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

Competence in treating weeds requires evidence that the common weeds have been recognised and appropriately treated. The skills and knowledge required to treat weeds must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, this could include different weed species, 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 weeds for a particular enterprise/situation.

Weed growth characteristics.

Different types of control measures, treatments and their principles.

Modes of action of different chemicals.

Equipment capability and limitations.

Legislation relation to the use of chemicals for weed control.

OHS responsibilities of employees.

OHS legislative requirements and associated hazardous substances regulations and Codes of Practice.

Correct wearing/fit of personal protective equipment.

Environmental considerations when using chemicals for weed control.

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 Data Sheets (MSDSs), manufacturers specifications for setting up equipment, and maintain spray records.

Prepare to treat weeds.

Apply weed treatments.

Carry out post treatment operations.

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 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.

1. How can communication of ideas and information (1) be applied?

Ideas and information relating to applying weed treatments should be discussed with other members of the work team and the supervisor.

2. How can information be collected, analysed and organised (1)?

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

3. How are activities planned and organised (1)?

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.

4. How can team work (1) 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 weed treatments.

5. How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (1) be applied?

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

6. How can problem-solving skills (1) be applied?

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

7. How can the use of technology (1) 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.

Range of Variables

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

What type of details about the weed might be required?

Details might include location of weeds, area covered by the weed, possibility of off target damage, and potential threats that the weed may present to surrounding areas.

What treatments might be applied?

Treatments may include hand weeding, herbicides, release of biological agents, cultivation, slashing, cutting, burning and ripping.

What equipment is appropriate for treatment application?

Equipment may include backpack sprayers, spray tanks, fertiliser spreaders, ladders, tractor drawn cultivation equipment, rippers, weedicide applicators, handsaws, chainsaws and brushcutters.

What OHS hazards might apply to this standard?

OHS hazards may include use of hazardous chemicals, use of tractors and machinery, solar radiation, manual handling, falls, tripping and noise.

What or who may be at risk from OHS hazards?

Hazard may cause risk to workers, equipment, people and animals external to the workplace (such as members of the public, wildlife, pets, bees, fish, birds), and the environment.

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

Personal protective equipment may include hat, rubber boots, chemical resistant overalls, face protection, hearing protection, gloves, goggles, respirator or facemask, sunscreen lotion.

What OHS requirements might apply to this standard?

OHS requirements may include identifying hazards, assessing and reporting risks, safety procedures involved in chemical handling and use, weather conditions, safety procedures for protecting others, cleaning, maintaining and storing tools and equipment, appropriate use, maintenance and storage of personal protective equipment including sun protection, drinking to avoid dehydration, safe operation of tools and equipment, personal hygiene and reporting problems to supervisors.

What regulatory requirements might apply to this standard?

Regulatory requirements may include the use and disposal of chemicals, record keeping, transport of chemicals, access to area, use of chainsaws, reporting accidents and dangerous goods.

What environmental impacts may apply to this standard?

Environmental impacts may include leaching and contamination of the water table, soil contamination, spray drift, damage to off target organisms, contaminated produce, surface run off, changes in soil structure.

What records need to be kept when treating weeds?

Records may include accident and dangerous occurrence reports, name of operator, treatments applied, rate, date, settings of equipment, weed numbers, numbers of beneficial organisms.

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