Co-ordinate the clearance and preparation of a site for planting
Overview
This standard describes the work associated with co-ordinating the clearance and preparation of sites ready for planting. You will play an important role in decision-making and maintaining work operations.
The standard applies to both outdoor and protected sites. You will be required to have a good understanding of the intended use of the site, the crop or plants which are to be planted, the preparation methods and the resources required.
This standard covers the coordination of your own work load, in some instances it may involve coordinating the work of teams.
This standard is for those who are co-ordinating and supervising the work.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
assess the risks associated with the site and the proposed works
carry out an environmental assessment of the site before starting work
co-ordinate the clearance and preparation of the site in accordance with specifications and the condition of the site
confirm that the working methods for site clearance and preparation are established and clearly communicated
identify and establish the availability of resources required for site clearance and preparation
confirm that suitable clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) are worn
confirm that equipment and materials for clearing the site are safe, fit for purpose and maintained and stored correctly
co-ordinate the processing of recycling or disposal of waste in accordance with relevant legal and organisational requirements
confirm that hygiene and biosecurity are maintained in accordance with organisational practices
check that working methods and processes are suitable to the site and that resources are used safely and correctly
oversee site clearance and preparation in accordance with specifications and to maintain the quality of work
confirm that work is carried out in a manner that minimises environmental damage
confirm that the site is in a condition ready for planting operations to begin
confirm appropriate records are completed as required by relevant legislation and the organisation
confirm that work is carried out in accordance with relevant environmental and health and safety policies and risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and organisational policies
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
how to identify hazards, assess risks and interpret risk assessments
the importance of carrying out an environmental assessment of the site before starting work and the findings which may affect proposed work
the specifications in relation to the clearance and preparation of the site for planting
the condition of the site and how this affects clearance and preparation operations
the type of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) suitable for the activity
the tools and equipment required for the job and how to check that they are used and maintained in a safe and correct condition and stored securely
methods for clearing the site
the relevant legal and organisational requirements for the handling, transporting and disposal of waste
the materials that may be suitable for reuse or recycling
the correct and efficient use of resources when carrying out site clearance and preparation work
appropriate methods for sterilising the site and when this is required
methods of maintaining hygiene and biosecurity and the reasons why this is important
the problems that may arise when clearing the site and the action to take
the requirements for site security when clearing and preparing for planting
the importance of maintaining communication with those involved in, or affected by your work, when co-ordinating the site clearance and preparation of the site
the importance of maintaining appropriate records for site clearance and preparation relevant to legal and organisational requirements
the importance of following environmental and ecological best practice to help minimise the impact of your work on the environment
your responsibilities under relevant health and safety legislation, codes of practice and organisational policies
Scope/range
A. aasess the following sites for clearance and preparation for planting:
- areas for soft landscape construction
- areas for planting
- areas for restoration
B. assess the following types of ground and environmental conditions:
substrate structure
substrate texture and conditions
- drainage characteristics
- pH
- pest, disease and weed problems
- nutrient deficiencies
- ground and air pollutants
- microclimate
C. confirm the following materials are available and ready for planting:
- plant material
- materials for use during planting
D. confirm planting materials are:
- stored in suitable conditions
- positioned ready for planting operations
Scope Performance
Scope Knowledge
Values
Behaviours
Skills
Glossary
Sites could include:
- greenfield
- designated
- urban derelict
- reclaimed land
- existing
- protected
Specifications: drawings, schedules, method statements, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), manufacturers' guidelines, organisational policies.