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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare to open a beehive
   • Required tools and equipment are identified according to supervisor instructions or Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
   • Checks are conducted on all tools and equipment and insufficient or faulty items are reported to supervisor or addressed according to SOPs.
   • Weather conditions and nectar availability are assessed, and planned activities are adjusted if needed to minimise risk of robbing and hive stress.
   • Correct manual handling techniques are used and damage to beehive is minimised.
   • Suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is selected and checked prior to use.
   • Occupational health and safety (OHS) hazards are identified and reported, and appropriate action is taken to minimise risks to self and others.
   • Where in effect, site quarantine/biosecurity protocols are followed.
2. Open the beehive
   • Bees are controlled throughout the opening process by using smoke according to OHS requirements and SOPs.
   • Work is carried out from a safe and appropriate position in relation to beehive.
   • Beehive lid is raised using hive tool, and queen excluder, frames and/or supers are removed as required, according to specific task to be undertaken.
   • All removed frames and supers are placed on upside down lid to ensure they remain dirt free.
3. Reassemble the beehive
   • Bees are controlled throughout reassembling process by using smoke according to OHS requirements and SOPs.
   • Brood frames are placed back into hive in the same position from which they were removed unless manipulation is being undertaken.
   • All frames are replaced in appropriate boxes and, where used, queen excluders and/or supers are replaced.
   • Beehive lid is replaced and, where used, hive fasteners are done up securely.

Required Skills

Required skills

complying with OHS requirements including manual handling following work instructions and SOPs selecting and using appropriate PPE and beekeeping tools including a bee smoker working safely around bees opening and reassembling a beehive use literacy skills to follow sequenced written instructions and record information accurately and legibly use oral communication skillslanguage competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning active listening asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor use numeracy skills to estimate calculate and record routine workplace measures use interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities

Required knowledge

bee behaviour particularly when beehive is disturbed components of a beehive

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit	The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following assess weather conditions and nectar availability minimise risk of robbing and hive stress raise a beehive lid using a hive tool and bee smoker reassemble the beehive
Context of and specific resources for assessment	Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances

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Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Beehives may include:	all types of beehives and enterprises based on bees.

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