AHCCHM201
Apply chemicals under supervision


Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to apply chemicals using workplace specific application equipment under supervision.

All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety and pesticide legislation and codes.

This unit applies to individuals who undertake defined routine activities alongside a supervisor in most situations. They exercise limited autonomy within established and well known parameters and identify and seek help with simple problems.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit underpin a broad range of activities applicable to various job roles at various levels.

Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may apply to this unit. Candidates should confirm the regulatory requirements that apply in their relevant State or Territory before undertaking this unit.


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 work

1.1 Confirm the activity to be undertaken with supervisor, including identifying potential hazards and risks

1.2 Take steps to control risks as directed

1.3 Confirm tools and equipment to be used with supervisor

1.4 Wear appropriate personal protective equipment as per label instructions and ensure correct fit

2. Check application equipment

2.1 Carry out pre-operational checks of application equipment and identify and replace any damaged or worn components or report to supervisor

2.2 Prepare application equipment for use

3. Prepare application equipment

3.1 Follow all label instructions for the chemical or substance being used

3.2 Use appropriate mixing equipment

3.3 Check that output of application equipment is correct

3.4 Measure, mix and load chemical mix or substances

3.5 Confirm instructions from chemical label and supervisor in the event of a spill

3.6 Check that output of application equipment is correct and in accordance with application/spray plan.

4. Apply chemicals

4.1 Assess and record meteorological conditions and forecasts prior to and during application where relevant

4.2 Cease application if conditions become unsuitable

4.3 Apply chemical ensuring minimal risk to others and the environment

4.4 Minimise risks to others, product integrity and the environment prior to and during application

5. Transport and handle chemicals

5.1 Confirm precautions for the transport and handling of chemicals with supervisor

5.2 Transport and handle chemicals in accordance with relevant commonwealth, state and territory chemical legislation

6. Finalise work

6.1 Clean and store personal protective equipment and application equipment in accordance with manufacturers and work health and safety requirements

6.2 Dispose of excess chemicals and clean containers in accordance with label instructions and regulatory requirements

6.3 Complete incident reports as required

6.4 Complete application records

6.5 Store unused chemical and products in appropriate location

6.6 Adhere to all re-entry requirements

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:

identify hazards and adopt safe work practices

follow directions on chemical labels and relevant Safety Data Sheets SDS

carry out pre-operational checks of application equipment

measure, mix and load chemical mixes

safely apply chemical under supervision

report spillages, accidents or deficiencies in procedures and practices to supervisor

use appropriate personal protective equipment

follow emergency procedures during an accident or spillage

follow enterprise work health and safety procedures

safely dispose of chemicals

record relevant information, including amount of chemical applied as per commonwealth, state and territory chemical legislation


Evidence of Knowledge

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

relevant commonwealth, state and territory legislation

various transport and handling techniques and requirements

layout and information contained in chemical labels and SDS

features and functions of a range of application equipment relevant to the role

risk factors to be taken into account such as human and animal health, spillage and environmental

different broad chemical types such as insecticides, herbicides and fungicides and their mode of action symbols on the label

paths of entry of poisons into the body and the methods of limiting exposure

how to assess if weather conditions increase risks and when it becomes unsuitable for application to continue

relevant applied principles of Integrated Pest and Resistance Management

relevant parts of the workplace spray plan


Assessment Conditions

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace OR simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.

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

Chemicals (CHM)