This unit applies to supervised workers in plant or pasture-based industries and is carried out following strict work instructions and under supervision.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare to treat plant pests, diseases and disorders

1.1. Plant pests, diseases and disorders are recognised by common name.

1.2. Details of the plant pest, disease and disorder 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 manufacturer's specifications.

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

2. Apply treatments to plant pests, diseases and disorders

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

2.2. Treatments are prepared according to supervisor's instructions and manufacturers 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 regulatory requirements.

3. Carry out post treatment operation

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

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

3.3. Records are maintained according to enterprise guidelines.

Required skills

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

recognise a range of plant pests, diseases and disorders

monitor and record the severity of the plant pest or disease problem

prepare to treat plant pests and diseases

apply plant pest, disease and disorder treatments

carry out post treatment operations

use and maintain PPE appropriate to task

maintain spray and other treatment records

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 plant pests, diseases and disorders for a particular enterprise/situation

different types of control measures and their principles

modes of action of different chemicals

legislation relation to the use of chemicals for plant pest, disease and disorder control

OHS legislative and enterprise requirements and Codes of Practice

correct use and maintenance of PPE.

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 plant pests, diseases and disorders for the enterprise

apply a range of control or treatment options

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

clean and store equipment correctly

observe the treatment site

record plant treatments.

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.

Plant pests, diseases and disorders may include:

those which impact on commercial crops, pastures, amenity areas, gardens and turf, and natural areas.

Plant pests may include:

chewing, sucking and boring invertebrates

nematodes

fungi

viruses

bacteria.

Plant disorders may include:

toxic soil, air and water.

Plant pests, diseases and disorders does not include:

vertebrate pests

nutrient deficiencies

extreme environmental conditions.

Unit sector

Pest management

This unit contains employability skills.