Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to recognise significant weed species and apply a range of weed treatment control options.
This unit applies to supervised workers treating weeds in commercial crops, nurseries, parks and gardens, turf, and natural areas and is carried out following strict work instructions and under supervision.
Supervisors are required to hold current chemical handling certification and a first aid certificate. Other licensing conditions may also apply to this unit. Specific determination should be sought through the relevant State or Territory.
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 treat weeds | 1.1 Recognise target weeds by common name 1.2 Record details of the weed occurrence and discuss with supervisor 1.3 Identify appropriate control technique with supervisor 1.4 If spraying is necessary, calculate application rates required and confirm calculations with supervisor 1.5 Select and prepare equipment for use according to enterprise guidelines, supervisor’s direction and manufacturer's specifications 1.6 Place caution or warning signs as required by work instructions or standard operating procedures 1.7 Identify work health and safety and environmental hazards and report safety concerns to the supervisor |
2. Treat weeds | 2.1 Wear personal protective equipment according to manufacturer’s specifications 2.2 Prepare treatments according to supervisor's instructions, manufacturer guidelines, label directions and safety data sheets 2.3 Apply treatments to minimise damage to non-target species according to work health and safety and regulatory requirements |
3. Carry out post treatment operation | 3.1 Clean and store personal protective equipment and application equipment 3.2 Dispose of treatment waste in a way that causes minimal environmental damage 3.3 Maintain records according to enterprise guidelines and regulatory 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:
follow supervisor instructions to prepare and apply treatments to weeds
identify and report safety and environmental hazards according to workplace requirements
shut down and clean and store personal protective equipment and application equipment in a way that minimises environmental impacts
dispose of treatment waste according to workplace procedures and without causing environmental damage
maintain records according to workplace and legislative requirements
use standard industry terminology for plants, weeds and chemicals
apply work health and safety practices in the context of own work
apply appropriate sustainability practices in the context of own work
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
sources of information on weeds and treatments
environmental considerations when using chemicals for treating weeds
equipment required to complete the task
equipment capabilities and limitations
personal protective equipment required for treating weeds
weeds and dispersal methodologies common to work area
a range of treatment methods
caution or hazard signs and signals
purpose of chemical labels and safety data sheets
where to access safety data sheets
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
Pest Management (PMG)