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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Dismantle trees according to acceptable industry standards and safe practices 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
262301  Dismantle trees according to acceptable industry standards and safe practices 
ORIGINATOR
Task Team - Horticulture 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Horticulture 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  10 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
Some trees are positioned in locations in which normal pruning and felling operations may pose a threat to the safety of persons and property in the immediate environment. A situation of this nature requires tree workers to conduct felling and pruning operations that prevent hazards inherent to the situation. Accordingly, tree workers need to acquire the competence to dismantle trees.

This Unit Standard is for persons who are already competent in operating a chainsaw and climbing a tree. It enables qualifying persons to dismantle trees in an environmentally sensitive manner.

Qualifying learners credited with this Unit Standard will be able to:
  • Identify potential hazards for trees that meet dismantling criteria.
  • Communicate the hazards identified.
  • Dismantle the tree.
  • Remove vertical trunks.
  • Complete tree dismantling operation in line with operational standards. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 2 or an equivalent.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 2 or an equivalent.
  • Chainsaw. operating.
  • Basic tree climbing. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify potential hazards for trees that need dismantling. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Site conditions are assessed to establish possible hazards in relation to dismantling operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Legal and environmental requirements are adhered to during the dismantling procedure. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Tree preservation orders, conservation area, felling licence, nesting birds, bat roosts, presence of other fauna and flora.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A plan of action is developed to minimize injuries during the dismantling process. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Communicate hazards to interested and involved parties. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Safety rules for approaching the area are described according to standard operating procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Preparatory work for tree dismantling is described in terms of safety, escape routes and supervision and observer zone. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Functionality and safety of equipment to be used for dismantling operation is verified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Potential hazards and required action(s) to manage such hazards during the dismantling process are explained in terms of safety precautions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Dismantling procedure is described in terms of potential hazards and action to take in order to manage such hazards in accordance with the Codes of Practice and workplace procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Hazards include but are not limited to:
  • Kickback, tree movement, slope, weather and ground conditions, undergrowth, branches and/or stem under tension or compression stress, debris, log size, overhead hazards, hazards specific to situation.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Dismantle the tree safely according to industry standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Work position for dismantling is attained and is in accordance with the job at hand. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Cranes are used where appropriate in accordance with industry standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Lowering ropes are used appropriately in accordance with standard operating procedure. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Limbs are cut accurately as per specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Ground staff are directed appropriately by the chainsaw operator as required by the situation. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Remove limbs using a chainsaw according to industry standards. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Diameter of approximately 100mm. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Limb and limb sections are removed appropriately in accordance to specifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Manageable sections are selected and removed according to working standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Chain brake is applied or chainsaw is switched off by operator when not performing cutting operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Chainsaw is released from strop, if applicable, and attached to supplementary anchor point. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Dismantling is carried out according to specifications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Remove vertical trunks by using a chainsaw. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Vertical stem sections are removed appropriately within context. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    200 mm.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Chainsaw operator is safely and appropriately positioned. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Swing, shake, depth.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Tug line is used appropriately as per industry standards. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Complete tree dismantling operation in line with operational standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Chainsaw is retuned safely to the ground by the operator. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Chainsaw operator descends from the tree in a safe and controlled manner. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Rope is retrieved and stored according to operational standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Tools and equipment are checked and stored. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The site is left safe and tidy. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against the unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA`s policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described in the associated unit standards.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems relating to tree hazards and risks. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others when interacting with ground team members:
  • When conducting aerial tree dismantling operations using a chainsaw. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage myself and my activities:
  • When using tree climbing equipment.
  • When managing tree operations by using a chainsaw and other equipment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively:
  • With ground team members while using a chainsaw in an aerial position.
  • When standard operating procedures are explained. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically:
  • When using special tools and equipment to dismantle.
  • When identifying aerial hazards and potential risks on site. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems:
  • When I can explain and justify my actions and procedures followed during the planning, preparation and completion of chainsaw operations in an aerial position. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Unit Standard Assessor Criteria:
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this Qualification must be registered with the relevant ETQA as an assessor.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement this qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA. Assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the policies and guidelines for assessment of that ETQA, in terms of agreements reached around assessment and between various ETQA's (including professional bodies).
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification mav apply to be assessed any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • The options as listed above provide the opportunity to ensure that assessment and moderation can be transparent, affordable, valid reliable and non-discriminatory. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  65490   National Certificate: Arboriculture: Tree Preservation  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2015-06-30  FPMSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. AFRICAN MULTISKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING 
    2. COALITION TRADING 1238 CC 
    3. Legal Environment Safety & Health Requirements cc 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.