Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:14 AM AWST

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Stabilise and remove trees during emergency incidents

Stabilise and remove trees during emergency incidents

Unit of competency
National Code
PUASES003
State Code
OCR90
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
18/12/2020
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
18/03/2021
Field of Education
050501 - Forestry Studies
Original Release Date
18/03/2021
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to safely remove or stabilise trees when they have been affected by an emergency incident. It applies to trees that have been impacted by an emergency incident which present an unacceptable risk to residents, emergency personnel, utilities, the environment and/or structures.Tree removal can be undertaken using chainsaws and/or hand tools during emergency incidents. In removing trees, it is essential that safe systems of work to eliminate or minimise risk are implemented. Tree felling licensing and/or certification requirements may apply in some jurisdictions. The unit is applicable to emergency services personnel and volunteers who are required, under the direction of a crew leader, to remove trees that are no longer safe. It includes establishing operational management of work zones, determining the order of tree removal, removing trees and concluding tree removal operations.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Establish operational management of work zone
  • 1.1 Confirm adherence to work zones identified in work plan
  • 1.2 Verify entry and exit routes for work zone where tree removal operations will take place
  • 1.3 Brief crew members on plan of attack for chain saw and/or hand tool operations
  • 1.4 Review communication methods and tools including hand signals to be used in the work zone
  • 1.5 Ensure safety and evacuation plan for injured personnel is established
  • 1.6 Ensure personal protective clothing and equipment is used, in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 1.7 Crew members are asked to confirm their capability for tree removal tasks
  • 1.8 Check and maintain equipment, including chainsaw, in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations
2 Prepare to commence cutting plan
  • 2.1 Assess requirements for additional equipment and tools
  • 2.2 Assess each tree to determine the order for stabilisation and/or removal work
  • 2.3 Stabilise trees, as required
  • 2.4 Develop plan for a sequence of cuts for tree removal
  • 2.5 Review compression forces at the location of the proposed cuts
  • 2.6 Determine effects and consequences of proposed cuts
  • 2.7 Make adjustments to the cutting plan, as required
3 Remove trees
  • 3.1 Implement cutting plan, in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 3.2 Undertake dynamic and ongoing risk assessment, in accordance with organisational procedures, throughout cutting activities
  • 3.3 Communicate changes to cutting activities to crew members within the work zone
  • 3.4 Make adjustments to the cutting and safety plan, as required
  • 3.5 Monitor hydration and fatigue level, in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 3.6 Monitor tree operations equipment and personal safety, in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 3.7 Clear working area for tree removal operations of debris, in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 3.8 Review environmental hazards and risk control measures, as required
4 Conclude tree removal operations
  • 4.1 Conclude tree removal operations and recover equipment, in accordance with organisational procedures
  • 4.2 Complete and submit organisational documentation to conclude tree removal operations
  • 4.3 Provide a final report to the crew leader, in accordance with organisational procedures
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State Code National Code Title Type
BGF4 PUA30420 Certificate III in Public Safety (SES Rescue) Qualification
AE419 PUASS00094 Tree Operations Skill set