PRMPM08B
Inspect and report on timber pests

This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to inspect for timber pests for the purposes of providing a report, quotation or specification of work. Inspections may be initiated by general client request, a government authority and apply to pre-purchase, pre-construction or post-construction. The unit applies to timber pests and timber pest activity that impacts on the health, safety or amenity of persons or environments and can be applied to domestic, commercial or industrial premises. Timber pests may occur in buildings, landscaping, recreational equipment, timber fences, furniture, railing, bridges and stairs.The unit requires the ability to assess the nature and extent of the timber pest and timber pest activity, analyse the situation and prepare an inspection report for the management of the timber pest activity.

Application

Not Applicable


Prerequisites

Not Applicable


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Access and assess work site

1.1 Access work site in accordance with company requirements

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

1.3 Access and review previous inspection and treatment records to establish a history of the inspection area

1.4 Assess physical characteristics of the work site and work site environment in accordance with company requirements

1.5 Determine type of structure and construction methods in accordance with legislative and company requirements

1.6 Confirm location of industry recognised pest pressure areas to ensure the inspection targets likely timber pest activity in accordance with company requirements

1.7 Obtain client agreement to the inspection prior to commencement in accordance with company requirements

2 Plan for inspection

2.1 Identify hazards and control risks at the work site in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and environmental, 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 Adopt a systematic and comprehensive recording method using knowledge of the work site and work site environment in accordance with work order, manufacturers' specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements

3 Inspect for timber pests

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

3.2 Conduct inspection using pre-determined method(s) and safe operating practices in accordance with work order, manufacturers' specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements

3.3 Collect evidence of past or present timber pest activity in accordance with OHS and company requirements

4 Analyse inspection data

4.1 Conduct tests on evidence where type of timber pest or identified timber pest activity is inconclusive in accordance with work order, manufacturers' specifications and OHS and company requirements

4.2 Identify past or presently active type(s) of timber pests in accordance with legislative and company requirements

4.3 Determine extent and location of timber pest infestation using inspection data and test results

4.4 Identify source of timber pests and conditions conducive to infestation to enable an effective timber pestmanagement plan to be developed in accordance with company requirements

4.5 Estimate past, present and potential impact of confirmed timber pest activity in accordance with legislative and company requirements

5 Prepare inspection report

5.1 Prepare report including method of inspection, the analysis of evidence, relevant exclusions and limitations to the inspection and data analysis in accordance with industry standards, legislative and company requirements

5.2 Present report in accordance with work order and client, legislative and company requirements

5.3 Distribute report to relevant parties in accordance with work order and client and company requirements

5.4 Include copy of inspection report with client records in accordance with 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 inspect and report on timber 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 client's timber pest problem.

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

Accurate identification of the type of timber pest and timber pest activity.

Compliance with company and legislative/regulatory requirements.

Knowledge of hierarchy of hazard control.

Outcomes achieved in relation to work order.

Safe and appropriate timber pest management methods.

Selection of appropriate equipment and materials.

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

Timber pest ecology as related to timber pest management operations.

Types of timber and relationships to timber pests.

Building structures and construction methods.

Soil types.

Climatic and geographic impact on timber pest activities.

Inspection methods and procedures.

Legal implications.

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

Product knowledge including manufacturers' specifications for equipment and products being used.

OHS legislation and procedures.

Applicable regulations, codes of practice and industry advisory standards.

Routes of entry and potential symptoms of exposure from chemicals.

Knowledge of injury, dangerous occurrence and incident reporting.

Emergency response procedures.

Licensing requirements for timber pest management.

Work order specifications.

Company management structure and reporting procedures.

Specific skills needed to achieve the performance criteria

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

observation

hazard identification and risk control

applying correct manual handling techniques

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

performing the mathematical calculations required for measuring areas and volumes, the mixing of chemicals and handling of materials as specified on product labels

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

PRMPM10B Control timber pests

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 venue

access to suitable equipment and materials

access to personal protective equipment

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 inspection under normal industry operating conditions, or if this is not practicable, in a simulated work environment.

The assessment needs to establish competency in chemical and non-chemical management methods.

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

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?

2

Communicate with management and client to ensure all information gathered is appropriate to work order outcomes.

How can information be collected, analysed and organised?

2

Collect previous data and inspect, analyse and report in accordance with all legislation and company requirements.

How are activities planned and organised?

2

Plan and organise activities in accordance with company requirements, all relevant legislation and work order.

How can teamwork be applied?

2

Communicate work order to team members in accordance with OHS, legislative and regulatory requirements and company policy.

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

2

Calculate area, equipment and material requirements to meet work order requirements.

How can problem-solving skills be applied?

2

Assess and analyse in conjunction with management and client possible problems which may arise.

How can the use of technology be applied?

2

Record data, such as incident/hazard reports or other data to meet regulatory requirements.


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.

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.

Client records may be a computer or manual file and include:

contact details

customer files and databases

details of previous assessments

details of previous quotations

details of previous service provision

logbooks

pest management plan

reports

specific details about the work site, nature of the pest problem, etc

use of contractors.

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.

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.

Evidence may include:

chambers

droppings

evidence of feeding

holes

nests and nest materials

soils and soil samples

specimens

timber, timber shavings and sawdust

tracks.

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) and untested electrical equipment

environmental impact

extremes of heat and temperature

fatigue

fire

gas

heights

inadequate lighting and ventilation

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

leaks, spill, splash and spray

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

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

work in isolated/remote environments.

Inspection and treatment records may include:

building approvals

invoices

previous inspection reports

previous written reports

treatment notices and certificates on buildings

warranties.

Inspection areas may include:

external surfaces

floor areas

furniture and fittings

internal surfaces

other timber areas such as wall cavities, trims and mouldings

poorly ventilated areas

roof voids.

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

dangerous goods code

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.

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

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

hierarchy of hazard control procedures

industry advisory standards

information provided by national registration authority for chemical approval and state government authorities e.g. agriculture, environment protection, health and 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)

routes of entry and potential symptoms of exposure from chemicals

safe work practices for equipment, PPE and chemical storage including interpretation of MSDS and hazardous substance information e.g. long latency periods

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.

* 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. safety glasses, goggles

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.

Recognised pest pressure areas may be defined by:

government authorities

industry and industry advisory groups

other commercial/business interests

research groups.

Timber pest management plan may include:

advice of health, safety, environmental and other legislative 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

pest management method options

types and quantities of chemicals to be used.

Timber pests may include:

borers

carpenter ants

termites

wood decay fungi.

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 site environment may include:

age of timber structure

associated building or land uses

dark and humid areas

drainage

geographic location

known pressure pest areas

level of moisture

previous treatments

soil type

timber type

ventilation.

Work site requirements may include:

access and egress points

lighting

noise control

presentation

relationships with other customer activities

security

sensitivity of occupants to pests

ventilation.

Work sites may include:

building surroundings

buildings

domestic, commercial or industrial premises.


Sectors

Not Applicable


Employability Skills

Not Applicable


Licensing Information

Not Applicable