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

Competence in treating plant pests diseases and disorders requires evidence that the common plant pests diseases and disorders have been recognised and appropriately treated The skills and knowledge required to treat plant pests diseases and disorders must be transferable to a different work environment For example this could include different plant pest and diseases locations and treatment techniques

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

Recognition of common plant pests diseases and disorders for a particular enterprisesituation

Different types of control measures and their principles

Modes of action of different chemicals

Legislation relation to the use of chemicals for plant pest disease and disordercontrol

OHS responsibilities of employees

Environmental considerations when using chemicals for plant pest disease and disorder control

OHS legislative requirements and Codes of Practice

Correct wearingfit of personal protective equipment

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

Read and interpret chemical labels Material Safety Sata Sheets MSDSs manufacturers specifications for setting up equipment and maintain spray records

Prepare to treat plant pests and diseases

Apply plant pest disease and disorder treatments

Carry out post treatment operations

Wear personal protective equipment appropriate to task

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

Ideas and information relating to applying plant pest disease and disorder treatments should be discussed with other members of the work team and the supervisor

How can information be collected analysed and organised

Information will be collected by inspecting the plant pest or disease and the information gained will be recorded and discussed with the work team and supervisor Enterprise work procedures and control programs should be consulted interpreted and applied with clarification from the supervisor where necessary

How are activities planned and organised

Equipment materials and work procedures for applying treatments will need to be arranged before and between work periods and there may be some responsibility for coordinating work with others

How can team work be applied

The application of treatments may involve working with other members of a team to complete the program and ensuring other activities are scheduled around the application of plant pest or disease treatments

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied

Mathematical ideas in relation to calculating rates and areas will be required

How can problemsolving skills be applied

Problems solving may be demonstrated in cases of machinery malfunctions or chemical spillage

How can the use of technology be applied

Technology may be applied in the preparation use and maintenance of spray equipment

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 critical 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 may be included under plant pests, diseases and disorders?

What type of details about the plant pest or disease might be required?

What treatments might be applied?

What equipment is appropriate for treatment application?

What OHS hazards might apply to this standard?

What or who may be at risk from OHS hazards?

What personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required to apply treatments?

What OHS requirements might apply to this standard?

What regulatory requirements might apply to this standard?

What environmental impacts may apply to this standard?

What records need to be kept when treating plant pests, diseases and disorders?