This unit applies to supervised workers in agriculture, horticulture and land management who carry out the process of treating weeds and is carried out following specific work instructions.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare to treat weeds

1.1. Weeds which impact on commercial crops, gardens and turf, and natural areas are recognised by common name.

1.2. Details of the weed occurrence are recorded and reported to the supervisor.

1.3. Treatment methods are selected in consultation with the supervisor.

1.4. Equipment is selected and prepared for use according to enterprise guidelines and manufacturers specifications.

1.5. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified and safety concerns reported to the supervisor.

2. Treat weeds

2.1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used and maintained according to procedures.

2.2. Treatments are prepared according to supervisor's instructions and manufacturer's guidelines.

2.3. Treatments are applied in such a way that non-target damage is minimised.

2.4. Treatments are applied according to OHS and environmental regulatory requirements.

3. Carry out post treatment operation

3.1. Equipment is shut down and cleaned with full consideration of environmental impacts and OHS requirements.

3.2. Treatment waste is disposed of causing minimal environmental damage.

Required skills

identify hazards and implement safe work practices

read and interpret chemical labels, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), manufacturer's specifications for setting up equipment

use and maintain PPE

prepare to treat weeds

apply weed treatments

carry out post treatment operations

maintain spray records

recognise caution or hazard signs and symbols

interpret tasks or information from labels, manuals or written instructions

record information accurately or verbally report information

use literacy skills to follow sequenced written instructions and record information accurately and legibly

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

recognition of common weeds for a particular enterprise/situation

weed growth characteristics

different types of control measures, treatments and their principles

modes of action of different chemicals

equipment capability and limitations

legislation relation to the use of chemicals for weed control

OHS responsibilities of employers and employees

OHS legislative requirements and associated hazardous substances regulations and Codes of Practice

correct wearing/fit of personal protective equipment

environmental considerations when using chemicals for weed control.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

identify significant weed species for the enterprise

apply a range of weed treatment control options

recognise and control risks to environment (including spray drift and chemical spillage)

clean and store equipment correctly

monitor treatment site

record weed treatment.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Weeds may include:

all plants that are classified as weeds.

Treat weeds may include:

control by cultural, biological and chemical methods.

Unit sector

Pest management

This unit contains employability skills.