Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to conduct pest control activities from the air using firearms.
This unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work. They use discretion and judgement in the selection and use of available resources.
All work must be carried out to comply with the relevant statutory requirements.
Workers operating in this field are required to hold a first aid certificate. Other licensing conditions may also apply to this unit. Specific determination should be sought through the relevant State or Territory.
Firearms licensing conditions apply to this unit. Specific determination should be sought through the relevant State or Territory agency.
Appropriate firearms licences are also required for those involved in training and assessment against this unit.
Approval to carry and discharge firearms from aircraft must be gained from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The holder of an Air Operator's Certificate is responsible for gaining this approval and personnel involved must ensure such an approval is issued and comply with any conditions specified in the approval documentation.
In addition to legal responsibilities, all units of competency dealing with animals in the AHC Training Package have the requirements for animals to be handled humanely to minimise stress and discomfort.
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. Undertake pre-flight procedures | 1.1 Confirm location and boundaries for the activities with pilot 1.2 Obtain appropriate approvals and permits to conduct pest control activity 1.3 Comply with conditions of CASA approval 1.4 Check time and duration of flight and notify relevant personnel 1.5 Confirm flight plans and search and rescue operations with the pilot and ground crew 1.6 Check on-board emergency equipment with pilot 1.7 Check emergency landing procedures with pilot 1.8 Check landing-site requirements 1.9 Confirm intent to approach or leave the aircraft with pilot 1.10 Approach aircraft in the recommended safe manner 1.11 Check functioning of firearms including sighting in |
2. Conduct activities from aircraft | 2.1 Stow equipment safely on aircraft 2.2 Wear harnesses and helmet, as required, during pest control activities 2.3 Plot route and location of activities accurately on property, local or regional map 2.4 Carry out pest control activity according to legislative requirements, enterprise procedures and pilot or supervisor instructions, if applicable 2.5 Ensure animal is humanely destroyed 2.6 Observe and record pest numbers if applicable |
3. Complete work | 3.1 Clean and store equipment and materials 3.2 Dispose of waste and debris 3.3 Document and report activities |
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:
safely use firearms to shoot targets from a platform, then from an aircraft at animals
apply air safety principles
safely store firearms in an aircraft
shoot pest animals humanely
apply work health and safety practices
ensure all animals are humanely destroyed according to Animal Welfare Codes of Practice and Standard Operating Procedures
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
requirements for ensuring the welfare of animals described in the relevant Codes of Practice relating to the activity being undertaken
how to read maps and plot locations
air safety principles and emergency procedures appropriate to firearms
approvals required for carrying firearms airside
relevant work health and safety procedures as set out in the organisation’s workplace procedures
relevant environmental, animal welfare prevention of cruelty to animals, and pest control legislation
appropriate personal protective equipment for role
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must comply with Animal Welfare Codes of Practice and Standard Operating Procedures.
The assessment team must include assessors with firearms licences and appropriate experience in using firearms from aircraft for pest control.
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)