Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare pest animal baiting programs. This includes the safe preparation and distribution of poison baits for the control of vertebrate pest animals affecting the rural and natural environment according to legislative and regulatory requirements.
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.
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 vertebrate pests' species and prepare a poison baiting program | 1.1 Identify the pest animal species and abundance in target area 1.2 Assess the type, availability and mode of action of poison for control of pest animal species in target area 1.3 Identify key aspects of pest animal species ecology, habitat use and control program objectives to determine the timing and extent of baiting program 1.4 Assess public health, safety hazards, risks and regulatory restrictions for control options 1.5 Assess environmental conditions and off target risk for control options 1.6 Select appropriate control option, baiting technique, poison and delivery method appropriate for target pest species, location and landscape 1.7 Prepare baiting program to maximise pest animal control objectives according to legislative and regulatory requirements 1.8 Determine monitoring and reporting protocols to evaluate effectiveness of baiting program according to legislative and regulatory requirements |
2. Obtain and confirm approvals for accessing and using poison baits | 2.1 Identify necessary approvals and notification requirements for the location of the baiting program and poison use according to legislative and regulatory requirements and toxin/poison label requirements 2.2 Access and complete documentation to gain approvals for use of poisons and baits according to workplace procedures and legislative and regulatory requirements 2.3 Ensure approvals have been granted, received and filed according to workplace procedures and legislative and regulatory requirements 2.4 Notify stakeholders of intended baiting program according to workplace procedures and legislative and regulatory requirements |
3. Prepare, transport and store baits | 3.1 Determine the type of bait, quantity and dose rate of poison for the pest control program according to poison label and legislative and regulatory requirements 3.2 Select, ensure serviceability, fit and use personal protective equipment for baits according to chemical label and safety data sheets (SDS) 3.3 Select suitable location to prepare poison bait according to workplace procedures and legislative and regulatory requirements, codes of practice or guidelines 3.4 Prepare bait for the target species, bait substrate/material and poison according to label and legislative and regulatory requirements 3.5 Transport poisons and prepared baits according to legislative and regulatory requirements 3.6 Prepare baits for storage according to baiting program requirements, type of bait and legislative and regulatory requirements 3.7 Store the treated baits safety according to workplace procedures, legislative and regulatory requirements and poison label directions 3.8 Clean and decontaminate bait preparation and distribution equipment according to operator instructions, SDS and legislative and regulatory requirements |
4. Distribute and monitor baits in target area | 4.1 Monitor and assess weather conditions and forecasts to ensure effective conditions for baiting to proceed 4.2 Ensure notifications have been communicated and signage installed prior to baiting program according to legislative and regulatory requirements 4.3 Identify health and safety hazards and risks and implement controls when handling and distributing baits according to workplace procedures, poison label directions and SDS 4.4 Distribute baits in target area to maximise target pest access and minimise off target risk according to label directions and baiting program 4.5 Monitor bait uptake and control outcomes in a timely manner according to baiting program requirements, poison label directions and legislative and regulatory requirements 4.6 Clean up and dispose of baits according to poison label instructions, workplace procedures and legislative and regulatory requirements |
5. Recording and reporting on outcomes of baiting program | 5.1 Record and report safety and environmental incidents according to workplace procedures and legislative and regulatory requirements 5.2 Record details of poison bait application and outcomes according to workplace procedures and legislative and regulatory requirements |
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 SDS, poison labels, operating instruction, applicable legislation and regulations and other documentation and consolidates information to determine baiting requirements |
Writing | Complete regulatory applications and forms for permissions according to legislation and regulations Accurately record and complete organisational and legislative records using clear language and terminology |
Numeracy | Perform mathematical calculations to determine bait size and quantity relevant to the vertebrate animal population and scale of the program |
Navigate the world of work | Take responsibility for following policies, procedures and regulations Identify and implement poison label requirements |
Get the work done | Take responsibility for planning, sequencing and prioritising tasks required for baiting activities |
Sectors
Pest Management (PMG)