HLTPOP017
Identify pest control strategies


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to monitor pest problems in the community that could potentially affect the health of householders and community members and identify appropriate methods of control.

This unit applies to work in a public health context and workers at this level will demonstrate judgement and limited responsibility within defined guidelines.

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements define the essential outcomes.

The Performance Criteria specify the level of performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the Element.

1. Identify potential pest problems in the community

1.1 Monitor signs of pest problems in the household and community that could potentially pose a risk to people’s health

1.2 Identify environmental conditions contributing to problems

1.3 Discuss potential problems with householders and community members to ascertain the nature and extent of problems

1.4 Identify type of pest, activity level and location of harbourages

1.5 Estimate density of infestation from available evidence of pest activity

1.6 Report findings in accordance with organisation policy and procedure

2. Identify strategies to assist with the control of pests in the community

2.1 Seek information on strategies and methods to control different pests in the community

2.2 Obtain information on advantages and disadvantages and any obstacles that may exist in relation to various methods

2.3 Seek additional advice from key people and outside agencies

3. Determine the best form of pest eradication or control methods for the community

3.1 Discuss potential strategies with the organisation, community and relevant others to determine the best course of action

3.2 Assess options to determine the most effective solutions for the identified problem

3.3 Develop and implement a work plan in relation to the identified strategies in conjunction with supervisor

3.4 Identify and action issues requiring referrals to key people and outside agencies

Evidence of Performance

The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be demonstrated evidence that the candidate has:

identified at least 2 pest problems in the community that could potentially affect the health of householders and community members and developed and implemented a work plan that includes appropriate strategies and methods of control.


Evidence of Knowledge

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:

legal and organisation requirements relating to pest control and community needs, including:

national, State/Territory and local health policies, goals, targets and priorities relevant to identifying health needs

scope of own role and responsibilities

other key people or agency responsibilities

points of contact to assist with the implementation of strategies which are outside own area of responsibility

common pests and rodents found in the area, including mosquitoes, ants, cockroaches and rodents, and the different stages of their lifecycle

how to set traps

the links between pests, including rodents and disease transmission

understanding of the living and breeding places of different pests and the environmental conditions which encourage them to live and breed

signs of pest and rodent problems

environmental conditions contributing to pest problems, including:

pools of water lying under leaking taps

rubbish lying around the yard or community that could potentially become a breeding ground for pests

houses with broken or non-existent fly wire screens and doors

toilet vents that are not fly proofed

bins without tight fitting lids

septic tanks that are not sealed, or lids broken

toilets that are blocked or broken

grass and reeds growing around and in sewage lagoons

overflowing drains

dead animals and faeces lying around

dirty kitchen and food preparation surfaces

dirty cupboards

household rubbish that is not properly disposed of

cracks or crevices in walls or ceilings

environmental, chemical, biological prevention and control strategies and the advantages and disadvantages of each.


Assessment Conditions

Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that reflects workplace conditions. Where simulation is used, it must reflect real working conditions by modelling industry operating conditions and contingencies as well as using suitable facilities, equipment and resources.

Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.


Foundation Skills

The Foundation Skills describe those required skills (language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills) that are essential to performance.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.