Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to inspect a honey bee colony for indicators of disease or evidence of pests, and take appropriate follow-up action.
The unit applies to beekeepers who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources.
State and territory legislation, regulations and local government by-laws apply in some jurisdictions to beehive ownership, compliance with biosecurity codes of practice and notifiable pests and diseases.
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 check honey bee colony | 1.1 Identify health and safety in the workplace hazards associated with opening and inspecting a hive and take actions to minimise risk 1.2 Select, fit and use suitable personal protective equipment 1.3 Select and use tools and equipment for opening and inspecting a hive |
2. Inspect hive and identify possible pests diseases and poor health | 2.1 Inspect flight paths around hive entrance for evidence of poor health of adult bees 2.2 Inspect the outside of hive for signs of diseased brood 2.3 Open the hive and inspect colony for signs and symptoms of poor health, pests and disease 2.4 Identify and record possible poor health, disease or pests according to signs and symptoms |
3. Undertake field diagnosis procedures | 3.1 Collect samples for testing and gather evidence to help with diagnosis according to symptoms and industry standards 3.2 Conduct field diagnosis procedures appropriate for the pest or disease to identify likely cause 3.3 Collect, secure and label samples for transport to specialist for confirmation 3.4 Communicate with specialist to ascertain pest or disease identity 3.5 Report notifiable pests and diseases to authorities |
4. Implement biosecurity and treatment measures | 4.1 Identify biosecurity control measures and treatments for identified pest or disease 4.2 Implement biosecurity measures or treatments to rectify pests or diseases according to treatment product label, workplace procedures and biosecurity code of practice 4.3 Monitor the impact of control measures and treatments |
5. Monitor treatments and maintain records | 5.1 Review the effectiveness of control measures and treatments 5.2 Record results of inspections and remedial actions taken 5.3 Maintain records for future beekeeping operations |
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 |
Oral communication | Clearly explain detailed information using language, tone and pace appropriate to audience |
Numeracy | Interpret numerical information form product labels Calculate weight, volume and area for pest treatments |
Navigate the world of work | Takes responsibility for following policies, procedures and industry codes of practice |
Interact with others | Selects and uses appropriate conventions and protocols when communicating with specialists for pests and disease diagnosis |
Get the work done | Takes responsibility for planning, sequencing and prioritising tasks and workload |
Sectors
Beekeeping (BEK)