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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare for implementation
   • Documents within the organisation that detail the requirements of the IPM program are identified and obtained.
   • The frequency of assessment, the size of any sample area, the available budgets for operations, and the target species for assessment are identified from the organisations weed, pest and/or disease control plans.
   • The method(s) of assessment/measurement and of control for each target species is identified from the organisations weed, pest and/or disease control plans.
   • The resources required for the assessment and control operations are assessed and calculated from the area to be assessed, the available timelines, the available resources, and the methods of control required.
   • Measurable indicators, specifications and targets are determined, based on the target species and the potential impacts on growth.
   • A plan to implement the IPM program is developed, and clearly describes its scheduling, resources, responsibilities, target species, specific location(s) and performance targets for both the assessment and the control phases.
   • Discussions are held with operational personnel and immediate management to discuss the implementation plan.
   • Any approvals that are required for the control operations are identified, sought and obtained.
   • The implementation plan is clearly articulated and documented, as required, by the organisations policies and procedures.
2. Assess weed, pest and/or disease infestations
   • People, materials and equipment required for the assessment are coordinated and scheduled according to the prepared plan.
   • The procedures and tools to be used, the kind of records that are to be taken, and any potential hazards that might be faced are clearly communicated to operational personnel.
   • Observations are made and data collected according to the requirements of the implementation plan.
   • The size and scope of any infestations, and the potential impact on plant growth are assessed and calculated.
   • Treatments for the infestation are selected from the options detailed in the IPM plan.
3. Implement weed, pest and/or disease control strategies
   • People, materials and equipment required for the implementation of the selected control strategies are coordinated and scheduled according to the prepared plan.
   • All control operations are undertaken in a manner which ensures that potential negative environmental impacts are minimised or eliminated, including the proper disposal of containers and drums.
   • Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, assessed, and responsible action taken throughout the control operations.
   • The procedures and tools to be used, the kind of records that are to be taken, and any potential hazards that might be faced are clearly communicated to operational personnel, and confirmation of the clear communication is sought.
   • Any documentation that is required to be kept by either the organisation or OHS guidelines is completed clearly and accurately.
   • Operational staff and any contractors are communicated with regularly to ensure smooth operation and progress.
   • Advice is given to operational staff and any contractors during the control operations when requested, or when the need is identified.
4. Monitor weed, pest and/or disease control operations
   • Monitoring points outlined in the implementation plan are adhered to.
   • Checks are made to ensure that the OHS requirements are being observed and followed.
   • Checks are made to ensure that the site environmental requirements are being observed and followed.
   • Operational staff and any contractors are communicated with regularly to ensure smooth operation and progress.
   • Checks are made to ensure that the documentation required by the organisation, or other regulating bodies, is completed clearly and accurately during the progress of the control operations.
   • Where any corrective action or amendment to the implementation plan is required the action is initiated and taken.
5. Complete weed, pest and/or disease control operation
   • All waste materials and substances are removed from site and stored or disposed of responsibly.
   • Documentation is collated and stored according to the requirements of the organization.
   • Recommendations for future control operations are prepared based on the conduct of the operation, the data collected, and the discussions had during the operation.
   • Where it is required, a report on the conduct of the assessment and control operations is made including the key aspects of the operation.

Required Skills

Required skills

identify hazards and implement safe work practices interpret monitored information on pest and weed numbers density and control plan and schedule weed pest andor disease control including amending plans during the operations recognise poor growth and lack of vigour caused by nutrient deficiency observe identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards use literacy skills to read interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures develop sequenced written instructions record accurately and legibly information collected and select and apply procedures to a range of tasks use oral communication skillslanguage competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning active listening asking for clarification negotiating solutions and responding to a range of views use numeracy skills to estimate calculate and record routine and more complex workplace measures and data use interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities

Required knowledge

pest and weed species including their life cycles and reproductionmultiplication capability integrated pest and weed management techniques the effects on plants of weeds pests andor diseases including competitive effects on plant growth threshold levels and the effects of alternative methods of control environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the enterprise plant physiology OHS contractor engagement chemical use and application and environmental legislation codes of practice and enterprise procedures environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the business and to the weed pest andor disease control operations sound management practices and processes to minimise noise odours and debris from weed pest andor disease control operations

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 the level of weed pest andor disease infestation implement weed pest andor disease strategies based on IPM principles monitor the effectiveness of weed pest andor disease strategies maintain records of the weed pest andor disease program
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.
Targeted pests may include:	insects weeds pathogens vertebrates nematodes and molluscs weeds may be those which are: annual perennial broad leaf narrow leaf grasses invertebrate pests may include: thrips mites nematodes locusts or caterpillars vertebrate pests might include: rabbits rats mice macropods birds diseases may include: foliar pathogens soil borne pathogens.

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