Unit of competency
Modification History
Release |
TP Version |
Comment |
1 |
AHCv1.0 |
Initial release |
Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare and apply chemicals for the control of pests across a range of industry sectors.
This unit covers the use of general application equipment used across a variety of industries including; boom sprays, orchard air-blast sprayers, handheld spray equipment, wipers, dry chemical applicators, dips, pour-on, spot-on, vaccination and drenching equipment.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work hand safety and pesticide legislation and codes.
All work must be carried out to comply with chemical label instructions, Safety Data Sheets (SDS’s), the organisation’s application plan and relevant legislation.
This unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work and use discretion and judgement in the selection and use of available resources.
Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may apply to this unit. Candidates should confirm the regulatory requirements that apply in their relevant State or Territory before undertaking this unit.
This unit may be deemed to have a time limit when used as part of an accreditation or licence process.
Pre-requisite Unit
Nil.
Unit Sector
Chemicals (CHM)
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element |
Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Determine the need for chemical use and prepare a application plan |
1.1 Identify the nature and level of the pest, weed infestation or disease, assess the need for control 1.2 Assess the requirement for chemical use as an option within an integrated pest management strategy 1.3 Undertake a hazard and risk analysis of different chemical options 1.4 Confirm requirement for chemical application 1.5 Assess the spray drift risk of various application options 1.6 Assess the risk to sensitive areas and environmentally sensitive organisms 1.7 Prepare application/spray plan where required |
2. Prepare chemical mixes |
2.1 Access the workplace application or spray plan to determine chemical and target, application rate or dose, type of application equipment, set-up requirements and amount to be applied as per the label instructions 2.2 Identify potential hazards, assess risks and implement control measures 2.3 Interpret and apply requirements from chemical labels 2.4 Select appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for each stage of work and ensure correct fit 2.5 Select appropriate mixing equipment and a suitable location for mixing and loading 2.6 Mix chemicals in accordance with registered use and clean equipment when finished task 2.7 Follow label instructions in the event of a spill 2.8 Confirm that neighbours have been notified of chemical application as appropriate |
3. Calibrate application equipment |
3.1 Select application equipment to be used to minimise spray drift risk and maximise efficacy 3.2 Carry out pre-operational checks of application equipment 3.3 Calibrate equipment in accordance with manufacturers’ specifications and application/spray plan. 3.4 Safely load chemical mix wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and controlling risks to human health and the environment |
4. Apply chemicals |
4.1 Monitor meteorological conditions and forecasts prior to and during application to minimise spray drift and other off target movement of chemicals 4.2 Select and use appropriate PPE in accordance with chemical label and SDS’s 4.3 Apply chemical in accordance with the label and application/spray plan 4.4 Assess and minimise risks to others, product integrity and the environment 4.5 Follow chemical spill or accident procedures in the event of a spill |
5. Clean up equipment and complete records |
5.1 Dispose of excess chemicals and containers as per label and SDS instructions 5.2 Clean and decontaminate application equipment in appropriate location 5.3 Clean and store personal protective equipment in appropriate location 5.4 Report incidents 5.5 Complete all records |
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range of Conditions
Unit Mapping Information
This unit is equivalent to AHCCHM303A Prepare and apply chemicals.
Links
Companion Volume implementation guides are found in VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=c6399549-9c62-4a5e-bf1a-524b2322cf72