What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole

Overall competence in this standard requires evidence that a person working in an agricultural or horticultural environment is aware of the use of chemicals in the workplace why they are used where they are stored and how they are transported and the safety requirements for handling chemicals Evidence must demonstrate the ability to follow instructions and report concerns if unsafe practices equipment or environmental conditions are observed The skills and knowledge covered must be transferable to other work environments For example a person who has been inducted into the use of chemicals in a particular workplace should be able to transfer that knowledge and skill to another workplace although different chemicals may be present

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below

Basic Occupational HealthampSafety rules required to work near and around chemicals

Level of hazard and the Poisons Schedule in the relevant State or Territory

Chemicals being used for the control of pests and weeds

Personal protection equipment and when and how it should be used stored and maintained

Correct wearingfit of personal protective equipment

Environmental impacts of chemical use

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria

To achieve the performance criteria appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required These include the ability to

Communicate information about spillages accidents or deficiencies in procedures and practice

Accurately interpret labels and instructions

Follow workplace instructions and directions from the chemical label or Material Safety Data Sheets MSDSs

What processes should be applied to this competency standard

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life which are required in all jobs They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions Some of these are covered by the key competencies although others may be added The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where not required perform the process perform and administer the process and perform administer and design the process

How can communication of ideas and information be applied

Information about procedures or safety may be communicated in the workplace

How can information be collected analysed and organised

Information on labels and Material Safety Data Sheets MSDSs may be collected analysed and interpreted

How are activities planned and organised

Organising activities may not be relevant to this standard

How can team work be applied

Working with others when dealing with chemicals

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied

Interpreting volumes and measurement requirements on labels may require mathematical ideas to be applied

How can problemsolving skills be applied

Action to take in the event of an accident or spillage may require problem solving

How can the use of technology be applied

Using relevant personal protection equipment may require the use of technology

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one

This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function

There is essential information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance and where and how it may be assessed in the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package All users of these competency standards must have access to both the Assessment Guidelines and the relevant Sector Booklet

What roles and responsibilities may be relevant in the workplace with regard to chemicals?

What safety procedures are relevant to this standard?

What organisational procedures are relevant to this standard?

What legislation and regulations are relevant to this standard?

What personal protective equipment may be relevant to this standard?

What application equipment may be relevant to this standard?

What procedures must be in place in the event of an accident or spillage?