Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of constructing and repairing beehives and defines the standard required to: assemble construction materials and check that they present no risk of contamination to environment or apiculture products; mark beehives as they are constructed or repaired; select and use tools appropriate to task being performed; use only timber treatments approved for beehives.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to beekeeping assistants who may be working by themselves or as part of a small team. Work may be performed in a workshop or similar facility or in the field.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare to construct or repair beehives

1.1. Required materials and equipment are identified according to lists provided and/or supervisor instructions.

1.2. Beehive components for assembly or use in repairs are checked to ensure that they are suitable for use.

1.3. Faulty or incorrect components are returned to storeroom and replaced, repaired or disposed of according to enterprise policy.

1.4. Checks are conducted on all other materials and equipment and insufficient or faulty items are reported to supervisor.

1.5. Suitable Personal Protective Equipment ( PPE) is selected and checked prior to use.

1.6. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified and reported to supervisor.

2. Construct or repair beehives

2.1. Beehives requiring repair are inspected visually to identify scope of job and materials and tools required.

2.2. Where visual inspection indicates presence of American foulbrood disease, beehives are burned or sent for irradiation.

2.3. Beehive components are assembled or repaired using appropriate replacement parts, nails, joins, glues and construction techniques.

2.4. Appropriate timber treatments are applied to beehive.

2.5. Constructed or repaired beehive and all components are correctly and legibly marked in accordance with state and territory requirements.

2.6. Work is undertaken in a safe and environmentally appropriate manner according to enterprise guidelines.

2.7. A clean and safe work site is maintained while working.

2.8. Problems or difficulties in completing work to required standards or timelines are reported to supervisor.

3. Clean up on completion of work

3.1. Materials are returned to store or disposed of according to enterprise procedures and/or supervisor instructions.

3.2. Equipment is cleaned, maintained and stored according to manufacturer specifications and supervisor instructions.

3.3. Work outcomes are reported to supervisor or noted in enterprise records, feedback on performance is sought and any required improvements are noted for future action.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• identifying hazards and using safe work practices
• cleaning up on completion of work
• handling materials and equipment
• preparing materials and equipment for work
• selecting and using tools appropriate to task being performed
• undertaking work as directed
• 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 

• construction and health standards to be maintained for beehives
• hive components and materials required to construct or repair them
• safe work practices.

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:

• assemble construction materials and check that they present no risk of contamination to environment or apiculture products
• mark beehives as they are constructed or repaired
• select and use tools appropriate to task being performed
• use only timber treatments approved for beehives.

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.

Beehives may include:

• all types of beehives used in commercial production.

Unit sector 

Beekeeping

Co-requisite units 

Competency field