Application
This unit describes the skills required to control vegetation on a site by inspecting, identifying and treating weeds, plants and shrubs. The ability to plan and undertake work safely, including the safe handling of chemicals and equipment, is essential to performance.
This unit applies to those working as field and operational staff involved in plant control, but it does not reflect the requirements for undertaking plant control on the properties of third parties where further training and licensing requirements may apply.
The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.
Those undertaking this unit would work under supervision, while performing routine tasks, in familiar context.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
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 section. |
1. Plan and prepare work | 1.1 Organise tasks according to job specifications, relevant legislation and organisational procedures. 1.2 Perform site check to prevent damage to other utilities and environment. 1.3 Select and check equipment, personal protective equipment and material safety data sheets to meet safety requirements of task and site. 1.4 Identify noxious weeds, plants and shrubs. |
2. Treat vegetation | 2.1 Conduct monitoring programs to determine spread, growth rate and extent of problem caused by weeds. 2.2 Store, handle, transport and mix chemicals and other control mechanisms. 2.3 Use processes to treat vegetation. 2.4 Implement controls to minimise environmental damage and deal with emergencies and spillage. |
3. Check work and restore work site | 3.1 Clean equipment after use and prepare for safe storage or re-use. 3.2 Identify potential hazards and dispose of waste. |
4. Complete records and reports | 4.1 Record use of chemicals and control mechanisms. 4.2 Complete work reports and documentation. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.
identifying and reporting operational problems
producing reports and logs and completing relevant documentation
using personal protective equipment, tools and machinery, chemicals and other treatments
following plans, charts and instructions
performing work-related calculations
interpreting material safety data sheets (MSDS)
applying procedures and standards
controlling vegetation on a site by inspecting, identifying and treating weeds, plants and shrubs
interpreting work requirements from given documentation
identifying noxious weeds and appropriate control methods
planning and preparing equipment and materials required for work
identifying risks and implementing controls
restoring work site
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.
environmental aspects of controlling vegetation
relevant utilities and service bodies
communication systems
use, storage, handling and transport of hazardous substances
landscape and ground structure of work area
risk factors and potential hazards of vegetation control processes
equipment operation, capacity and limitations
effects of weather and conditions on use of chemical treatment, site or plant
control systems
materials handling
landscape and ground structure of work area
Assessment Conditions
Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.
Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website.
Competency Field
Source