10001128Arboriculture Lab 1
Course Information
Description
Gain introductory experience in tree pruning, rigging, electrical hazard awareness, aerial rescue, groundwork, and worksite management. Participate as a member of a working crew. Climb trees and work aloft and/or perform ground-related activities. Build teamwork and communication skills.
Total Credits
2
Course Competencies
  1. Create safe work zones and sites (A4)
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    Be aware of traffic safety and control practices (A7)
    Be aware of electrical hazards (A8)
    Interpret hot line markings (A9)
    Work in a manner to avoid damage to property and equipment (A15)
    Identify unsafe working conditions and warn others

  2. Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) specific to the arboriculture industry
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    Wear hiking or work boots, long pants (not ripped) and t-shirt
    Wear safety glasses Z87 compliant
    Wear an approved headset for noise protection
    Follow the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) safety standards as specified by the instructor

  3. Practice chain saw and related equipment maintenance (C1, C2)
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    Inspect safety features (e.g., chain brake, throttle interlock, chain catcher) and functional components (e.g., air filter, spark plug, starter cord) before operation
    Determine chain tension, sharpness, and oil flow are within manufacturer specifications
    Inspect the guide bar
    Identify effective, properly maintained chain saw characteristics
    Identify chain saws in need of sharpening
    Perform hand tool maintenance as specified by the instructor

  4. Tie various knots associated with tree work (E6)
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    Use ropes and rigging hardware
    Categorize knots by their function: End-of-Line Loops, Hitches (for gripping or securing to an object), and Bends (for joining two ropes)
    Demonstrate end-of-line loop knots
    Demonstrate friction hitches (climbing and ascent/descent)
    Demonstrate rigging and attachment hitches

  5. Perform work site set up, maintenance, and clean up duties (B9, B10, C4, F2, C3)
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    Maintain site during equipment operations
    Restore site following equipment operations
    Clean equipment
    Inspect trucks, trailers and equipment

  6. Operate brush chipping and related equipment (B1, B5)
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    Perform pre-operation inspection and setup (readiness, safety, site position, security, PPE compliance)
    Follow the manufacturer's procedure for starting the engine
    Operate equipment per instructor specifications
    Your feeding technique is effective and safe
    You avoid feeding material with foreign objects
    Demonstrate emergency stop if a jam occurs or hazard arises
    Maintain clear visual and verbal communication with a designated spotter, if applicable

  7. Perform chain saw cutting tasks (B6)
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    Start a chain saw using the approved method
    Operate chain saw with both hands
    Use chain saw below shoulder height
    Wear protective clothing and safety glasses
    Cutting tasks are completed per ANSI and instructor specifications

  8. Apply pruning techniques appropriate for specific trees or shrubs (D6)
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    Use most effective pruning technique for the plant’s species, age, and health
    Follow guidelines for foliage removal
    Follow guidelines for overall structure after pruning
    Pruning results meet desired clearance
    Differentiate density, size, and shaping
    Pruning techniques do not harm the trees or shrubs

  9. Work as a team (J2)
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration
    Criteria
    Use common terms specific to arboriculture and ANSI
    Contribute to your assigned communication role
    Use headsets for communication and noise protection
    Maintain a high level of situational awareness when work is in progress (A7)

  10. Communicate with your crew (J6)
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill Demonstration - verbal responses
    Criteria
    Communicate work plans (J9)
    Follow directions (J3)
    Use clear verbal commands, eye contact, hand signals, and/or radios
    Listen effectively
    Convey written work orders (J8)
    Speak so others understand
    Adapt messages to audience (client, vendor, contractor) (J1, J7)
    Adapt messages to environment and communication role
    Follow ANSI communication protocols for tree care crews