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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Determine the need for chemical use and prepare a application plan
   • Identify the nature and level of the pest, weed infestation or disease, assess the need for control
   • Assess the requirement for chemical use as an option within an integrated pest management strategy
   • Undertake a hazard and risk analysis of different chemical options
   • Confirm requirement for chemical application
   • Assess the spray drift risk of various application options
   • Assess the risk to sensitive areas and environmentally sensitive organisms
   • Prepare application/spray plan where required
2. Prepare chemical mixes
   • Access the workplace application or spray plan to determine chemical and target, application rate or dose, type of application equipment, set-up requirements and amount to be applied as per the label instructions
   • Identify potential hazards, assess risks and implement control measures
   • Interpret and apply requirements from chemical labels
   • Select appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for each stage of work and ensure correct fit
   • Select appropriate mixing equipment and a suitable location for mixing and loading
   • Mix chemicals in accordance with registered use and clean equipment when finished task
   • Follow label instructions in the event of a spill
   • Confirm that neighbours have been notified of chemical application as appropriate
3. Calibrate application equipment
   • Select application equipment to be used to minimise spray drift risk and maximise efficacy
   • Carry out pre-operational checks of application equipment
   • Calibrate equipment in accordance with manufacturers’ specifications and application/spray plan.
   • Safely load chemical mix wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and controlling risks to human health and the environment
4. Apply chemicals
   • Monitor meteorological conditions and forecasts prior to and during application to minimise spray drift and other off target movement of chemicals
   • Select and use appropriate PPE in accordance with chemical label and SDS’s
   • Apply chemical in accordance with the label and application/spray plan
   • Assess and minimise risks to others, product integrity and the environment
   • Follow chemical spill or accident procedures in the event of a spill
5. Clean up equipment and complete records
   • Dispose of excess chemicals and containers as per label and SDS instructions
   • Clean and decontaminate application equipment in appropriate location
   • Clean and store personal protective equipment in appropriate location
   • Report incidents
   • Complete all records

Range Statement

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Performance Evidence

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:

determine the need for chemical application

develop a application/spray plan

identify hazards and implement risk control procedures to ensure a safe workplace

interpret and apply chemical label requirements included in the application or spray plan

identify weather conditions that impact on spray drift risk and implement control measures

conduct pre-operational checks of application equipment

calibrate handheld and/or powered application equipment relevant to the industry sector

mix and load chemicals in accordance with label requirements

measure and record weather conditions before and during and after application

apply chemicals safely in compliance with labels, legislation and codes of practice

dispose of surplus chemicals and empty containers

record relevant information including amount of chemical applied

use appropriate personal protective equipment

follow emergency procedures during an accident or spillage

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

options for pest control based on the Integrated Pest and Resistance Management Plan

pest and/or disease resistance management

various chemical labels and SDS formats

impact of meteorological factors on the safe and effective application of chemicals

factors that determine spray drift risk including droplet size, wind speed, temperature and temperature inversions and approaches to controlling spray drift risk

risk factors including human and animal health, weather prior to, during and after application, spillage, residues in plants and animals consumed as food and environmental

how to mix chemicals including mixing order, adjuvants and water quality

requirements for disposal of excess chemicals, clearing spillages and equipment clean up

how to select, operate and use a variety of application equipment including boom sprays

features, functions and calibration techniques for a range of powered and hand held application equipment relevant to the industry sector

spray nozzle identification, selection, operation and use

pests , weeds and/or diseases relevant to the industry sector

legislation, regulations and licensing requirements in relation to chemical use

APVMA policy on spray drift management

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