground pruning | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J792 | AHC20513 | Certificate II in Arboriculture | Qualification |
| D455 | AHC20510 | Certificate II in Arboriculture | Qualification |
| D454 | AHC20410 | Certificate II in Horticulture | Qualification |