• PRMPM05B - Modify environment to manage pests

PRMPM05B
Modify environment to manage pests

This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to modify the environment to manage pests. The unit applies to the creation of the physical conditions necessary in order to manage the pest environment. The unit applies to pests and pest activity that impact on the health, safety or amenity of persons or environments and can be applied to domestic, commercial or industrial premises.The unit requires the ability to assess the nature and extent of the pest and pest activity, a thorough understanding of client requirements and the application of company information in order to perform the task. The selection of appropriate equipment and methods is essential for performing the task safely and efficiently.

Application

Not Applicable


Prerequisites

Not Applicable


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Access and assess the work site

1.1 Access the work site in accordance with company requirements

1.2 Review work order in accordance with company requirements and clarify any issues with appropriate person(s)

1.3 Determine assessment method in accordance with work order and company requirements

2 Inspect site for pests and develop a pest management plan

2.1 Identify hazards and control risks in the work site in accordance with legislative, occupational health and safety (OHS) and company requirements

2.2 Select and use suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and OHS and company requirements

2.3 Identify type and extent of pest and pest activity in accordance with work order and company requirements

2.4 Select most appropriate pestmanagement method option(s) to manage the pest in accordance with work order, manufacturers' specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements

2.5 Advise client of proposed pest management plan in accordance with work order and company requirements

2.6 Confirm client willingness to proceed with implementation of the pest management plan in accordance with company requirements

3 Prepare work site

3.1 Identify hazards and control risks at the work site in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements

3.2 Determine the size and usage pattern of the work site to ensure safety of all personnel and efficient use of equipment and materials

3.3 Install appropriate signage and barriers as required to maximise public health and safety during the treatment operation

3.4 Identify any factors affecting the completion of the work order and advise promptly the appropriate person(s)

4 Select and prepare equipment and materials

4.1 Select and use suitable PPE in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and legislative, OHS and company requirements

4.2 Select equipment appropriate for completion of the pest management plan

4.3 Check operational effectiveness of application and access equipment in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and legislative, OHS and company requirements

4.4 Adjust equipment to suit operator's requirements in accordance with manufacturers' specifications

4.5 Select and locate materials appropriate for completion of the pest management plan in accordance with company requirements

4.6 Prepare materials for completion of the pest management plan in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and company requirements

5 Effect treatment

5.1 Treat work site using appropriate equipment, materials and pest management method options as identified in the pest management plan

5.2 Conduct all work using safe operating practices in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements

5.3 Respond to emergency situations using emergency response procedures in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and environmental, legislative and company requirements

6 Restore work site and complete documentation

6.1 Collect and remove all equipment, materials and waste in accordance with work order and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements

6.2 Restore the work site in accordance with the work order and client requests, environmental and company requirements

6.3 Remove any signage and barriers used when the work site is available for re-use in accordance with work order and OHS and company requirements

6.4 Complete and distribute regulatory and company documentation in accordance with legislative and company requirements

7 Clean, safety-check and store equipment

7.1 Clean and decontaminate equipment and PPE in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and environmental, OHS and company requirements

7.2 Safety-check equipment and PPE and record any maintenance required in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and environmental, OHS and company requirements

7.3 Store cleaned equipment and PPE to allow ready access and re-use in accordance with company requirements

7.4 Dispose of all collected waste in accordance with work order, manufacturers' specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements

7.5 Treat exposed skin to remove any contamination in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and OHS and company requirements

Required Skills

Refer to Evidence Guide

Evidence Required

The evidence guide identifies the requirements to be demonstrated to confirm competence for this unit. Assessment must confirm sufficient ability to use appropriate skills and knowledge to modify the environment to manage pests. Assessment of performance should be over a period of time covering all categories within the range statement that are applicable in the working environment.

Critical aspects of competency

Accurate identification of the hazards and risks associated with pest management.

Accurate identification of the type of pest and pest activity.

Compliance with company and legislative/regulatory requirements.

Knowledge of emergency response procedures.

Knowledge of hierarchy of hazard control.

Outcomes achieved in relation to work order.

Safe and appropriate pest management methods.

Selection of appropriate equipment and materials for the task.

Knowledge needed to achieve the performance criteria

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this unit in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below.

Types of pests relevant to the area and their life cycles, habits and harbourages.

Pest ecology as related to pest management operations.

Physical controls associated with managing pests in a range of environments and conditions.

Product knowledge including manufacturers' specifications.

OHS legislation and procedures.

Applicable regulations, codes of practice and industry advisory standards.

Safe work practices with equipment and PPE.

Injury, dangerous occurrence and incident reporting.

Licensing requirements for pest management control in accordance with relevant Commonwealth and state/territory legislation and local government regulations.

Work order specifications.

Company management structure and reporting procedures.

Enterprise maintenance and servicing procedures.

Specific skills needed to achieve the performance criteria

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These are:

hazard identification and risk control

applying correct manual handling techniques

reading, interpreting and comprehending directions and safety instructions in equipment manuals and on chemical labels and MSDS

handling and disposing safely of chemicals

working safely at heights and in confined spaces

communicating clearly and concisely using written and verbal modes

requesting advice or further information

seeking and receiving feedback

working on an individual basis and within a team

planning and organising work

sourcing, organising and recording information

customer service.

Other units of competency that could be assessed with this unit

Competence in this unit may be assessed in conjunction with:

PRMPM02B Assess pest management options

PRMPM06B Apply pesticide to manage pests

PRMPM07B Implement a pest management plan

PRMPM09B Advise client on pest management options

PRMPM43A Prepare and present a pest management submission including quotation.

Resources required to assess this unit

The following resources should be available:

access to a suitable work site or other venue

access to suitable equipment and materials

access to personal protective equipment

access to equipment operating manuals and MSDS

access to 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.

Gaining evidence to assess this unit

For valid and reliable assessment of this unit the competency should be demonstrated in the field by reviewing the outcome of at least one complete practical activity under normal industry operating conditions, or if this is not practicable, in a simulated work environment.

The competency should be demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor.

The assessment needs to establish competency in non-chemical controls.

The competency is to be demonstrated in a range of situations, which may include customer/workplace interruptions and involvement in related activities normally experienced in the workplace.

Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant written correspondence with existing and potential clients. This information must be relevant by showing evidence of the candidate's work performance.

Other forms of gaining evidence such as through oral questioning and hypothetical situations (scenarios) may be used to supplement (but not substitute for) the practical demonstration of competence.

Key competency levels

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added.

Information below highlights how these processes are applied in this competency standard.

1

Perform the process

2

Perform and administer the process

3

Perform, administer and design the process

How can communication of ideas and information be applied?

1

Confirm own role and responsibilities with colleagues and supervisors to ensure compliance with work order, legislation and company requirements.

How can information be collected, analysed and organised?

2

Collect, analyse and organise all information from management and client to determine outcome for relevant activity.

How are activities planned and organised?

2

Plan and organise outcome of activity as determined by client brief.

How can teamwork be applied?

2

Provide support and assistance to team members to complete work tasks within designated timelines and in accordance with company requirements.

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied?

1

Calculate work site area and operational effectiveness of equipment and materials needed to complete work order.

How can problem-solving skills be applied?

2

Communicate with management and client to identify and control potential risks or problems which may arise.

How can the use of technology be applied?

2

Record data, such as incident/hazard reports or assessment documentation of client, for future use.


Range Statement

The range statement links the required knowledge and organisational and technical requirements to the workplace context. It describes any contextual variables that will be used or encountered when applying the competency in work situations. It allows for different work practices and work and knowledge requirements as well as for differences between organisations and workplaces. The following variables are listed alphabetically and may be present for this particular unit.

Appropriate person(s) may include:

clients

colleagues

managers

person(s) in control of work site(s)

supervisors.

Assessment methods may include:

discussion with client

review of past pest management records

visual inspections.

Clients may include:

body corporate

building supervisor

company/organisation

environmental health officer

executive housekeeper

maintenance manager

owner

person in control of work processes

property agent/manager

tenant.

Company requirements may include:

access and equity policy, principles and practice

business and performance plans

client communication procedures

client confidentiality procedures

client service standards

communication channels and reporting procedures

company goals, objectives, plans, systems and processes

company issued identification badge/card/pass

company policy and procedures

defined resource parameters

dress and presentation requirements

duty of care, code of conduct, code of ethics

emergency response and evacuation procedures

employer and employee rights and responsibilities

establishing operator identity with client

maintenance procedures for equipment and PPE

OHS control procedures (e.g. health and safety plans, job plans, job safety analysis, risk assessments, safe operating practices/procedures, safe work instructions, work method statements, safe system of work statements)

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.

Emergency response procedures include:

clean-up

containment

decontamination

documented emergency response procedures

First Aid

isolation

notification of authorities

use of appropriate fire fighting appliances

use of appropriate personal protective equipment

work site/workplace evacuation.

Environmental requirements may include:

clean-up, containment and/or isolation

company policies and guidelines

emergency chemical spill control measures

environmental protection agency and government departments (e.g. agriculture, emergency services and national parks and wildlife) regulations and guidelines

hazardous materials handling

local government regulations/bylaws.

Equipment may include:

bunding material

cages

camera

dishes or bowls

drills

electrical extension leads

elevated work platforms

equipment decontamination materials

flexible light

flushing agents

generators

guns/rifles

hoses

knives

ladders

magnifying glass

mirrors

nets

probes

safety harnesses

screwdrivers

shovels and rakes

sounding, moisture and movement detectors

specimen bottles

torches

waste disposal containers.

Hazards may include:

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

biological and animal waste

bites and stings

blood and blood-stained products

confined/restricted spaces

contaminated clothing, materials and/or equipment

damaged or inappropriate equipment

dust and fibres

electrical hazards arising from cables, electrical fittings (switches and lights), wires and untested electrical equipment

environmental impact

fatigue

fire

gas

heights

inadequate lighting and ventilation

infectious and zoonotic diseases e.g. scabies/Q fever

manual handling techniques including awkward and repetitive postures

mobile/vehicle hazards around plant and vehicles

moving and/or unguarded parts

noise

occupational violence and bullying

poor personal hygiene practices

spill, splash and spray

underfoot conditions e.g. slippery, uneven and rough surfaces

work environment temperature extremes

work in isolated/remote environments.

Legislative requirements may include:

Australian Standards, quality assurance and certification requirements

award and enterprise agreements

industry advisory standards and codes

relevant Commonwealth/state/territory legislation and local government regulations which affect company operation:

anti-discrimination and diversity

building codes

chemical controls

chemical registers/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(s) transportation

motor licence and endorsement regulations

OHS Acts and regulations

privacy

public health

trade practices

workplace consultative arrangements.

Manufacturers' specifications may include:

emergency response resources

equipment operational manuals

government publications

instructional guides

material safety data sheets (MSDS)

other resources supplied by the manufacturer (such as laminated cards, notices and wall posters) in work sites or vehicles

product labels

safety instructions pre-printed on equipment.

Materials may include:

building components

physical barriers

sealing components.

Occupational health and safety* (OHS) requirements may relate to:

allergic reactions (contact dermatitis, etc)

animal management/control procedures

communication devices for remote and isolated locations e.g. mobile phone, two-way radio, etc

dermatoxicological control and prevention measures

emergency procedures for eye and skin contact, inhalation and ingestion of toxic substances

hazard identification and risk assessment mechanisms

hierarchy of hazard control procedures

industry advisory standards

information provided by national registration authority and state government authorities e.g. agriculture, environment protection, health, primary industry

injury and dangerous occurrence reporting

national and industry codes of practice

OHS control procedures (e.g. health and safety plans, job plans, job safety analysis, risk assessments, safe operating practices/procedures, safe work instructions, work method statements, safe system of work statements)

health surveillance and monitoring (e.g. regular blood testing)

routes of entry and potential symptoms of exposure from chemicals

safety training, induction and refresher training

selection and use of PPE and clothing appropriate to the hazard

up-to-date electrical test and tag compliance

use of chemicals in accordance with MSDS

use of residual current devices

use, storage and maintenance of equipment in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and equipment operating manuals.

* Also known as workplace health and safety

Personal protective equipment (PPE) may include:

air-line and self-contained respirators

breathing respirator - full-face and half-face

chemical impervious gloves

chemical resistant aprons

communication equipment

contaminated clothing bag

cradles

drinking fluids

dust masks

eye protection e.g. chemical resistant goggles, safety glasses

eyewashes and showers

face shield (splash-proof)

First Aid kit appropriate to the task and location

hair nets

hard hats

high-visibility vests/clothing

long pants

noise protection

non-slip safety shoes/boots

overalls, coveralls or other chemical protective clothing

prodding/probing sticks and rods

safety harness

sharps containers

soap and towel

sunscreen

tongs

torch

washable sun hats

wet-work protective clothing.

Personnel may include:

client's staff

fellow workers (colleagues)

general public

venue/facility/building/shopping centre staff/management.

Pest managementmethod options may include:

caging

netting

physical exclusion/barriers/fencing

shooting

trapping/mustering.

Pest management plan may include:

advice of health, safety, environmental and other legislative matters

advice on pest prevention strategies

details of pest and pest activity

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

pest management method options.

Pests may include any pest of commercial significance in an urban environment

Public health and safety may affect:

animals

bystanders

client staff

company staff

customers (present and future)

distributors

facility users

fellow workers (colleagues)

general public

inspectors

neighbours

retailers

suppliers

trade and service providers.

Regulatory and company documentation may include:

accident and incident reports

certificates and notices

customer files and databases

invoices

job sheets

logbooks

OHS control procedures, forms and documentation

receipts

risk assessments

work diaries.

Signage and barriers may include:

physical barriers and restraints erected to restrict access to the work site

signs complying with legislative requirements and/or Australian Standards warning of danger and/or adverse conditions.

Waste may be solid or liquid and include:

contaminated/hazardous biological waste

used containers

used/contaminated personal protective equipment e.g. disposable gloves.

Work order information may include:

access to work site including timing of access and access and egress points

budget allocations

completion times/dates

job requirements and tasks

legislative and local government requirements

OHS requirements and emergency response procedures

resource requirements - equipment and materials

specific client requirements e.g. noise control, sensitivity of occupants to pests and/or management, relationships with other customer activities, dress and presentation requirements

use of signage and barriers

work schedules

work site contact person(s)

working in isolated and remote locations.

Work sites may include:

building surroundings

buildings

domestic, commercial or industrial premises.


Sectors

Not Applicable


Employability Skills

Not Applicable


Licensing Information

Not Applicable