Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assess and control the risks associated with chemical use and to plan and implement a program for chemical use.
The unit applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and provide direction to others. All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, in accordance with applicable state/territory health and safety in the workplace, pesticide and environmental legislation and codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
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. Identify requirements for chemical use | 1.1 Identify, source and interpret information required for planning and implementing a chemical use program 1.2 Assess the need for chemical use as an option 1.3 Ensure that personnel are adequately trained in chemical use according to workplace procedures |
2. Assess risks and develop control procedures | 2.1 Identify hazards, assess risks and develop control measures and emergency action plans for chemical use operational activities 2.2 Assess weather conditions and forecasts to determine implications for off target contamination 2.3 Assess the sensitivity of target area and impact of chemical on the environment according to chemical label instructions and safety data sheets (SDS) 2.4 Assess the risk to human and animal health according to chemical label instructions and SDS 2.5 Analyse assessments and document risk control procedures for the chemical application plan according to workplace procedures |
3. Develop an operational and maintenance program for chemical use | 3.1 Determine chemicals to be used according to workplace pest management strategy 3.2 Calculate mixing requirements for chemicals according to chemical label instructions and workplace procedures 3.3 Document operational checks and calibration requirements of equipment according to operators instructions and manufacturer specifications 3.4 Develop and implement an operational and maintenance strategy for application equipment and personal protective equipment according to health and safety practices 3.5 Document operational and maintenance procedures for chemical application plan according to workplace protocols |
4. Implement and monitor chemical application plan | 4.1 Provide personnel with chemical use procedures, and instruction on safety equipment for chemical application plan 4.2 Monitor adherence with safe practice for preparation and application of chemicals according to chemical application plan 4.3 Monitor adherence to procedures for handling, transport, storage, decontamination and disposal of chemicals according to chemical application plan 4.4 Monitor adherence to maintenance procedures according to chemical application plan 4.5 Monitor adherence to residue procedures for product and environment according to chemical application plan |
5. Finalise work activities in accordance with chemical application plan | 5.1 Ensure excess chemicals are disposed of according to waste management and environment procedures 5.2 Ensure required records are completed according to operational and workplace, health and safety procedures |
6. Evaluate chemical application plan and records for continuous improvement | 6.1 Develop procedures for evaluating the effectiveness of chemical application plan 6.2 Identify and document shortfalls in chemical application plan 6.3 Develop a continuous improvement strategy to rectify the chemical application plan |
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 | Critically analyse and consolidate information to determine chemical control procedures and develop chemical application plan |
Writing | Develop procedural material using clear and detailed language in order to convey explicit risk control information |
Oral Communication | Present complex information using clear and convincing language, tone and pace appropriate when briefing personnel on chemical application plan |
Navigate the world of work | Work independently or with others in making decisions to achieve organisation outcomes Contribute to roles and responsibilities of others through implementation of plans Take full responsibility for following policies, procedures and legislative requirements |
Interact with others | Implement strategies for a diverse range of colleagues in order to build rapport and foster strong relationships when instructing and monitoring performance Elicit feedback and provides feedback to others in order to improve workgroup behaviours and update plans |
Get the work done | Accept responsibility for planning and sequencing complex tasks and workload Monitor progress of procedures and reviews and amends them to meet demands and priorities Apply systematic and analytical decision making processes for complex and non-routine situations |
Sectors
Chemicals (CHM)