CPPPMT3010A
Control timber pests

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to implement a management plan to control timber pests. The unit requires the ability to review existing reports and to design, implement and monitor a management plan to control timber pests. The selection of appropriate equipment, chemicals, materials and methods is essential for performing the task effectively.

Application

This unit of competency supports pest management technicians responsible for controlling timber pests and timber pest activity that impact on the health, safety or amenity of persons or environments in domestic, commercial or industrial premises. Timber pests may occur in buildings, landscaping, recreational equipment, timber fences, furniture, railing, bridges and stairs. Types of timber pests vary in different geographic regions and this unit applies to those timber pests found in the geographic area.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1

Design timber pest management plan.

1.1

Work order and inspection report are reviewed to confirm task according to company requirements.

1.2

Hazards are identified and risks controlled at work site according to company, legislative, and occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements.

1.3

Suitable timber pest management methods are selected for control of timber pests based on inspection report and work site environment and according to legislative and company requirements.

1.4

Access and application equipment for implementing timber pest management plan are identified, selected and applied according to manufacturer specifications and legislative, OHS and company requirements.

1.5

Materials for implementing timber pest management plan are identified and requirements are calculated according to manufacturer specifications and legislative, OHS and company requirements.

2

Prepare to implement timber pest management plan.

2.1

Timber pest management plan is reviewed to identify factors affecting completion of work order, and issues are clarified with appropriate persons according to company requirements.

2.2

Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) is selected and used according to manufacturer specifications and OHS and company requirements.

2.3

Equipment is selected and operational effectiveness checked according to manufacturer specifications and legislative, OHS, company and environmental requirements.

2.4

Chemicals and materials are prepared according to manufacturer specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements.

2.5

Signage and barriers are installed as required to maximise protection of public health and safety during the treatment operation.

3

Implement pest management plan.

3.1

Hazards are identified and risks controlled at work site according to legislative, OHS and company requirements.

3.2

Materials are installed as identified in timber pest management plan according to manufacturer specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements.

3.3

Work is conducted using safe operating practices according to manufacturer specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements.

3.4

Implementation is reviewed to check effectiveness of timber pest management plan.

3.5

Emergency response procedures are implemented when necessary according to manufacturer specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements.

4

Restore work site.

4.1

Work site is restored to condition agreed with client and requirements of timber pest management plan according to environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements.

4.2

Hazards are eliminated prior to handover according to environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements.

4.3

Signage and barriers are removed when work site is available for re-use, according to work order and OHS and company requirements.

4.4

Appropriate persons are notified of further hazard reduction or necessary rectification measures according to environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements.

5

Clean, safety-check and store equipment.

5.1

Equipment and PPE are cleaned and decontaminated according to manufacturer specifications and environmental, OHS and company requirements.

5.2

Equipment and PPE are safety-checked and required maintenance is recorded according to manufacturer specifications and OHS and company requirements.

5.3

Cleaned equipment and PPE are stored to allow ready access and re-use according to company requirements.

5.4

Chemicals are transported and stored according to manufacturer specifications and OHS and company requirements.

5.5

Collected waste is disposed of according to work order, manufacturer specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements.

5.6

Exposed skin is treated to remove contamination according to manufacturer specifications and OHS and company requirements.

6

Complete documentation.

6.1

Required certificates and notices are prepared and issued according to environmental and legislative requirements.

6.2

Company documentation is completed and distributed according to legislative and company requirements.

7

Monitor effectiveness of timber pest management plan.

7.1

Periodic contact schedule is established with client according to company requirements.

7.2

Regular liaison is maintained with client to monitor effectiveness of plan according to company requirements.

Required Skills

Required skills

skills to work safely when:

identifying hazards and controlling risks

manual handling

selecting and using equipment

working at heights and in confined spaces

customer service skills to:

establish rapport with clients

gain clients’ trust

perceive and respond to clients’ attitudes to pest problems

language, literacy and numeracy skills for:

communicating clearly and concisely verbally and in writing

performing mathematical calculations required to:

dilute and mix chemicals as specified on product labels

measure area and volume

preparing regulatory and company documentation and pest management reports for client

reading and interpreting directions and safety instructions, including:

equipment manuals

material safety data sheets (MSDS)

requesting advice or further information

seeking and receiving feedback

sourcing, organising and recording information

observing, including recognising variations at work site, such as usage

planning and organising work, including:

accurately estimating timeframes

scheduling efficiently

self-management skills to work alone and in a team

Required knowledge

legislation, regulations, codes of practice and industry advisory standards that apply to the control of timber pests, including:

licensing requirements for timber pest management

OHS legislation

building structures and construction methods

company management structure and procedures, including:

emergency response procedures

injury, dangerous occurrence and incident reporting

manual-handling techniques

OHS procedures, including hierarchy of hazard control

reporting procedures

pest assessment, including:

ecology and biology of timber pests

soil types in relation to timber pest activities

types of timber pests relevant to the area and their life cycles, habits and harbourages

pest management options, including:

pesticidal and physical controls associated with managing timber pests in a range of environments and conditions

product knowledge, including manufacturer specifications for equipment and products being used

routes of entry and potential symptoms of exposure to chemicals

work order specifications

Evidence Required

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

This unit of competency could be assessed by observing practical demonstration of timber pest identification and control.

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

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the required skills and knowledge specified in this unit.

In particular the person should demonstrate the ability to:

comply with company, legislative and regulatory requirements

achieve outcomes in relation to work order

design a timber pest management plan taking into account environmental sustainability

identify hazards and risks associated with timber pest management and apply knowledge of hierarchy of hazard control

implement and monitor a timber pest management plan

select equipment and chemicals.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge may be conducted in an off-site context. It is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards’ requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include access to:

suitable work site or venue

suitable equipment and materials

PPE

relevant databases and information sources

company procedures, manufacturer specifications and MSDS

plain English version of relevant statutes and procedures

work order instructions, work plans and schedules, and policy documents

assessment instruments, including personal planner and assessment record book.

Method of assessment

Assessment methods must:

satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Property Services Training Package

include direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions, with questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application

reinforce the integration of employability skills with workplace tasks and job roles

confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments.

Guidance information for assessment

Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Assessment processes and techniques should as far as is practical take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed.

This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function, for example:

CPPPMT3002A Assess pest management options

CPPPMT3006A Apply pesticides to manage pests

CPPPMT3008A Inspect and report on timber pests

CPPPMT3043A Prepare and present pest management proposals.


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Work order information may include:

access to work site, including:

timing of access

access and egress points

budget allocations

completion times and dates

dress and presentation requirements

job requirements and tasks

legislative and local government requirements

OHS requirements and emergency response procedures

requirements for working in isolated and remote locations

resource requirements – equipment and materials

specific client requirements, such as:

noise control

sensitivity of occupants to pests or pest management

relationships with other customer activities

use of signage and barriers

work schedules

work site contact persons.

Inspection reports may include:

building approvals

previous inspection reports

previous written reports

treatment notices on buildings

warranties.

Company requirements may include:

access and equity policy, principles and practice

business and performance plans

client communication procedures

client confidentiality procedures

client service standards

company goals, objectives, plans, systems and processes

company issued identification badge, card or pass

company policies and procedures

defined resource parameters

dress and presentation requirements

duty of care, code of conduct and code of ethics

emergency response and evacuation procedures

employer and employee rights and responsibilities

establishing operator identity with client

internal communication channels and reporting procedures

maintenance procedures for equipment and PPE

OHS policies and procedures

personnel practices and guidelines

policies and procedures relating to own role, responsibility and delegation

quality and continuous improvement processes and standards

records and information systems and processes

training (induction and refresher) materials

work site access security clearance procedures.

Hazards may include:

allergic reactions to chemicals, pests or equipment, including latex allergies

biological and animal waste

bites and stings

blood and blood-stained products

confined or restricted spaces

contaminated clothing, materials or equipment

damaged or inappropriate equipment

dust and fibres

electrical hazards arising from:

cables

electrical fittings:

switches

lights

untested electrical equipment

fatigue

fire

gas

heights

inadequate lighting and ventilation

infectious and zoonotic diseases, such as:

scabies

Q fever

leaks, spills, splashes and sprays

mobile or vehicle hazards around plant and vehicles

moving or unguarded parts

noise

occupational violence and bullying

poor personal hygiene practices

release of substances with negative environmental impact

unsafe manual-handling techniques, including awkward and repetitive postures

unsafe underfoot conditions, such as slippery, uneven and rough surfaces

work in unfamiliar isolated or remote environments.

Work sites may include:

building surroundings

buildings

domestic, commercial or industrial premises.

Legislative requirements may include:

Australian standards, quality assurance and certification requirements

award and enterprise agreements

industry advisory standards and codes, such as:

building codes

dangerous goods codes

relevant commonwealth, state and territory legislation and local government regulations that affect company operation, such as:

anti-discrimination and diversity

chemical controls

chemical registers and manifests

consumer protection legislation

dangerous goods Acts and regulations

declared pest (plant and animal) reporting

environmental protection issues

equal employment opportunity

freedom of information

industrial relations

motor and commercial vehicle transportation

motor licence and endorsement regulations

OHS Acts and regulations

privacy

public health

trade practices

workplace consultative arrangements.

Occupational health and safety (also known as workplace health and safety) requirements may relate to:

allergic reactions, such as contact dermatitis

animal management and control procedures

communication devices for isolated or remote locations, such as:

mobile phone

two-way radio

dermatoxicological control and prevention measures

emergency procedures for contact with toxic substances, such as:

splashes in eye or on skin

inhalation

ingestion

hazard identification and risk assessment mechanisms

hierarchy of hazard control procedures

industry advisory standards

information provided by national registration authority for chemical approval and state government authorities, such as:

agriculture

environment protection

health

primary industry

injury and dangerous occurrence reporting

national and industry codes of practice

OHS control procedures, such as:

health and safety plans

job plans

job safety analyses

risk assessments

safe operating practices and procedures

safe work instructions

safe work method statements

health surveillance and monitoring, such as regular blood testing

routes of entry and potential symptoms of exposure to chemicals

safe work practices for equipment, PPE and chemical storage, including interpretation of:

MSDS

hazardous substance information, such as long latency periods

safety, induction and refresher training

selection and use of PPE and clothing appropriate to hazard

up-to-date electrical test and tag compliance.

Timber pest management methods may include:

biological controls

chemical and physical barrier treatments

cultural controls

environmental controls

management controls.

Control may be:

eradication

exclusion

partial.

Timber pests include:

timber pests found in geographic region, such as:

borers

carpenter ants

termites

wood decay fungi.

Work site environment may include:

age of timber structure

associated building or land use

dark and humid areas

drainage

geographic location

known pressure pest areas

level of moisture

previous treatments

soil type

timber type

ventilation.

Equipment may include:

borescopes

brooms

bunding materials

cameras

dishes or bowls

drills

dusters

electrical extension leads

elevated work platforms

equipment decontamination materials

flexible lights

flushing agents

generators

hoses

injectors

knives

ladders

magnifying glasses

measuring jugs

mirrors

probes

safety harnesses

sand and other absorbent materials

screwdrivers

sharps containers

shovels and rakes

sound, moisture and movement detectors

sounding instruments

specimen bottles

spray equipment

torches

trays

waste disposal containers.

Timber pest management plan may include:

advice on health, safety, legislative and environmental matters

advice on pest prevention strategies

chemical application methods

details of timber pest and timber pest activity

follow-up pest management advice, monitoring and call-back schedule

timber pest management methods

types and quantities of chemicals to be used.

Manufacturer specifications may include:

emergency response resources

equipment operating manuals

government publications

instructional guides

MSDS

other resources supplied by manufacturer, such as:

laminated cards

notices

wall posters

product labels

safety instructions pre-printed on equipment.

Materials may include:

building components

cleaning products

flammable products

pesticides

physical barriers

registered agricultural and veterinary (AGVET) products

sealing components.

Calculated requirements may apply to:

assessment of physical characteristics

chemical compatibilities

equipment used

flow rates and pressures

nozzle tip selection

recalibration of equipment

surface areas

volumes.

Appropriate persons may include:

clients

colleagues

managers

persons in control of work site

supervisors.

Personal protective equipment may include:

air-line and self-contained respirators

breathing respirators:

full-face

half-face

chemical-impervious gloves

chemical-resistant aprons

communication equipment

contaminated clothing bags

cradles

drinking fluids

dust masks

eye protection, such as:

safety glasses

goggles

eyewashes and showers

face shields (splash-proof)

first aid kits appropriate to tasks and locations

hair nets

hard hats

high-visibility vests and clothing

long pants

noise protection

non-slip safety shoes or boots

overalls, coveralls or other chemical protective clothing

prodding and probing sticks and rods

safety harnesses

soap and towels

sunscreen

tongs

torches

washable sun hats

wet-work protective clothing.

Environmental requirements may include:

clean up, containment or isolation

company policies and guidelines

emergency chemical spill control measures

hazardous materials handling

regulations, by-laws and guidelines of environmental protection agencies and government departments, such as:

agriculture

emergency services

national parks and wildlife.

Chemicals may include:

cleaning products

flammable products

pesticides

registered AGVET products.

Signage and barriers may include:

physical barriers and restraints erected to restrict access to work site

signs complying with legislative requirements or Australian standards that warn of danger or adverse conditions.

Public health and safety may affect:

animals

client staff

company staff

customers

distributors

facility users

colleagues

general public, including neighbours and bystanders

inspectors

retailers

suppliers

trade and service providers.

Emergency response procedures include:

clean up

containment

decontamination

first aid

isolation

notification of authorities

use of firefighting appliances

use of PPE

work site or workplace evacuation.

Clients may include:

bodies corporate

building supervisors

companies or organisations

environmental health officers

executive housekeepers

maintenance managers

owners

persons in control of work processes

property agents or managers

tenants.

Waste may be solid or liquid and include:

contaminated or hazardous biological waste

used containers

used or contaminated PPE, such as disposable gloves.

Company documentation may include:

client records

pest activity and inspection reports

pest management system problem and action reports

service logbooks

site management reports

site visit reports.


Sectors

Pest management


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

This unit is one of the essential requirements for conducting timber pest work and may be a requirement for licensing. The full requirements for different licences may vary in different states and territories.