Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:01 PM AWST
22/07/2026 8:01 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.
Remove trees in confined spaces
Remove trees in confined spaces
Unit of competency
National Code
AHCARB305A
AHCARB305A
State Code
D6659
D6659
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
05/12/2011
Field of Education
050301 - Horticulture
Original Release Date
05/12/2011
Nominal Hours
25
Description
This unit covers the process of removing trees in confined spaces and in difficult/hazardous circumstances and defines the standard required to: conduct a site and tree hazard identification and risk control assessment; safely climb, ascend and descend a tree; dismantle a tree according to industry practice; use appropriate methods of rigging tree sections for load and balance; and coordinate dismantling operation with team members.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for tree removal
- 1.1. Site and tree hazards are identified, risks assessed and suitable controls implemented.
- 1.2. Tree is inspected to ensure the appropriate removal method is planned that confirms the risk controls selected and is in accordance with the documented low risk work methods.
- 1.3. Access to site is determined and approved by owner/site management.
- 1.4. Site preparations include notification of local residents and authorities where necessary.
- 1.5. Signage, barriers, warning devices and traffic management equipment are erected as necessary.
- 1.6. The drop zone is determined and communicated to all personnel.
- 1.7. Assets, property and vegetation related to work zone activities are protected, relocated, and/or secured from potential damage during tree removal.
- 1.8. Tools, equipment and machinery necessary to implement tree removal are selected, prepared, checked and used according to documented guidelines and manufacturer recommendations.
2. Implement dismantling of trees
- 2.1. Suspended, wind thrown or damaged trees are stabilised to ensure trunk movement does not occur, and are brought down safely and efficiently according to documented low risk work methods.
- 2.2. Mass of tree sections is calculated and does not exceed the safe working limit of equipment.
- 2.3. Branches and trunk sections are dismantled using the 'cut and drop' method, and cut and lowered by ropes and other lowering devices according to documented low risk work methods.
- 2.4. Dismantling techniques are employed to ensure branches and trunk sections fall or are lowered safely into the determined drop zone, with no damage to property and equipment or injury to personnel.
- 2.5. Directional felling techniques are employed to ensure trunk of dismantled tree falls safely into the determined drop zone with no damage to property and equipment or injury to personnel.
- 2.6. Friction devices are used and controlled where required by documented low risk work methods.
- 2.7. Elevated work platforms are used and controlled where required by documented low risk work methods.
3. Complete tree removal
- 3.1. Felled trunks are trimmed to manoeuvrable lengths without injury to the operator.
- 3.2. Sufficient material is removed from the stump to prevent re-growth and/or the stump is treated to prevent regrowth.
- 3.3. Plant material and debris is processed and removed from site according to documented guidelines.
- 3.4. Tools, equipment and machinery are cleaned, checked, replaced if faulty or worn, and stored according to documented guidelines and manufacturer recommendations.
- 3.5. Completed tree removal is recorded and communicated to management and/or the client.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Dismantling may involve:
the use of elevated platforms or tree climbers
cutting sections of branches and trunks and throwing them into a drop zone
lowering branches and trunk sections to ground level using ropes
NB: tree dismantling may be employed where a tree is too high or wide, or directly above a target.
Felling may be employed where:
a tree can be felled without damaging or getting hung up in another tree
causing damage to a target (e.g. a building)
in a confined situation this may entail the rigging of 'head' and 'stay' ropes to keep positive control of the felled tree and to ensure it lands into its designated drop zone.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Dismantling may involve:
the use of elevated platforms or tree climbers
cutting sections of branches and trunks and throwing them into a drop zone
lowering branches and trunk sections to ground level using ropes
NB: tree dismantling may be employed where a tree is too high or wide, or directly above a target.
Felling may be employed where:
a tree can be felled without damaging or getting hung up in another tree
causing damage to a target (e.g. a building)
in a confined situation this may entail the rigging of 'head' and 'stay' ropes to keep positive control of the felled tree and to ensure it lands into its designated drop zone.
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:
conduct a site and tree hazard identification and risk control assessment
safely climb, ascend and descend a tree
dismantle a tree according to industry practice
use appropriate methods of rigging tree sections for load and balance
coordinate dismantling operation with team members.
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:
conduct a site and tree hazard identification and risk control assessment
safely climb, ascend and descend a tree
dismantle a tree according to industry practice
use appropriate methods of rigging tree sections for load and balance
coordinate dismantling operation with team members.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| S3364 | RTF3019A | Remove trees in confined spaces | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAR99 | AHCARB305 | Dismantle trees | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D474 | AHC30810 | Certificate III in Arboriculture | Qualification |
| D473 | AHC30710 | Certificate III in Horticulture | Qualification |