-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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)
-
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