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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Identify the requirements of chemical use
  2. Monitor the implementation of safety requirements
  3. Plan and implement a maintenance program for chemical use equipment
  4. Determine the suitability of a chemical for use in a control program
  5. Ensure the correct selection and application of the chemical
  6. Ensure personnel are adequately trained in chemical use
  7. Supervise clean up following chemical application
  8. Implement recording systems for chemical storage and use

Evidence Required

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

Overall competence in this standard requires evidence that a person can not only select apply and clean up the application of a specific chemical but also that they can supervise others working with the chemical ensure that all prescribed safety directions are followed and monitor the implementation of the systems and procedures developed for chemical concerned The skills and knowledge in this standard should be transferable to other work contexts

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

Hazards involved in the use of the specific chemical concerned and related risk control measures

Signs of pest damage and signs of beneficial organisms

Life cycle of pests and target stages

Pest resistance to chemicals

Types of chemical and modes of action

Maximum residue limits

OHS legislative requirements and Codes of Practice relevant to chemical use and hazardous substances

Application equipment features

Calibration

Knowledge of record keeping systems

Knowledge and understanding of relevant control of use Acts

Use maintenance and storage of personal protective equipment

Correct wearingfit of personal protective equipment

First aid and emergency procedures

Insurances required for chemical use transportation and storage

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

Access accurately read and interpret conditions and labels information for chemicals

Communicate critical chemical information to others and ensure understanding

Direct others to perform tasks

Identifying hazardous situations

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

Procedures policies and safety information are communicated to others in the workplace

How can information be collected analysed and organised

Information on labels MSDS and legislation need to be interpreted and analysed

How are activities planned and organised

Overall organisation management will require activities to be planned in conjunction with chemical use

How can team work be applied

Working with others internal and external to the organisation requires teamwork

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied

Calibration and calculation of equipment and chemicals requires mathematical techniques

How can problemsolving skills be applied

Identifying hazards and potential problems that may arise during chemical use and developing suitable solutions and risk control measures

How can the use of technology be applied

Technology may be required to record and manage chemical information

What are the special assessment conditions for this competency standard

Where this competency standard is being used as part of an accreditation or licence for purchase or use of chemicals the assessor must meet the requirements of the issuing body

This may include

Accreditation with that issuing body Maintenance of current competency in this competency standard Involvement in professional development programs comprising technical and legislative updates on an annual basis

1. Accreditation with that issuing body.
2. Maintenance of current competency in this competency standard.
3. Involvement in professional development programs comprising technical and legislative updates on an annual basis.

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

Range Statement

Range of Variables

The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available.

What chemicals may be relevant to this standard?

Chemicals may include insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, bactericides, algaecides, biologicals, nematacides, rodenticides, fumigants, antimicrobial agents, anthelmintics, hormone growth promotants or veterinary chemicals.

What legislation and safety rules may be relevant to this standard?

May include approved Pesticide Acts, OHS Acts regarding hazardous substances and application equipment, Dangerous Goods Act, Poisons Act or Protection of the Environment Acts for chemical use.

What personal protective equipment may be relevant to this standard?

May include boots, overalls, chemical resistant gloves, aprons, face shields, respirators and hats.

What directions and standards are relevant to this standard?

May include the instructions on the chemical label, in an operator's manual, on a Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), in an industry standard, from an OHS manual or other regulation, or a hazardous substances regulation.

What hazards may occur in the use of chemicals?

Hazards will be listed on labels and the MSDS for the chemical concerned and may include flammability, toxicity, health hazards, damage to non-target organisms, environmental damage, off target spray drift or residues in foods.

What risk control measures may be implemented and monitored as part of this standard?

Risk control measures that may be implemented include those relating to spillage, fire, contact of chemical with skin or eyes, accidental ingestion, incorrect concentrations in mixtures, faulty or inappropriate storage containers, current insurance policies, likelihood of run-off post application, incorrectly calibrated equipment, spray drift, incorrect disposal of waste chemicals or faulty equipment.

What situation may be relevant to this standard?

Situation may include weeds, insects, pathogens, and vertebrate animals.

What application equipment may be relevant to this standard?

May include hand held knapsacks or pneumatics, drench guns, spot on or power operated equipment like boomsprays, pressure wands or air blast sprayer, jetting race, hand jetting and shower/plunge dips.

What meteorological conditions might be assessed?

Rain, wind, temperature, relative humidity, inversion or stable air conditions.

What external training and assessment may be relevant to this standard?

Training may include formal training and assessment by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) either on or off the job, or Recognition of Prior Learning process.

For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment refer to the Sector Booklet.