Application
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to protect soil, water and water catchments from erosion, sediment and other pollutants.
The unit applies to those who put in place erosion, sediment control and pollution prevention measures in a variety of work settings, including: a forest, horticultural, domestic, local council or emergency services environment.
The unit applies to Forestry technician, Nursery technician, Supervisor (Forestry operations), Tree planter, Silviculturist, Arboriculture technician, Mobile equipment operator
No licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions. |
1. Prepare for work | 1.1 Identify and review organisational and legal requirements relevant to soil and water protection for various forest types. 1.2 Identify and interpret key principles and requirements that apply to erosion mitigation, sediment and other pollutant control, surface/ground water protection and catchment. 1.3 Identify and review operations plan and clarify work requirements with appropriate personnel. |
2. Conduct erosion and other pollutant control measures | 2.1 Identify soil erodibility, adverse weather, environmental features and other factors likely to influence soil and water protection measures. 2.2 Select and use materials, equipment and machinery in line with regulatory requirements. 2.3 Apply erosion, sediment and other pollution control measures in line with forest operational plans. 2.4 Identify situations requiring specialist advice and seek assistance. |
3. Monitor work practices | 3.1 Monitor and adjust work practices to meet changing conditions. 3.2 Monitor and maintain erosion, sediment and other pollutant control measures in line with organisational requirements. 3.3 Identify and report non-compliant work practices to appropriate personnel. 3.4 Identify improved work practices and make recommendations for improved work. |
4. Maintain records | 4.1 Revise and update forest operational plan and organisational procedures as required. 4.2 Document and report work activities. |
Evidence of Performance
A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy all of the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit.
effectively comply with soil and water protection requirements
following regulatory or local government ordinance requirements, codes of practice, WHS and environmental policies for the protection of soil, water and water catchments
follow organisational policies and procedures, relevant to the protection of soil, water and water catchments
implement effective erosion mitigation, sediment and pollutant control, surface and ground water protection measures
monitor and maintain erosion mitigation and sediment control processes and water catchment protection measures
use effective communication and safe work practices
identifying and reporting non-compliant work practices
complete relevant workplace documentation.
Evidence of Knowledge
A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
regulations, standards, codes of practice and established safe practices for soil and water protection procedures, including the following
applicable regulations from all levels of government that affect forest operations in relation to soil and water protection including:
regional forest agreements
relevant codes of practice
forest operational plans
organisational and site standards, requirements, policies and procedures relevant to soil and water protection
techniques and measures relevant to erosion mitigation including the majority of the following:
walk-over techniques
minimal disturbance techniques
crown and cross fall drainage
cross bank drainage
relief culverts on roads
mitre and table drains on roads
armouring/gravelling of roads
crossing and draining surfaces
batter stabilisation
contour banks and channels
gabions
sediment basins
riparian buffer zones
outlet protection structures
revegetation
factors that are likely to influence soil and water protection measures including:
track and road maintenance
drainage structures
setting of contour lines
slope measurement techniques
boundaries and survey markers
site preparation techniques
site cultivation techniques
disposal of logging waste materials
windrowing placement and techniques
tree selection and felling techniques
log dump locations and techniques
log extraction and haulage techniques
clearing techniques
environmental features that can be adversely effected if soil erosion occurs, or if inundated with sediment of other pollutants including the majority of the following:
trees, understorey and other vegetation
drainage lines and drainage depressions
water course, creeks and rivers
lakes, swamps and wetlands
aquatic species
steep slopes
caves
historic and cultural heritage sites
road and water supply infrastructure
Other pollution control measures including:
fuel containment barriers
chemical spillage barriers
containment and removal of waste, including rubbish litter and human waste
risks and hazard identification relevant to soil and water protection
established communication channels and protocols
procedures for recording and reporting workplace information.
Assessment Conditions
The following resources must be made available:
forest operations site
workplace requirements and site standards for complying with soil and water protection principles.
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.
Assessor requirements
Assessors must:
hold the appropriate assessor competency standards as outlined in regulations; and
be able to demonstrate vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed; and
be able to demonstrate how they are continuing to develop their VET knowledge and skills as well as maintaining their industry currency and assessor competence.
Foundation Skills
This section describes those core and employment skills that are essential to performance and are not explicit in the performance criteria. | |
Reading skills to: | interpret regulatory requirements and workplace documentation. |
Oral communication skills to: | work effectively with others to improve work practices. |
Problem solving skills to: | identify problems and faults and rectify. |
Range Statement
Not Applicable
Sectors
Forest Growing and Management
Harvesting and Haulage