• RTC3704A - Prepare and apply chemicals

Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

RTC3704A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Prepare and apply chemicals

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency RTC3704A - Prepare and apply chemicals
Description This competency standard covers the process of preparing and applying chemicals for the control of weeds, pests and diseases. It requires knowledge of the chemicals related to the workplace, the hazards and risks involved in their use, and the specific safety procedures prescribed for working unsupervised within organisational guidelines. It requires the ability to handle and apply chemicals ensuring minimum risk to self, others and environment and accurately record their use.NB: This competency standard may be deemed to have a time limit when used as part of an accreditation or licence to purchase or use chemicals.This competency standard covers the process of preparing and applying chemicals for the control of weeds, pests and diseases. It requires knowledge of the chemicals related to the workplace, the hazards and risks involved in their use, and the specific safety procedures prescribed for working unsupervised within organisational guidelines. It requires the ability to handle and apply chemicals ensuring minimum risk to self, others and environment and accurately record their use.NB: This competency standard may be deemed to have a time limit when used as part of an accreditation or licence to purchase or use chemicals.
Employability Skills Not applicable.
Learning Outcomes and Application Not applicable.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable.
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities
Slides
PPT
Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Determine the need for chemical use
  • Nature and level of the pest, weed infestation or disease is identified.
  • Need for action is assessed.
  • Assess the requirement for chemical use as an option within an integrated pest management strategy.
  • Hazard and risk analysis of different chemical options is undertaken.
  • Requirement for chemical application including coverage by appropriate insurance is identified and confirmed.
       
Element: Prepare appropriate chemical
  • Chemical label and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are read and understood.
  • Labels are checked to ensure chemicals meet user requirements and specifications.
  • Chemicals are prepared from those registered for the intended purpose, and to suit the organisation's chemical use strategy.
  • Legislation and regulations concerning chemical use are identified and followed.
  • Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards and risks and risk control requirements associated with use of the chemical are identified.
       
Element: Prepare to use chemicals according to the label and MSDS
  • Personal protective equipment is selected and checked for use according to the product label and MSDS.
  • Requirements for pre and post-operative checks on equipment are followed.
  • Damage, wear or malfunctions of any equipment is identified and reported or repaired.
  • Requirements for the selection, preparation and adjustment of application equipment and tools for the appropriate chemicals are followed.
  • Mixing rates are defined and calculated.
  • Directions, standards and legislative requirements for mixing chemicals are followed.
       
Element: Apply chemicals
  • Meteorological conditions and forecasts are assessed prior to and during application.
  • Hazards of particular chemicals are identified.
  • Risks to others and the environment are assessed and controlled.
  • Application equipment calibration procedures are followed.
  • Procedures and precautions for the use of the chemicals are interpreted from labels and accreditation requirements.
  • Requirements for chemical handling and application are determined from directions, standards and legislative requirements.
  • Chemicals are applied safely and effectively according to directions.
  • Chemical spills or accident procedures are followed.
  • First aid equipment is made available on site.
       
Element: Clean up following chemical application
  • Tools or equipment required to clean up chemicals are selected.
  • Requirements for cleaning equipment and sites are defined and followed according to directions and standards.
  • Requirements for disposing of unused chemicals, empty containers or spilled material are defined from directions and standards.
  • Procedures for reporting chemical spills are followed.
       
Element: Record application details
  • Application of chemicals is recorded according to organisation procedures, label directions and legislation.
  • Details of the specific chemical concerned are recorded correctly in the chemical inventory according to regulations.
  • Inventory of personal protective equipment and application equipment is recorded.
  • Procedures and requirements for reporting application details to senior management or client are followed.
  • Records of injury or poisoning associated with application of chemical are made and provided to the appropriate person.
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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

Competence in this preparing and applying chemicals requires evidence that a person can work unsupervised to prepare the correct chemical for the problem, apply the chemical according to safe work practice and legislation and ensure minimal effects on the environment and others.

The skills and knowledge required to prepare and apply chemicals must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, this could include different chemicals, application methods and workplaces

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:

Chemical free options for pest control.

Use, maintenance and storage of equipment to prepare and apply chemicals.

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

Use, maintenance and storage of personal protective equipment, including how, when and why it should be used.

Licensing requirements and relevant State authorities.

Modes of chemical absorption and paths of entry associated with risks to bystanders/public and applicators.

Environmental effects of chemicals.

Drift management.

Calibration and adjustments.

Integrated Pest Management and Integrated Resistance Management principles.

Cost effective use of chemicals.

Hazard identification, assessment and control, and emergency response.

Correct wearing/fit 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:

Communicate orally and in writing.

Read and interpret labels.

Measure quantities, application rates and calibrate equipment.

Report on and record activities.

Use safe and environmentally responsible work practices.

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 (2) be applied?

Reporting and recording information about chemical application.

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

Information in labels, directions, standards and accreditation conditions (in the case of 'prescribed chemicals), need to be interpreted and analysed.

3. How are activities planned and organised (2)?

Planning the application of chemicals in conjunction with other workplace activities.

4. How can team work (2) be applied?

A chemical strategy may be implemented in a team through health and safety meetings.

5. How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (2) be applied?

Calibration of equipment, mixing chemicals and calculations.

6. How can problem-solving skills (2) be applied?

Matching the correct chemical to the problem and ensuring the all accreditation conditions are met.

7. How can the use of technology (1) be applied?

Recording information may require the use of appropriate technology.

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:

1. Accreditation with that issuing body.
2. Maintenance of current competency in this and the following standards:

RTC3705A -.Transport, handle and store chemicals

RTC4702A -.Minimise risks in the use of chemicals

RTC4703A -.Plan and implement a chemical use program.

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.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Not applicable.

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 considered for use?

Chemicals may include insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, bactericides, algaecides, bio-agents, nematacides, rodenticides, antimicrobial agents, anthelmintics, hormone growth promotants or a range of veterinary chemicals used to treat animals for disease.

What legislation and regulations may be relevant to this standard?

Legislation may include Pesticides Acts, Occupational Health and Safety Acts and associated Hazardous Substances Regulations/ Codes of Practice, Dangerous Goods Acts, Poisons Act or Protection of the Environment Acts.

What OHS hazards and risks are relevant to this standard?

OHS hazards include exposure of the operators and others in the workplace to the absorption of chemicals through the skin and by inhalation and ingestion. Risks may include acute poisoning, chronic or long-term health effects, and lack of appropriate insurance coverage.

What OHS risk control requirements are relevant to this standard?

OHS risk control measures may include safe application techniques, use and maintenance of personal protective equipment, safe wash down procedures, safe procedures for container rinsing and management.

What personal protective equipment might be relevant to this standard?

Personal equipment may include boots, overalls, chemical resistant gloves, aprons, face shields, respirators or hats.

What pre and post operational checks might be relevant to this standard?

Checks may be made to weather conditions (e.g., wind), nozzles, hoses, regulators/gauges, respirator cartridges, drench and protective clothing and equipment.

What application equipment may be relevant to this standard?

Include knapsacks or hand held pneumatic sprayers, drench guns, spot on applicators, CDA and air assisted units, self-propelled sprayers, controllers or power operated equipment like boomsprays, pressure wands, jetting race, shower/plunge dips, hand jetting or air blast sprayer.

What directions and standards may be relevant to this standard?

May include the instructions on the chemicals label, in an operator's manual, on a MSDS, in an industry standard, or from Codes of Practice and advisory material explaining legislation relevant to chemical use.

What hazards may need to be addressed in this standard?

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, uneven surfaces, trip points, solar radiation, manual handling, faulty equipment, environmental damage or residues in foods.

What risks may need to be assessed in this standard?

Risks that may be assessed include spillage, contact of chemical with skin or eyes, accidental ingestion, incorrect concentrations in mixtures, faulty or inappropriate storage containers, incorrectly calibrated equipment, spray drift, contamination of waterways, incorrect disposal of unused chemicals or faulty equipment

What meteorological conditions might be assessed?

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

What tools and equipment may be used for cleaning up after chemical application or spill?

Include washing soda, chlorine, containers for disposal of chemicals, non-flammable absorbent materials and shovels, booms, sausages and sandbags.

What organisational procedures may be in place for recording?

Written journal or computer record may be used for recording.

Who may be the appropriate person to receive reports about accidents and spills?

Include relevant authorities, supervisor, manager, business owner or colleague.

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

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Nature and level of the pest, weed infestation or disease is identified. 
Need for action is assessed. 
Assess the requirement for chemical use as an option within an integrated pest management strategy. 
Hazard and risk analysis of different chemical options is undertaken. 
Requirement for chemical application including coverage by appropriate insurance is identified and confirmed. 
Chemical label and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are read and understood. 
Labels are checked to ensure chemicals meet user requirements and specifications. 
Chemicals are prepared from those registered for the intended purpose, and to suit the organisation's chemical use strategy. 
Legislation and regulations concerning chemical use are identified and followed. 
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards and risks and risk control requirements associated with use of the chemical are identified. 
Personal protective equipment is selected and checked for use according to the product label and MSDS. 
Requirements for pre and post-operative checks on equipment are followed. 
Damage, wear or malfunctions of any equipment is identified and reported or repaired. 
Requirements for the selection, preparation and adjustment of application equipment and tools for the appropriate chemicals are followed. 
Mixing rates are defined and calculated. 
Directions, standards and legislative requirements for mixing chemicals are followed. 
Meteorological conditions and forecasts are assessed prior to and during application. 
Hazards of particular chemicals are identified. 
Risks to others and the environment are assessed and controlled. 
Application equipment calibration procedures are followed. 
Procedures and precautions for the use of the chemicals are interpreted from labels and accreditation requirements. 
Requirements for chemical handling and application are determined from directions, standards and legislative requirements. 
Chemicals are applied safely and effectively according to directions. 
Chemical spills or accident procedures are followed. 
First aid equipment is made available on site. 
Tools or equipment required to clean up chemicals are selected. 
Requirements for cleaning equipment and sites are defined and followed according to directions and standards. 
Requirements for disposing of unused chemicals, empty containers or spilled material are defined from directions and standards. 
Procedures for reporting chemical spills are followed. 
Application of chemicals is recorded according to organisation procedures, label directions and legislation. 
Details of the specific chemical concerned are recorded correctly in the chemical inventory according to regulations. 
Inventory of personal protective equipment and application equipment is recorded. 
Procedures and requirements for reporting application details to senior management or client are followed. 
Records of injury or poisoning associated with application of chemical are made and provided to the appropriate person. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

RTC3704A - Prepare and apply chemicals
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

RTC3704A - Prepare and apply chemicals

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: