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 particular training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available.

What OHS hazards may be relevant to above ground pruning operations?
Hazards may include working at heights, using sharp hand and power tools, falling debris, tangled ropes, power lines, moving machinery and noise.

What tools and equipment may be relevant to this standard?

Tools and equipment may include handsaws, secateurs, ropes, powered pruning equipment, ladders, and small chainsaws, rigging equipment, EWP, trailers and trucks.

What personal protective equipment may be needed to carry out above ground pruning operations?
Personal protective equipment may include boots, overalls, gloves, helmets, goggles, safety harnesses, hearing protection, face shields.

What type of above ground pruning may be required?

Above ground pruning operations may include formative or corrective pruning and may be divided into the areas of crown cleaning, crown thinning, crown reduction, crown lifting or crown renewal.

What OHS requirements should be employed in the pruning process?
OHS requirements may include cleaning and storing of equipment, appropriate use of protective clothing and equipment, safe operation of machinery and equipment, basic first aid, identifying and reporting problems to supervisors.

How may pruning materials be disposed of and/or recycled?
Pruning material may be gathered and placed in trailers or trucks for removal to rubbish dumps or put through a chipper and recycled.

What workplace records may apply to this standard?
Workplace records may include date, type of pruning carried out, time spent on operations.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?Competence in performing above ground pruning requires evidence that a person can utilise safe work practices when preparing for pruning operations and demonstrate appropriate selection of pruning requirements, pruning methods and techniques including remedial and corrective pruning of trees and maintenance of a clean and safe work environment.The skills and knowledge required to perform above ground pruning must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, this could include different tree species, locations, enterprises and seasonal conditions.
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:

the Australian Standard AS4373 Amenity Tree Pruning
the procedures to be followed for safe use of controlled ascending and descending devices
factors affecting the timing and method of tree or shrub pruning
basic tree structure and how they grow
employees OHS responsibilities when carrying out above ground pruning
the effect of adverse climatic conditions (e.g., rain, hail, wind or very high temperatures), which may prevent or impede above ground pruning 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 directions and communicate with fellow team members
calculate heights and safe working loads
dispose of plant debris in an environmentally aware and sensitive manner
minimise noise, dust, and high activity vehicle traffic to prevent nuisance-level environmental disturbance.

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 and hazards encountered, should be communicated with the supervisor. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Information about above ground pruning operations such as site location and pruning techniques and equipment to be used, should be discussed with the supervisor. (1)

Planning and organising activities
Pre-operational checks on tools, equipment and materials, as well as organisation of work schedules should be arranged before pruning begins. (1)

Working with others and in teams
Pruning may involve working with other members of a team to complete pruning operations. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Mathematical techniques may be applied when calculating heights and safe working loads. (1)

Solving problems
Problems relating to pruning techniques, tools and equipment, interruption in pruning program and workplace safety, including working in confined spaces above ground level, may require problem solving. (1)

Using technology
Technology such as elevated work platforms and powered pruning equipment may be used in pruning operations. (1)