Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:04 AM AWST

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Perform a ground-based tree defect evaluation

Perform a ground-based tree defect evaluation

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCARB403
State Code
BAO26
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
27/06/2016
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/01/2017
Field of Education
050301 - Horticulture
Original Release Date
12/01/2017
Nominal Hours
90
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to examine trees from the ground in order to evaluate the increased likelihood of failure of trees or tree parts.This unit applies to individuals who supervise others and provide and communicate solutions to a range of predictable and sometimes unpredictable problems. Work is implemented with low risk work procedures and to comply with Safe Work Method documentation.Licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit in some states and territories at the time of publication, and may differ according to jurisdiction. Specific determination should be sought through the relevant State or Territory. Works involving this unit of competency may be subject to local tree protection and preservation laws, the relevant content of applicable Australian Standards and Safe Australia Code of Practice.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Determine evaluation requirements
  • 1.1 Confirm trees to be evaluated in accordance with client brief
  • 1.2 Undertake a site-specific risk assessment by identifying work health and safety hazards and assessing risk
  • 1.3 Determine targets that need to be considered
  • 1.4 Determine tree hazard benchmarks appropriate for project
  • 1.5 Record and implement work health, safety, site, environmental and traffic control measures
2. Examine visual tree indicators
  • 2.1 Inspect tree from ground
  • 2.2 Determine tree health
  • 2.3 Examine tree anatomy and morphology for past failures
  • 2.4 Examine tree for outwardly apparent defects
  • 2.5 Examine tree for visual indicators of concealed defects
  • 2.6 Examine tree for visual indicators of disease leading to structural failure
  • 2.7 Examine tree for visual indicators of organisms causing damage leading to structural failure
  • 2.8 Determine if failure is likely to result in target being impacted
3. Undertake basic testing
  • 3.1 Sound for cavities suggested by openings and visual indicators
  • 3.2 Probe any accessible cavities and openings
  • 3.3 Expose root crown where required
  • 3.4 Remove loose bark where appropriate
  • 3.5 Determine whether tree or tree parts are a hazard in accordance with benchmarks
4. Record tree attribute and indicators
  • 4.1 Photograph and record tree species and site of tree
  • 4.2 Record the health and approximate dimensions of the tree
  • 4.3 Record and photograph the defects and visual indicators
  • 4.4 Describe, illustrate and indicate on image or device, the approximate location on the tree
  • 4.5 Record approximate dimensions of affected tree part and defect
  • 4.6 Record results of evaluation
5. Mitigate risk and document actions
  • 5.1 Advise client immediately of evaluation, where a tree poses an imminent threat
  • 5.2 Take action as instructed in accordance with work place policies and client brief
  • 5.3 Isolate the tree or move target as instructed in accordance with work place policies and client brief
  • 5.4 Document immediate actions taken
6. Document and report hazards and recommendations
  • 6.1 Compile hazard evaluation documentation
  • 6.2 Recommend further action of including aerial inspection and load testing or seek further advice from a consulting arborist
  • 6.3 Determine and document any tree work required to mitigate risks
  • 6.4 Submit tree hazard evaluation report to client or employer
No information
No information
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OBV51 AHCARB408 Perform a ground-based tree defect evaluation Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BCZ3 AHC50516 Diploma of Arboriculture Qualification
BCX9 AHC41916 Certificate IV in Arboriculture Qualification