Required skills

Ability to

recognise indicators of pest invasion

select appropriate control method according to the control program in place

select fit and use personal protective clothing andor equipment

follow pest elimination procedures such as preparing pesticides for use applying pesticides according to company procedures and licensing arrangements setting up and operating equipment such as fumigation and other pesticide application equipment and preparing and placing baits as required

follow procedures to measure and monitor pest populations such as sampling testing and recording data

review effectiveness of control methods and amend or recommend changes to program as required

safely dispose of pesticides residues empty containers and pests

monitor the implementation of housekeeping and cleaning standards

conduct tests according to enterprise procedures such as using instrumentation to measure the presence of airborne pesticides

carry out basic maintenance required to support pest prevention measures according to enterprise procedures

liaise with external contractors according to enterprise procedures

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

work cooperatively within a culturally diverse workforce

Required knowledge

Knowledge of

basic principles of integrated pest management IPM including identification of pest hazards establishment of pest elimination methods and monitoring the effectiveness of these measures

methods used to prevent pest invasion suited to workplace and typical pest invasion including appropriate work area and storage design features to minimise the possibility of pest infestation through building access points packaging materialsrequirements to protect product from pests and other physical and mechanical control measures

housekeeping and cleaning standards to minimise conditions which attract pests

food safety issues relating to the use of pesticides in a food handling area

characteristics and behaviour of each type of pest at each life cycle stage

conditions required by pests for survival

methods and procedures used to minimise pest resistance to elimination methods

range of pesticides used in the workplace

legislation codes of practice and procedures relating to the purchase transport storage use and disposal of pesticides

safe procedures for handling using and storing pesticides and dangerous goods identifying identification of information provided on labels and where required handling of gas cylinders

purpose application and limitations of protective clothing and equipment

test methods where relevant

basic maintenance procedures where relevant

contractor service arrangements where relevant

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

Assessment must be carried out in a manner that recognises the cultural and literacy requirements of the assessee and is appropriate to the work performed Competence in this unit must be achieved in accordance with food safety standards and regulations

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of ability to

conduct pest inspections

identify pest infestations and select suitable control measures

implement pest control measures in accordance with procedure

monitor effectiveness of controls

assess control procedures and contribute to improvement of pest control

complete workplace records as required

apply safe work practices and identify OHS hazards and controls

apply food safety procedures

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must occur in a real or simulated workplace where the assessee has access to

work procedures including advice on safe work practices food safety and environmental requirements

pesticide labels

MSDS and personal protective clothing and equipment

pest management program and procedures

pest management compounds and equipment

housekeeping procedures and cleaning schedules in the work area such as storage production andor packaging areas

documentation and record keeping system

Method of assessment

This unit should be assessed together with core units and other units of competency relevant to the function or work role Examples could be

FDFOPA Conduct routine maintenance

FDFOP2011A Conduct routine maintenance

FDFOPA Apply sampling procedures

FDFOP2013A Apply sampling procedures

MSLA Perform basic tests

MSL973001A Perform basic tests.

Guidance information for assessment

To ensure consistency in ones performance competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances cases and responsibilities and where possible over a number of assessment activities

Policies and procedures

Workplace information

Hazardous substances

Pests

Pest control methods

Selection of control measures

Application equipment

Tests

Records