Application
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to control browsing pests, such as rabbits, foxes, rats, kangaroos, wallabies and dogs. Work is completed in a variety of work settings, including forest environments, farms, nurseries and workshops.
The unit applies to Forestry worker, Arboriculture worker, Farm forestry worker, Nursery worker, Plantation establishment worker, Plantation forest officer, Silviculturist.
Licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit in some states & territories at the time of publication, and may differ according to jurisdiction
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions. |
1. Prepare to control pests | 1.1 Review work order and where required check with appropriate personnel. 1.2 Select appropriate personal protective and other equipment and check for operational effectiveness. 1.3 Identify pests to be controlled and select and check control method in line with work order. 1.4 Identify and obtain required permits or licences in line with organisational procedures. |
2. Control pests | 2.1 Use equipment and animal baits in line with organisational safety procedures, manufacturer’s instructions and environmental protection practices. 2.2 Notify neighbouring landholders of pest control operation and erect appropriate signage in line with organisational procedures. 2.3 Control animal pests using appropriate methods in line with work order. |
3. Complete pest control operation | 3.1 Dispose of pests in line with environmental protection practices. 3.2 Remove temporary signage and store in line with organisational procedures. 3.3 Record and report pest control outcomes to appropriate personnel. |
Evidence of Performance
A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy all of the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit.
complete animal pest control procedures in line with an individual work order prescribing the animal species to be controlled
for each of the above procedures:
obtain the required permits or licences for the control activity
select the most appropriate control method for the species
across the above procedures, use one or more of these animal control methods:
all legally approved forms of trapping pests
all legally approved baits and methods of distribution
legally approved shooting
at the completion of each of the above jobs:
dispose of pests in line with environmental protection practices
compete basic records for pest control outcomes.
Evidence of Knowledge
A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
key features and application of animal pest control methods including:
all legally approved forms of trapping pests
all legally approved baits and methods of distribution
legally approved shooting
requirements for obtaining permits and licences for different types of animal pest control activities and the authority from whom approval must be obtained
types of animal pests, their effects on operational production and optimum control methods:
rats
rabbits
foxes
kangaroos
wallabies
dogs
chemical bait uses, dose and distribution rates
animal-handling techniques to minimise animal distress
signage requirements to indicate presence of animal control measures:
types of signs
approved wording
distribution
hazards of handling traps, chemical baits and fire-arms and methods to minimise associated risks
organisational procedures specific to controlling animal pests:
workplace health and safety with particular emphasis on use of personal protective equipment and handling hazardous substances
communication reporting lines
recording and reporting pest control outcomes.
Assessment Conditions
The following resources must be made available:
equipment and substances used to control animal pests
signs used for identifying the presence of animal control measures
personal protective equipment suitable for animal pest control activities
safety data sheets for animal bait chemicals or plain English equivalent documents
work order with specific instructions for animal pest control activities
template documents for:
applying for permits and licences
recording pest control outcomes
relevant personnel for the purposes of communicating information
organisational procedures for controlling animal pests.
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.
Assessor requirements
Assessors must:
hold the appropriate assessor competency standards as outlined in regulations; and
be able to demonstrate vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed; and
be able to demonstrate how they are continuing to develop their VET knowledge and skills as well as maintaining their industry currency and assessor competence
Foundation Skills
This section describes those core and employment skills that are essential to performance and are not explicit in the performance criteria. | |
Numeracy skills to: | complete routine calculations to measure animal bait dose rates and areas for distribution. |
Oral communication skills to: | ask questions and actively listen to clarify contents of work orders. |
Reading skills to: | interpret: workplace health and safety and other organisational procedures work orders safety data sheets or plain English equivalents for animal baits |
Writing skills to: | complete accurate basic records for pest control outcomes. |
Planning and organising skills to: | efficiently and logically sequence the stages of planning for and controlling animal pests work order to guide activities. |
Range Statement
Not Applicable
Sectors
Forest Growing and Management