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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Assess weed infestation
   • Record details of weeds and potential for weeds in target area
   • Identify the scope, stage and size of the weed infestation that adversely impacts on the landscape or production
   • Determine if plant health or growth or production requirements are compromised by level of infestation
   • Identify tolerable levels of infestation according to client, legislation, market, environmental and Integrated Pest Management requirements
   • Seek professional advice or conduct research on possible approaches to control of the weed infestation
   • Identify non-target plant and animal species present in the area
   • Assess the site for access, suitability of control measures, work health and safety and environmental risk
2. Plan control measures
   • Determine suitable control options according to Integrated Pest Management principles, legislative requirements and industry practice
   • Identify, assess, and control risks to all stakeholders and the environment, including risks to self, the public, non-target plant and animal species
   • Identify appropriate tools, equipment machinery and resources for the planned control measure
   • Select appropriate personal protective equipment in accordance with work health and safety requirements
   • Prepare or select an integrated plan for the control measures or strategies according to Integrated Pest Management principles and environmental sustainability practices
   • Prepare documentation for control measures, including work health and safety, safety data sheets, and chemical use according to workplace and legislative requirements
3. Implement weed control
   • Assess if conditions are appropriate for control plan to proceed and make any necessary adjustments to the plan
   • Implement control measures in accordance with Integrated Pest Management plan and standard industry practice
   • Ensure that control measures minimise non-target species and environmental damage
   • Maintain records and documentation of the control measures applied
4. Monitor control measures
   • Monitor control measures to identify signs of adverse impact on humans, animals, non-target plants or environment
   • Assess effectiveness of control measures in accordance with Integrated Pest Management guidelines and available industry standards
   • Report assessment of control measures to client or organisation

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:

identify range or weeds and beneficial organisms in the work area

plan and coordinate weed control activities

identify threshold levels or tolerance of weeds

identify target weeds at different growth stages

conduct a site hazard identification and risk control assessment for weed control

prepare, maintain and calibrate equipment

select and apply weed management methods appropriate to the context

maintain records of weed management activities

monitor, record and report the effectiveness of methods

minimise damage to non-target species and the environment

apply work health and safety practices in the context of own work

apply appropriate sustainability practices in the context of own work

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

suitable weed control measures and timing of weed control activities based on:

the lifecycle and ecology of a range of relevant weeds in the area

the cyclical nature of weeds and control programs

how weeds grow and spread and methods of weed dispersal

weed characteristics

beneficial organisms in the area

new and emerging weed species present in the area

how plant health or growth requirements can be compromised by infestation levels

economic, aesthetic, health, fire hazard and environmental thresholds for a range of weeds, common to the area

weed control methods and when they should be selected, including prevention strategies

non-target plants common to the area, especially plants with morphological features similar to the target pest plant

key concepts of Integrated Pest Management

risk factors including human, animal health and environmental associated with control measures

factors that affect the efficacy of weed management

how to conduct activities in a manner that avoids or minimises disturbance to other plant or animal species

signs of adverse impact on humans, animals, non-target plants and the environment due to implemented control measures and ways of minimising these adverse effects

a range of site-monitoring techniques that may be used to implement the weed control plan

hazard identification and risk assessment methodologies

types of equipment including personal protective equipment appropriate to the control measure

work health and safety requirements pertaining to the use of cultural, biological and chemical agents

relevant parts of the organisation's pest management plan and survey strategy

legislative requirements relevant to weed control

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