Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to treat plant pests, diseases and disorders.
This unit applies to supervised workers in plant or pasture-based industries and is carried out following strict work instructions and under supervision.
Supervisors are required to hold current chemical handling certification.
No other occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare to treat plant pests, diseases and disorders | 1.1 Recognise plant pests, diseases and disorders by common name 1.2 Record details of the plant pest, disease and disorder occurrence and report to the supervisor 1.3 Select treatment methods in consultation with the supervisor 1.4 Calculate application rates required if spraying is necessary, and confirm calculations with supervisor 1.5 Select and prepare equipment for use according to enterprise guidelines, supervisor’s directions and manufacturer's specifications 1.6 Identify work health and safety hazards and report safety concerns to the supervisor 1.7 Place caution or hazard signs and signals as required by work instructions and standard operating procedures |
2. Apply treatments to plant pests, diseases and disorders | 2.1 Wear personal protective equipment according to work health and safety policies and procedures 2.2 Prepare treatments according to supervisor's instructions, safety data sheets or chemical labels and manufacturer’s guidelines 2.3 Apply treatments according to work health and safety, environmental and regulatory requirements, to minimise damage to non-target species |
3. Carry out post treatment operation | 3.1 Clean and store personal protective equipment and application equipment 3.2 Dispose of treatment waste in a way that causes minimal environmental damage or biosecurity risks 3.3 Maintain records according to enterprise guidelines and regulatory requirements 3.4 Monitor response to treatment |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
prepare and apply treatments to plant pests, diseases or disorders
identify and report work health and safety and environmental hazards
follow work health and safety policies and procedures to treating plant pests, diseases and disorders
follow instructions to prepare and apply treatments to minimise damage to non-target plant and animal species
dispose of treatment waste without causing environmental damage
shut down and clean equipment in a way that minimises environmental impacts
use, clean and store personal protective equipment and application equipment according to workplace procedures
maintain records to legislative and workplace standards
apply biosecurity measures in the context of own work
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
environmental considerations when using chemicals
equipment capabilities and limitations
plant pests, diseases and disorders common to host plants in a work area
equipment required to complete the task
treatment methods appropriate to the issue and the environment
caution or hazard signs and signals required when treating plant pests, diseases and disorders
purpose of, and information provided in chemical labels and safety data sheets
how to access safety data sheets in own workplace and what information is included in them
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Pest Management (PMG)