Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to obtain and install a suitable pollen trapping mechanism to collect and store pollen according to its intended use.
The unit applies to beekeepers who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work in the collection of pollen according to food safety and quality assurance requirements. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources and to solve problems.
State and territory legislation, regulations and local government by-laws apply in some jurisdictions to beehive ownership and compliance with biosecurity codes of practice.
State and territory food safety legislation, regulations and standards apply to pollen that is used in food for human consumption.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare to trap and store pollen | 1.1 Identify and select suitable floral resources 1.2 Assess colony for suitability for pollen collection according to workplace procedures 1.3 Identify health and safety in the workplace hazards and risks and apply appropriate controls 1.4 Select, ensure serviceability, fit and use personal protective equipment 1.5 Ensure equipment to be used in the process of collecting pollen is clean and sanitised according to food safety requirements |
2. Collect pollen | 2.1 Select and obtain suitable pollen trap equipment and use according to manufacturer instructions 2.2 Adhere to personal hygiene requirements according to food safety and handling procedures 2.3 Collect pollen at frequency according to workplace hive management procedures and quality standards 2.4 Assess risk for pest attack or contamination of pollen and implement corrective action 2.5 Assess risk of colony decline and implement corrective action according to hive management procedures 2.6 Store pollen to be transported according to food safety and quality standards and workplace procedures |
3. Process pollen | 3.1 Clean pollen according to workplace procedures 3.2 Treat pollen to prevent fermentation and deterioration and store according to workplace procedures and food safety and quality standards 3.3 Maintain appropriate records according to workplace procedures |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Writing | Complete workplace documentation using appropriate terminology and in required format |
Navigate the world of work | Takes responsibility for following policies, procedures, legislative requirements and industry codes relevant to pollen collection and food health and safety |
Get the work done | Takes responsibility for planning, sequencing and prioritising tasks for pollen collection and workload |
Sectors
Beekeeping (BEK)