Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to use application equipment to fumigate grain, seed, crops and plants housed in enclosures or confined spaces.
The unit applies to individuals 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 and for solving problems.
State or territory licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply in some jurisdictions for the purchase and use of fumigants.
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. Plan fumigation | 1.1 Determine the need for fumigation as an option for pest management strategy of the workplace 1.2 Assess the facility and conditions for suitability of fumigation as a method to use 1.3 Select method of fumigant and application equipment to suit type of pest, facility and material to be treated 1.4 Identify and select fumigant to be used and its application rate according to chemical label 1.5 Identify hazards, assess risks and implement control measures for fumigation in confined spaces 1.6 Establish security measures to control access during fumigation and prescribed re-entry periods according to chemical label and workplace procedures 1.7 Determine appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) according to fumigant safety requirements |
2. Prepare storage facility, equipment and fumigants for fumigation activity | 2.1 Erect signage and barriers to control risk of inadvertent entry to facility 2.2 Seal the facility and check the seal integrity 2.3 Take appropriate measurements and calculations to ensure the concentration of fumigant will meet specification 2.4 Check operational effectiveness of fumigation equipment according to operating procedures 2.5 Calibrate fumigation equipment to deliver the correct rate of application according to chemical label and operating instructions 2.6 Transport and store fumigants according to chemical label and safety data sheets (SDS) and regulatory requirements 2.7 Select, ensure serviceability, fit and use PPE for selected fumigant according to chemical label and SDS 2.8 Prepare fumigant according to chemical label and equipment operator instructions |
3.Conduct and monitor fumigation | 3.1 Apply fumigant according to planned application method, pest management strategy and chemical label 3.2 Monitor fumigation site during exposure time and prevent unauthorised access 3.3 Maintain integrity of seals throughout the active fumigation period 3.4 Respond to emergency situations according to workplace emergency procedures |
4.Ventilate storage facility | 4.1 Establish ventilation and re-entry times and risk controls according to chemical label and withholding periods 4.2 Ventilate facility using appropriate equipment to remove fumigant in a safe and controlled manner 4.3 Test for evidence of residual gas according to workplace procedures, and maximum residue limits for the material being treated 4.4 Notify appropriate personnel of any further risk control measures required |
5.Restore storage facility | 5.1 Collect and remove all equipment, sealants, fumigants and waste materials according to workplace procedures 5.2 Remove signage and barriers according to site security measures |
6.Clean, safety-check and store equipment and fumigants | 6.1 Clean, decontaminate, check and store equipment and PPE according to workplace procedures, chemical labels, SDS and regulatory requirements 6.2 Dispose of all waste according to chemical label instructions and workplace environmental procedures |
7.Record fumigation details | 7.1 Record details of fumigation applications according to workplace procedures 7.2 Record and report safety incidents 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 |
Reading | Read and interpret safety data, labels, manufacturers specifications, operating procedures, specifications, and other documentation and consolidates information to determine fumigation actions and activity |
Writing | Accurately record and complete organisational documents using clear language and correct spelling, grammar and terminology |
Numeracy | Perform mathematical calculations to determine storage facility volumes and rates of application and to check, interpret and confirm results of tests |
Oral Communication | Effectively participate in verbal exchanges using active listening to convey and clarify post treatment risks and control measures |
Navigate the world of work | Identify and implement manufacturer requirements for fumigants |
Get the work done | Take responsibility for planning, sequencing and prioritising tasks required for fumigation activities Address problems and initiate standard procedures in response to emergencies applying problem solving processes |
Sectors
Chemicals (CHM)