What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?

Overall competence in this standard requires evidence that a person using chemicals in the workplace can use the correct equipment, apply the chemical correctly, record application, identify safety hazards and how to avoid them, and interpret and follow directions. The ability to use chemicals in one workplace should be transferable to another workplace.

For example, if a chemical is applied under close supervision on a property growing grain crops, it should be evident that a chemical could be applied on a property where fruit is grown following induction to the new workplace.

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:

Environmental effects of selected chemicals and how to minimise damaging effects of chemicals.

Different broad chemical types, e.g., insecticides, herbicides and fungicides and their mode of action symbols on the label.

Principles of Integrated Pest Management.

Paths of entry of poisons into the body and methods of limiting exposure.

Methods of minimising risk during application.

Personal protective equipment and how, when and why it should be used and stored.

Maintenance of personal protective equipment.

Relevant State or territory legislation, regulations and Codes of Practices with regard to hazardous substances or the use of chemicals.

Occupational Health and Safety concerning personal safety and safety of others in the workplace.

Use of chemicals as one tool of pest management.

Possible effects on health of bystanders/public in addition to applicators.

Weather conditions and means of assessing them in line with risks, and recognising when they become unsuitable for application to continue.

Correct wearing/fit of personal protective equipment.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

Accurately interpret labels, record relevant information and measure application amounts

Work using a variety of chemical application tools and pieces of equipment that are suitable for the particular application task using safe and environmentally responsible work practices.

Respond to emergencies and apply first aid in the event of pesticide poisoning.

What processes should be applied to this competency standard?

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.

1. How can communication of ideas and information (1) be applied?

Information about chemicals and how they will be applied and recorded may be communicated to work colleagues or the supervisor.

2. How can information be collected, analysed and organised (1)?

Information may be collected and analysed from chemical labels, MSDSs, operators manuals or from Codes of Practice and advisory materials outlining regulations relevant to chemical use.

3. How are activities planned and organised (1)?

Recognising and using equipment, application and cleaning up of chemicals will require coordination of activities.

4. How can team work (1) be applied?

Applying chemicals with others in the workplace or in conjunction with other team functions.

5. How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (1) be applied?

Correctly measuring volume of chemical to apply, recording information and working out time periods before work can continue in the area.

6. How can problem-solving skills (1) be applied?

Taking action concerning faulty equipment may require problem solving.

7. How can the use of technology (1) be applied?

Recording information may require technology to be used.

What are the special assessment conditions for this competency standard?

Where this competency standard is being used as part of an accreditation or licence for purchase or use of chemicals the assessor must meet the requirements of the issuing body. This may include:

1. Accreditation with that issuing body
2. Maintenance of current competency in this and the following standards:

RTC3704A - Prepare and apply chemicals

RTC3705A - Transport, handle and store chemicals

RTC4702A - Minimise risks in the use of chemicals

RTC4703A - Plan and implement a chemical use program

3. Involvement in professional development programs comprising technical and legislative updates on an annual basis.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?

This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.

There is essential information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance and where and how it may be assessed, in the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package. All users of these competency standards must have access to both the Assessment Guidelines and the relevant Sector Booklet.

Range of Variables

The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available

What pre and post operational checks might be relevant to this standard?

Checks may be made to weather conditions (e.g., wind), nozzles, hoses, regulators/gauges, respirator cartridges, drench, and protective clothing and equipment.

What types of application equipment are relevant to this standard?

Knapsacks or hand held pneumatic sprayers, drench guns, spot on applicators, syringes, or other equipment relevant to the workplace.

What personal protective equipment might be relevant to this standard?

Personal equipment may include boots, overalls, chemical resistant gloves, aprons, face shields, respirators or hats.

Which chemicals may be relevant to this standard?

Chemicals may include herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, algaecides, growth regulators, growth promotants, bio-agents or vaccines. Excludes application of S6 and S7 chemicals.

What safe working practices may be relevant to this standard?

Safe working practices may include procedures for handling, transporting and storing chemicals, selecting and using personal protective clothing and equipment, safe operation of machinery and equipment, safe procedures for applying chemicals and following manufacturers instructions.

What legislation or regulations may be relevant to this standard?

Legislation may include Pesticides Acts, Occupational Health and Safety Acts and associated Hazardous Substances Regulations/ Codes of Practice, Dangerous Goods Acts, Poisons Schedule or Protection of the Environment Acts.

What procedures may be followed in the event of a spill?

May include procedures according to the label, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) or legislation.

What hazards may be relevant to this standard?

Hazards will be listed on labels and the MSDSs for the chemical concerned and may include flammability, toxicity, health hazards, damage to non-target organisms, environmental damage or residues in food or feedstuffs.

What tools may be relevant to this standard?

Tools may include hand tools, measuring jugs and cylinders, scales, syphoning equipment, drum rinse, and batching tank.

What application details may be recorded as part of this standard?

Details such as time, date, quantity and type of chemical, weather, application equipment, host and pest, accidents or dangerous occurrences may be recorded or must be recorded where required by legislation.

For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment, refer to the Sector Booklet.