Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to open and reassemble a beehive to carry out routine bee husbandry and related tasks.
This unit applies to beekeepers who work under general supervision and exercise limited autonomy with some accountability for their own work. They undertake defined activities and work in a structured context.
Where work requires the use of load-shifting equipment, appropriate training and certification must be provided according to state and territory safety and licensing requirements.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare to open a beehive | 1.1 Select, check and use personal protective equipment (PPE) 1.2 Identify work health and safety hazards and take action as directed 1.3 Identify tools and equipment required for the work 1.4 Conduct checks on tools and equipment and report insufficient or faulty items 1.5 Assess weather conditions and nectar availability and adjust planned activities to minimise risk of robbing and hive stress 1.6 Follow site quarantine and biosecurity protocols where in effect 1.7 Use appropriate manual or mechanical handling techniques and minimise damage to beehive |
2. Open the beehive | 2.1 Control bees throughout the opening process by using smoke 2.2 Carry out work from a safe position in relation to beehive 2.3 Raise beehive lid using hive tool and remove queen excluder, frames and supers as required 2.4 Place all removed frames and supers on upside down lid to ensure they remain dirt free |
3. Reassemble the beehive | 3.1 Place brood frames back into hive in the same position from which they were removed unless manipulation is being undertaken 3.2 Replace all frames in appropriate boxes and replace queen excluders and supers 3.3 Replace beehive lid and where used, secure with hive fastener |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
correctly wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
minimise the risk of robbing and hive stress
raise a beehive lid using a hive tool and bee smoker
reassemble the beehive
work safely around bees.
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices of opening and reassembling beehives
bee behaviour, particularly when a beehive is disturbed
components of a beehive.
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Beekeeping (BEK)