Module 1.) Introduction to Tree Risk Assessment Flashcards
an interference between the needs of a tree and society or infrastructure
Tree conflict
an organized and systematic examination
Inspection
the highest level of risk that does not exceed the owner/manager’s tolerance
Acceptable Risk Threshold
the likelihood of a conflict or tree failure occurring and affecting a target, and the severity of the associated consequences
Risk
a systematic process used to identify, analyze, and evaluate tree risk
Tree Risk Assessment
the process of comparing the assessed risk against given risk criteria to determine the significance of the risk
Tree Risk Evaluation
the application of policies, procedures, and practices used to identify, evaluate, mitigate, monitor, and communicate tree risk.
Tree Risk Management
people, property, or activities that could be injured, damaged, or disrupted by a tree failure.
Target
breakage of stem, branch, or roots, or loss mechanical support in the root system.
Failure
personal injury or death, property damage, or disruption of activities
Harm
the chance of tree failure occurring and/or impacting a specified target
Likelihood
outcome of an event
Consequences
the tree part(s) identified as a likely source of harm
Hazard
a process to estimate numerical probability values for consequences and to calculate numeric values for risk.
Quantitative Risk Assessment
a process using ratings of consequences and likelihood to determine risk significance levels and to evaluate the level of risk
Qualitative Risk Assessment
restraints or factors that restrict the precision, applicability, or extent of something.
Limitations
the defined project objectives and requirements
Scope of work
The scope of work should include specifications for the following:
1) Tree(s) or area to be assessed
2) Level and details of the assessment
3) Method of reporting
4) Timetable for inspection and reporting
5) Risk rating and mitigation
time period for which an assessment is defined.
Time frame
the body of moral principles or values governing a group or individual’s conduct.
Ethics
something for which one is responsible
Liability
a principle or rule established by a prior court or other decision-making body
Legal precedents
legal obligation that requires an individual to apply reasonable actions when performing tasks that may potentially harm others.
Duty of care
failure to take reasonable care to avoid injury or damage to a person or property in a situation where the law imposes a duty of care.
Breach of duty
failure to use reasonable care, resulting in damage or injury to another.
Negligence
degree of care that a reasonable person should exercise in performing duty of care; a measurement used to assess whether an individual acted in a reasonable manner
Standard of care
True/False
The tree risk assessor determines the acceptable risk threshold.
False
True/False
When balancing tree risks and benefits, it is important to remember that the risk trees pose to human safety is extremely low.
True
A tree risk assessor is free of risk while inspecting trees because mitigation measures have yet to be taken.
False
A large tree leaning over a busy intersection and a bus stop might be evaluated as having severe __________, should the tree fail, because of the potential to injure people and damage property.
consequences
A __________ tree risk assessment often uses ratings combined in a matrix to evaluate the risk, whereas a __________ tree risk assessment produces a numeric value based on probabilities and consequences.
qualitative
quantitative
Prior to performing a tree risk assessment, it is important to work with the tree owner/manager to define the __________.
scope of work
Tree structural __________ are commonly caused by a combination of structural defects or conditions, such as the presence of decay or poor structure, and an unusual or extreme loading event.
failures
A tree risk assessor must use the generally accepted __________ when evaluating tree risk or s/he might be found negligent in a court.
standard of care
The process of identifying trees, assessing them for risk, determining and applying mitigation options, and maintaining an ongoing monitoring system is referred to as
A) tree risk assessment
B) tree risk management
C) inspection protocol
D) tree evaluation protocol
B) tree risk management
It is impossible to maintain trees free of risk because
A) trees are living organisms and naturally lose branches or fall
B) tree maintenance budgets are too limited for risk mitigation
C) there aren’t enough arborists to assess all risks
D) not all practices can be applied in the same way to all trees
A) trees are living organisms and naturally lose branches or fall
Because tree risk assessors may perform risk assessments with limited information about tree and site conditions, the assessment is
A) invalid due to high levels of uncertainty
B) mostly dependent on the target occupancy rate
C) mostly dependent on the target value
D) founded on observations, experience, and training
D) founded on observations, experience, and training
The scope of work should clarify
A) any property boundaries that restrict access to the tree(s)
B) local government or authority’s requirements for inspection and permitting
C) to whom the final report is to be submitted
D) all of the above
D) all of the above
Standard of care is measured by using
A) the best management practices, applicable industry standards, and training courses
B) the laws that are enforced by city ordinances
C) the level of care deemed reasonable by the tree owner/manager
D) all of the above
A) the best management practices, applicable industry standards, and training courses
