Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to control vertebrate and invertebrate pests by means of manual fumigation.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety and pesticide legislation and codes.
All work must be carried out to comply with Safety Data Sheets, chemical label directions and the Integrated Pest Management strategy.
This unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work and use discretion and judgement in the selection and use of available resources. Work is carried out to industry standards.
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.
This unit may be deemed to have a time limit when used as part of an accreditation or licence process.
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. Determine type and method of fumigation | 1.1 Identify the nature and level of pest presence 1.2 Determine need for fumigant use within an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy 1.3 Determine type of fumigant and application rate 1.4 Select method of fumigant application to suit type of pests and site 1.5 Determine volume to be fumigated to ensure fumigation conditions are met as per label instructions 1.6 Conduct and record work health and safety risk assessment for both fumigation and post fumigation re-entry |
2. Prepare to use fumigant according to label and SDS | 2.1 Select appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as per label requirements and check for effectiveness 2.2 Define and calculate application/dosage rates 2.3 Erect prominent signage notifying passers-by of fumigation operation in progress 2.4 Identify hazards, assess risks and implement control measures 2.5 Prepare fumigation site to control inadvertent entry or exposure 2.6 Implement emergency procedures as required |
3. Conduct fumigation | 3.1 Confirm first aid equipment is available onsite 3.2 Assess weather conditions and forecasts prior to and during application 3.3 Create airtight seal in fumigation area to ensure maximum effectiveness of fumigation 3.4 Signpost and barricade fumigation site where required to prevent access 3.5 Apply fumigant safely and effectively in accordance with label requirements 3.6 Control site until area is suitable for re-use 3.7 Transport and store fumigants as required |
4. Monitor fumigation | 4.1 Monitor fumigation site to control access and maintain safe conditions during active period for the time specified on the label 4.2 Monitor fumigation site for pest activity 4.3 Assess fumigant escape safety implications and take immediate action if required |
5. Ventilate fumigated area | 5.1 Follow label direction to determine when conditions are suitable for ventilation to minimise risk to health and safety 5.2 Calculate time required for ventilation 5.3 Ventilate site in accordance with registered label, SDS, Code of Practice and enterprise standards |
6. Clean up following fumigation | 6.1 Remove barriers, signs and locks and store for future use in appropriate location 6.2 Clean, decontaminate, check and store equipment and personal protective equipment in appropriate location 6.3 Transport and store fumigants in accordance with label, legislative and industry practice 6.4 Dispose of all waste as per label instructions |
7. Record application details | 7.1 Record details of fumigant applications 7.2 Record details of fumigant used in the chemical inventory or register 7.3 Maintain inventory of personal protective equipment 7.4 Follow procedures and requirements for reporting fumigation details to management/employer 7.5 Record and report safety incidents or poisoning to the appropriate person or authority |
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:
select the appropriate fumigant for the identified pest
interpret fumigant labels and SDS
prepare fumigants according to chemical label instructions
store and disposing of spent fumigants
prepare a site for fumigation and erecting appropriate signage
seal the facility
apply fumigant, monitor and ventilate sites
check for residual fumigant gas
restore the facility and cleaning the equipment
record work activities
use appropriate personal protective equipment
follow emergency procedures during an accident or spillage
follow enterprise work, health and safety policies
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
fumigant labels and SDS used in the workplace
a range of techniques to seal a site
primary vertebrate and invertebrate pests that can be controlled by manual fumigation methods
best fumigants to use for specific pests
site factors in relation to fumigation
relevant legislation and licencing requirements in relation to fumigant use
risk factors including human and animal health, weather, leakage, spillage and environmental
requirements for disposal of spent fumigant, clearing spillages and equipment clean up
Assessment Conditions
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace OR workplace and 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)