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 work procedures may be appropriate for this standard?
These may include supervisors instructions, manufacturers guidelines, verbal or written plans and specifications, diagrams, work schedules, enterprise standard operating procedures (SOPs), waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines and OHS procedures.

What OHS hazards may be identified in the work area?
Hazards may include solar radiation, dust, noise, pests and diseases, uneven surfaces, holes and poorly or inadequately maintained tools and equipment. Public safety may be a concern if site is a public area.

What PPE may be needed when installing tree protection devices?
PPE may include boots, overalls, gloves, goggles, sun hats and sunscreen lotion and PPE associated with tools and machinery used.

What tools and equipment are used when installing tree protection devices?
Tools and equipment may include digging equipment, carpentry tools, traffic control devices, fencing materials, tree guards, tree plantings and barriers.

What enterprise OHS requirements may be relevant to this standard?
OHS requirements may include appropriate use of personal protective clothing and equipment, safe procedures for working outdoors, safe operation of machinery and equipment, correct manual handling techniques, and recognising and reporting problems to the supervisor.

What protection devices may be installed to protect trees?
Protection devices may include fences, tree guards, barriers, retaining walls, soil coverings, and bunting and traffic re-direction.

What tasks may be undertaken to maintain a clean and safe area?
Tasks may include cleaning away (stacking or storing neatly) debris and equipment, and cleaning tools and equipment after use.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?Competence in protecting trees requires evidence that a person can demonstrate the selection, construction, installation and checking of protective devices and methods used. They should be able to select, use and clean tools and machinery with safety and identify and report problems with the protection program to the supervisor.The skills and knowledge required to protect trees must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, this could include different protection devices, construction sites and tree species.
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:

potential damage to trees during construction work i.e. compaction, direct physical damage to trunk and crown, roots, soil contamination, changes in soil properties, environmental damage
AS1742 Pt 3 1985 - Australian Standard Code of Practice, Work Site Traffic Management (if involved in traffic control)
principles and techniques relating to the choice of tools and equipment for installing tree protection devices
techniques for assembling or constructing a range of tree protection devices
techniques and application of a range of tree protection devices suitable to the requirements of the species
care and maintenance of trees during protection operations.

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:

interpret site maps and tree protection plans
operate equipment such as digging equipment, traffic control devices
assemble or build protection devices
read and interpret site maps and protection plans including a range of graphic symbols
follow directions for the construction or assembly of protection devices
follow supervisors instructions
record or report workplace outcomes
measure materials used in construction and assembly
calculate quantities and area
measure and estimate height, depth and distance.

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 work completion, protection techniques employed and hazards encountered should be discussed with other team members and the supervisor. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Information about tree protection activities such as tree species and appropriate protection devices should be discussed with the supervisor and work team members. (1)

Planning and organising activities
Equipment and materials used in the protection program should be established and organised on site before protection work begins. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Protecting trees may involve working with other members of a team to complete the protection program. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Mathematical techniques may be used for measuring materials for construction or assembly, counting quantities or calculating areas or distances. (2)

Solving problems
Problems relating to protection techniques, devices, the protection area, tools and equipment, workplace safety, other team members, environmental issues and interruption of protection program may require problem-solving. (2)

Using technology
Technology such as horticultural hand tools and equipment may be used in protection operations. (1)