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

Install cabling and bracing for tree support 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
262183  Install cabling and bracing for tree support 
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  7 
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 
A number of reasons may lead to a tree not developing properly. These include: Improper selection, pruning or even non ideal tree growing conditions. This may lead a tree to be deformed. Cabling and bracing are commonly used systems that provide structural support for trees in order to remedy deformities.

This Unit Standard is for people who provide structural support for trees that have been diagnosed as requiring such support. People credited with this standard are able to:
  • Describe cabling and bracing as tree supporting systems.
  • Set up a cabling or bracing tree supporting system using natural or constructed props.
  • Perform post cabling and bracing installation activities.

    This Unit Standard is intended to promote skills in the broader field of forestry and nature conservation field of horticulture in order to raise and maintain competence levels. 
    		•

    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.

    In addition learners should demonstrate knowledge of basic safety in the urban forestry setting. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe cabling and bracing as tree supporting systems as per industry standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Features of cabling and bracing tree supporting systems are identified as per organisational standards and requirements of the job at hand. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range includes, but is not limited to:
  • Cables.
  • Rods.
  • Props.
  • Grips.
  • Thimbles.
  • Washers.
  • Spacers.
  • Screws.
  • Tape.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Features of cabling and bracing tree supporting systems are explained as per organisational standards and requirements of the job at hand. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Multi-strand cable brace.
  • Rope brace at height.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Reasons for use of cabling and bracing tree supporting systems are explained with respect to tree growth and tree reaction. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Set up a cabling and or bracing tree supporting system using natural or constructed props in accordance to working standards. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Range (brace):
  • Attachment points vs. weight distribution.
  • Angle of cable.
  • Respect tree visual appearance.
  • Cable run.
  • Fitting of grips.
  • Bulldog grips.
  • Support and crown flexibility.
  • Countersinking of washer.

    Range (rope):
  • Attachment points vs. support strop.
  • Allowance for climber's weight.
  • Respect tree visual appearance.
  • Rope positioning.
  • Correct insertion and positioning of rubber cylinder.
  • Correct rope thimble.
  • Correct splicing of rope.
  • Correct crown support and flexibility.
  • Cutting and sealing of rope end.
  • Countersinking of washers. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Correct tools are selected and used correctly for cabling and bracing and the choice of each tool is explained accordingly. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Correct tools are used correctly for cabling and bracing and the function of each tool is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Correct materials are selected for the task at hand as per industry working standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Condition.
  • Security.
  • Tension.
  • Limitations.
  • Implications.
  • Correct positioning.
  • Technique.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Multi strand cable or rope brace is assembled at height as per working conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Reasons for using rod bracing as a support mechanism are given. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Forked trees.
  • Split trunks.
  • Crossing branches.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Tensioning methods are used to support a tree as per industry working standards. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Perform post cabling and bracing installation activities as per industry working standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Post installation inspection is carried out to check adequacy of solution in accordance to organisational standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Limitations.
  • Implications of tree support system.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Requirements for regular inspection and maintenance of the installed tree support are described/factored in. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Requirements for annual inspections are described to detect tree defection, crown flexibility and rope strength. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Requirements for annual inspections are described to detect tree defection, crown flexibility and rope strength. 


    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 
    Knowledge considered critical to the successful achievement of this unit is covered in the specific outcomes and assessment criteria. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems:
  • This will be achieved in situations requiring the choice and use of bracing and/or cabling as tree support systems are identified. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others:
  • When qualifying learner interacts with team members and colleagues during the planning, preparation, and completion of the cabling or bracing process. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage myself and my activities:
  • When qualifying learner prepares to set a tree support system(s) and also, when managing resources and his/her time. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively:
  • When communicating with team members to ensure safe and effective operation. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically:
  • When equipment is used in a cabling and or bracing as tree support operations. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems:
  • When qualifying learner can explain and justify his/her actions and their consequences for trees and the broader environment during the cabling and bracing operation. 
    		•

    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.
  • For an applicant to register as an assessor or moderator of this qualification, the applicant needs:
    > To be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
    > To be in possession of the relevant qualification.
    > To have sufficient relevant experience.
    > To have the appropriate qualification to assess communication and mathematical literacy. 
    		•

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  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.
     
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    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.