Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.
Machine may include:
bulldozer
excavator
front end loader
and must be fitted with
falling object protection systems (FOPS)
roll over protection systems (ROPS)
Safe procedures may include:
ensuring FOPS and ROPS are correctly fitted and used
applying safe work practices
assistance to vehicles and personnel working with machines
communication with fire control line supervisors and support vehicles
maintenance of contact and cooperation with support vehicles
position in relation to live fire edge and fire intensity
survival techniques in burn over situations
wearing appropriate personal protective equipment
wearing seatbelts in the cabin
working within the limits of machine capability
Assessment of trees must include:
entangled crowns
fire burning in the tree
faults
growth characteristics and stresses
hanging and insecure limbs
hollows
lean of tree
multi leaders
potential for ‘domino’ effect
size of tree
slope of land
soundness of timber
species
weight distribution
Topographical and vegetation factors may include:
density and condition of vegetation
proximity to and crossing of, drainage lines and creeks
rockiness of terrain
size, condition and proximity of hazardous trees
soil type
steepness of terrain
Environmental factors may include:

presence of or sensitivity to, environmental diseases or weeds that may be spread by machines
presence of species sensitive to disturbance
protection of flora and fauna habitat
reference/research areas
rock outcrops and caves
soil disturbance and erosion
water quality
Cultural and heritage factors may include:

aboriginal sites
historic sites
structures and earthworks
Sought and gained may include:
notifying supervisor of selected tree/s
confirming permission to push tree/s
confirming tasks are approved in incident action plan
Hazards may include:
buildings and other structures
falling trees and branches
heat, dust, smoke
hot ash
power lines
roads
rock outcrops and caves
Ground preparation may include:
clearing escape route
clearing vegetation and obstacles (such as logs, rocks) around tree
creating ramp for pushing
ripping or severing roots of tree to be pushed
Safe tree pushing practices must include:
avoiding obstacles such as tree roots and rocks rising as a result of the tree falling
direction of approach relative to proposed direction of fall
minimum and gradual power application to effect tree fall
not rocking tree
awareness of point of contact with machine
use of blade and/or tree arm for optimal leverage
Rehabilitation works may include:

breaking up heaps and levelling mounds
removing material from creek and drainage lines
filling in stump holes

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to:
maintain effective cooperation with support personnel and vehicles
push trees in support of fire operations
communicate effectively with supervisor and other members of the team
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated over time; some performance criteria may be performed in a simulated wildfire environment.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competency should be assessed in an operational environment or in a field-based simulated environment; Element 3 should be assessed in a forest environment.
Specific resources for assessment
Access is required to:
trees requiring pushing
machinery
communications equipment
support personnel
Method of assessment
Assessment should be conducted by direct observation in either the workplace (through recorded subject matter supervision and/or mentoring) or the training environment.
Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:
direct observation
interviewing the candidate
journals and workplace documentation
third party reports from supervisors
written or oral questions