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

What site conditions may require assessing?
Site conditions may include size, position, accessibility and health of tree. Conditions may also include soil types, moisture content, pH levels, salinity, texture, compaction, aspect, pollutants, toxicity, climate, buildings, road works and shade.

What activities/circum-stances with the potential to harm trees may be identified?
Activities/circumstances may include engineering operations associated with adjacent constructions, vandalism, the presence of people, animals, pests and disease, pollutants in soil, water or air, mechanical damage and chemical damage, climatic conditions unfavourable to the species, volume and type of traffic, proneness to flooding, and bushfire or ground instability.

What OHS requirements may need to be included in the tree protection program?
These may include procedures for handling, transporting, storing and disposing of chemicals and fertilisers, safe operation and maintenance of machinery and equipment, safe procedures for working outdoors, safe control of traffic, appropriate use of personal protective clothing and equipment, correct manual handling techniques, and basic first aid.

What protection devices may be installed to protect trees?
Protection devices may include tree guards, root barriers, other plantings, soil covering, traffic re-direction, barriers, bunting and flagging, temporary fencing, bollards and vehicle barriers.

What information may be contained in the protection program?
Program may include location and site plans, drawings, equipment requirements, access details, species requirements, installation and construction plans, maintenance requirements, protection methods, personnel requirements, location of services, work schedules, timeframes, budgets, debris disposal procedures, and OHS issues.

The protection program may be communicated to relevant personnel?
These may include people involved in or affected by, the protection operations such as other workers, supervisors, owners, suppliers, clients or the public. Information may be in written or verbal form.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?Competence in planning a tree protection program requires evidence that a person can undertake a site assessment, determine, document and communicate protection program requirements to relevant personnel, and assess and modify the protection program to ensure the ongoing viability of the tree according to client and protection program specifications.The skills and knowledge required to plan a tree protection program must be transferable to a different context. For example, this could include different trees species, protection techniques, situations and enterprise procedures.
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:

effects on trees due to permanent and temporary changes in their environment
principles and techniques relating to the choice and implementation of protection programs
principles of designing customised protection devices
effects of pollutants, vandalism, mechanical damage and physiological attacks on trees
principles and methods of mechanical and chemical damage control
principles and methods relating to protecting trees from human activities.

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:

accurately document protection plans and communicate these plans and instructions to clients and fellow team members
calculate project resources and protection program costs
minimise noise, dust and high activity vehicle traffic to prevent nuisance-level environmental disturbance
work in chemical, toxic or hazardous areas
dispose of chemical substances and their containers to minimise environmental impact
dispose of plant and equipment debris in an environmentally aware and sensitive manner, such as sorting plant and paper-based waste for recycling.

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 relating to the job such as protection methods, devices, appropriate tools and equipment, and any hazards encountered should be discussed with other members of the work team.
Costs, timeframes, methods and completion of protection program should be communicated with the client. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
A visual inspection of the site may reveal site characteristics, site access, size of the tree and potential threats, which should be discussed with other members of the work team. Information and ideas on protection techniques, methods and requirements, worker safety systems and work schedules, should also be discussed with the work team. (3)

Planning and organising activities
Daily work activities carried out by individuals and team members, tools and equipment, project timeframes and work schedules should be arranged before and during work periods. (3)

Working with others and in teams
Planning a tree protection program may involve working with other members of a team to complete and achieve the program outcomes. (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Mathematical concepts may be used to calculate project resources and costs. (3)

Solving problems
Problems relating to site conditions, site access, protection program and methods, workplace safety, tools and equipment, team members, inclement weather, hazardous situations and environmental issues, may require problem solving. (3)

Using technology
Technology may be used to record, store and communicate information relating to the tree protection program. Site plans may be drawn up on map. Technology, such as satellite imagery may be used in site assessment. (3)