Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of using a bee smoker when undertaking bee husbandry tasks and defines the standard required to: interpret impact of weather, nectar flow and strain of bee on defensive behaviour of colony; select suitable fuel; place a bee smoker in a cleared spot when not in use and have fire extinguishment materials available when working in dry conditions; keep a bee smoker alight and functioning while carrying out bee husbandry tasks; monitor the effects of smoke on bees, including the wearing off of the effects.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to working in the field. It is an important competency for almost all beekeeping job roles. Work is performed under supervision, following established routines and according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare bee smoker for use

1.1. Confirmation is sought that climatic and other conditions permit the use of a bee smoker and planned activities are adjusted if required.

1.2. Bee smoker and components are checked to ensure that they are in good repair and serviceable, and any faults are addressed according to SOPs.

1.3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is checked for serviceability and worn and used correctly.

1.4. Occupational health and safety (OHS) hazards associated with the use of a bee smoker are identified and appropriate action is taken to minimise risks to self and others.

1.5. Adequate water supply and tools are available for fire control.

1.6. Suitable fuel is added to bee smoker and lit.

1.7. Bee smoker bellows are operated to produce and maintain a steady and dense stream of cool smoke.

2. Use bee smoker to manage bee

2.1. Smoke is blown into entrance of hive and sufficient time is allowed before hive is opened.

2.2. After opening hive, additional smoke is puffed over frames and/or supers and directed at bees.

2.3. Bee smoker is placed within easy reach while working on hives to ensure bees remain under control.

2.4. Bee smoker is kept alight and producing cool smoke until operations are complete.

2.5. After completion of operations, bee smoker is made safe according to fire, biosecurity and other enterprise procedures.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• identifying hazards and using safe work practices
• interpreting impact of weather, nectar flow and strain of bee on defensive behaviour of colony
• keeping a bee smoker alight and functioning while carrying out bee husbandry tasks
• monitoring effects of smoke on bees, including the wearing off of the effects
• selecting suitable fuel
• use literacy skills to follow sequenced written instructions and record information accurately and legibly
• use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor
• use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures
• use interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge 

• effects of smoke on bees and hive products
• legislation and regulations relating to use of bee smokers, especially in relation to fire protection and bushfires
• suitable fuel for bee smokers
• when and why to use a bee smoker.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

• interpret impact of weather, nectar flow and strain of bee on defensive behaviour of colony
• select suitable fuel
• place a bee smoker in a cleared spot when not in use and have fire extinguishment materials available, when working in dry conditions
• keep a bee smoker alight and functioning while carrying out bee husbandry tasks
• monitor the effects of smoke on bees, including the wearing off of the effects.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Bee smokers may include:

• all types and makes of bee smokers.

Unit sector 

Beekeeping

Co-requisite units 

Competency field