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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Check weather and climate information.
  2. Carry out preventative action.
  3. Monitor weather and climate.

Required Skills

This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit

Required knowledge and understanding include

effects of wind and rain on wind chill

effects of wind shear and wind chill exposure

enterprise and industry policies for monitoring weather and climate conditions and recording and reporting weather and climate conditions

relevant legislative health and OHS requirements especially as they relate to weather and climate monitoring and preparations for hazardous weather

weather and climate conditions and its impact upon farming and grazing activities

working knowledge of climate and weather

If applicable to the enterprise

effects of wind chill on metabolism of animals

effects of prolonged dry periods on pastures and animal production and natural resources

effects of extreme heat on animals including during birthing and effects of heat stress on neonates

Required skills include

communicate information

monitor physical signs in the context of available information

relate forecasts to impact on current operations and activities

relate weather and climate conditions and changes to decisionmaking and prevention of loss and damage

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package

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

Competence in monitoring weather and climate conditions requires evidence of the ability to monitor and interpret weather information communicate warnings and concerns and identify resource requirements and dangers In addition it requires an ability to minimise loss and damage to staff livestock crops natural resources property and produce and to implement alternative livestock or other programs and continue to monitor weather changes

The skills and knowledge required to monitor weather conditions must be transferable to another rural workplace For example if competence is evident in monitoring weather and climate conditions for a large sheep property it should also be evident for a small cattle property or a different climatic zone

What processes should be applied to this unit of competency

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 unit of competency 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

In discussing conditions and changes with weather and climate information agencies and colleagues

How can information be collected analysed and organised

In analysing and interpreting data from weather and climate information sources on weather predictions and changes

How are activities planned and organised

To plan activities and resources to minimise impact of adverse weather and climate on livestock crops and staff

How can team work be applied

To collate all available information on weather and climate and to organise resources and minimise loss and damage

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied

To analyse and interpret weather and climatic condition and changes in weather and climate

How can problemsolving skills be applied

To minimise impact of adverse weather and climate and to implement appropriate tactics and strategies when weather and climate changes unexpectedly

How can the use of technology be applied

To access a range of information resources and record information


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the performance criteria is detailed below. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Where might weather and climate information be sourced from?

Radio, T.V., Internet, email, fax, telephone, newspapers, word of mouth, weather station on property and interpretive tools.

What might weather and climate information include?

Reports, warnings, data collected from property weather station, and grazier alerts.

What preventative actions might be reviewed?

Provision of shelter, shedding animals, covering fodder, moving fodder, fire fighting equipment, auxiliary power, supplies, moving stock, securing equipment and buildings, preparing fire breaks and assured water supply, rescheduling work tasks, operating sprinklers in order to cool animals in extreme heat.

Who might be considered to be relevant personnel?

Other staff and colleagues, owners and managers, and neighbours.

What loss and damage may need to be minimised?

To staff, livestock, crops, fodder, produce, buildings sheds and/or other physical resources.

Where might regular updates be obtained from?

Radio, T.V., Internet, email, fax, telephone, newspapers, word of mouth, weather station on property, and interpretive tools.

What warnings might be issued or relevant?

Fire, flood, wind, rain, hail, storm, cyclones, heat waves, snow, dust, frost, gale, grazier alerts, and rapid changes in temperature or weather conditions.