Elements and Performance Criteria
- Prepare bee smoker for use
- Confirmation is sought that climatic and other conditions permit the use of a bee smoker and planned activities are adjusted if required.
- Bee smoker and components are checked to ensure that they are in good repair and serviceable, and any faults are addressed according to SOPs.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is checked for serviceability and worn and used correctly.
- Occupational health and safety (OHS) hazards associated with the use of a bee smoker are identified and appropriate action is taken to minimise risks to self and others.
- Adequate water supply and tools are available for fire control.
- Suitable fuel is added to bee smoker and lit.
- Bee smoker bellows are operated to produce and maintain a steady and dense stream of cool smoke.
- Use bee smoker to manage bee
- Smoke is blown into entrance of hive and sufficient time is allowed before hive is opened.
- After opening hive, additional smoke is puffed over frames and/or supers and directed at bees.
- Bee smoker is placed within easy reach while working on hives to ensure bees remain under control.
- Bee smoker is kept alight and producing cool smoke until operations are complete.
- After completion of operations, bee smoker is made safe according to fire, biosecurity and other enterprise procedures.