Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised  text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge and/or the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1

Set up and stock storage area.

1.1

Storage area  is secured from unauthorised access according to legislative, WHS  and company requirements .

1.2

Storage area is organised to comply with relevant legislative, WHS, company and environmental requirements .

1.3

Existing hazards  are identified and risks controlled in the storage area according to legislative, WHS and company requirements.

1.4

Vehicle equipment  and passenger compartments are separated to minimise transportation risks according to legislative, WHS and company requirements.

1.5

Vehicle  is equipped to enable implementation of emergency response procedures  according to legislative and company requirements.

1.6

Vehicle signage is fixed, as required, according to legislative and company requirements.

1.7

Safety warnings  are displayed prominently and safety information  is made accessible according to legislative, WHS and company requirements.

1.8

Equipment is stored, maintained and safety-checked to enable ready access and re-use according to manufacturer specifications  and legislative, WHS and company requirements.

1.9

Chemicals  are stored according to manufacturer specifications and legislative, WHS and company requirements.

1.10

Personal protective equipment (PPE)  is cleaned, safety-checked and stored, and maintenance requirements are recorded according to manufacturer specifications and WHS and company requirements.

1.11

Storage area is made accessible and free from obstacles according to WHS and company requirements.

1.12

Waste  is collected and disposed of according to manufacturer specifications and environmental, legislative, WHS and company requirements.

2

Control and maintain stocks of equipment and chemicals.

2.1

Inventory system with maximum and minimum holding levels of equipment and chemicals is operated and maintained according to legislative and company requirements.

2.2

Equipment and chemical usage patterns are monitored and reordering is undertaken to maintain required levels according to legislative and company requirements.

2.3

Accurate labelling system is maintained for all containers according to manufacturer specifications and legislative, WHS and company requirements.

2.4

Chemicals are issued on a first-in, first-out basis according to company requirements.

2.5

Obsolete equipment and chemicals are disposed of according to manufacturer specifications and environmental, WHS and company requirements.

3

Operate a pest management vehicle.

3.1

Chemicals are secured to prevent accidental spillage, according to manufacturer specifications and legislative, WHS and company requirements.

3.2

Estimated quantities of chemicals required for immediate work requirements are stored and transported according to manufacturer specifications and legislative, WHS and company requirements.

3.3

PPE is stored separately to chemicals and vehicle occupants.

3.4

Equipment, including PPE, is secured, used and maintained according to manufacturer specifications and legislative, WHS and company requirements.

3.5

Access to and operation of the pest management vehicle is restricted to authorised personnel  according to legislative, WHS and company requirements.

4

Maintain a pest management vehicle.

4.1

Vehicle is safety-checked and regular servicing is arranged to ensure roadworthiness according to manufacturer specifications and legislative and company requirements.

4.2

Vehicle is cleaned regularly to remove chemical contaminants according to manufacturer specifications and environmental, legislative, WHS and company requirements.

4.3

Waste is collected and disposed of according to manufacturer specifications and environmental, legislative, WHS and company requirements.

4.4

Vehicle is presented to maintain company’s public image according to company requirements.

5

Respond to emergency situations.

5.1

Emergency response procedures are implemented when accidental spillages or emergency situations occur, according to manufacturer specifications and environmental, legislative, WHS and company requirements.

5.2

Regulatory and company documentation  is prepared according to environmental, legislative, WHS and company requirements.

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

Required skills 

• language, literacy and numeracy skills for:

• communicating clearly and concisely verbally and in writing
• finding and using information
• reading and interpreting directions and safety instructions, including:

• equipment manuals
• safety data sheets (SDS)
• safety warning signs and symbols
• enterprise codes
• chemical labels

• requesting advice or further information
• seeking and receiving feedback
• sourcing, organising and recording information

• planning and organising work
• skills to work safely when:

• identifying hazards and controlling risks
• manual handling
• operating pest management equipment on a commercial vehicle
• handling, managing and disposing of chemicals
• handling firearms, where applicable

• using technology, such as:

• mobile phones
• computers
• global positioning systems (GPS)
• vehicle-mounted equipment

• self-management skills to work alone and in a team

Required knowledge 

• applicable legislation, regulations, codes of practice and industry advisory standards, especially those covering:

• environment protection
• licensing requirements for pest management
• securing, storing, using and disposing of chemicals
• WHS legislation

• company management structure and procedures, including:

• dangerous goods in use
• documentation requirements
• emergency response procedures

• environment protection procedures:

• injury, dangerous occurrence and incident reporting requirements
• reporting procedures
• WHS procedures, including hierarchy of hazard control

• equipment types and functions
• hazards and risks preparing, using, securing, storing and disposing of chemicals
• product knowledge, including manufacturer specifications for products being stored and transported
• prohibited areas for pest management vehicles
• road laws and conditions
• routes of entry and potential symptoms of exposure to chemicals
• suitable vehicle cleaning locations that comply with relevant environmental requirements
• types and availability of vehicle equipment
• vehicle types and specifications suitable to pest management operations
• work order specifications

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 

This unit of competency could be assessed by observing practical demonstration of the operation and maintenance of a pest management service vehicle, including the storage area and contents. The demonstration may be conducted in a real or simulated work environment.

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

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the required skills and knowledge specified in this unit.

In particular the person should demonstrate the ability to:

• apply knowledge of emergency response procedures
• comply with company, legislative and regulatory requirements
• demonstrate good storage and housekeeping practices, particularly those relating to the labelling and security of chemicals
• identify hazards and risks associated with pest management and apply knowledge of hierarchy of hazard control
• identify vehicle capacities against intended use
• maintain secure and accessible storage area
• safely operate pest management equipment on a vehicle
• systematically use stock control records and chemical register or manifest.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge may be conducted in an off-site context. It is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards’ requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include access to:

• suitable work site or venue
• equipment operating manuals and SDS
• PPE related to pest management equipment and chemicals
• plain English version of relevant statutes and procedures
• relevant databases and information
• suitable pest management equipment and chemicals attached to a commercial vehicle, including:

• vehicle-mounted pest management equipment, such as pump and hose reel, bunded trays, and storage tanks
• portable equipment and tools

• work order instructions, work plans and schedules, and policy documents
• assessment instruments, including personal planner and assessment record book.

Method of assessment 

Assessment methods must:

• satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Property Services Training Package
• include direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions, with questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application
• reinforce the integration of employability skills with workplace tasks and job roles
• confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments.

Guidance information for assessment 

Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Assessment processes and techniques should as far as is practical take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed.

This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function, for example:

• CPPPMT3002A Assess pest management options
• CPPPMT3005A Modify environment to manage pests
• CPPPMT3006A Apply pesticides to manage pests
• CPPPMT3007A Implement pest management plans
• CPPPMT3009A Advise clients on pest management options
• CPPPMT3011A Conduct fumigation.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised  wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Storage area :

• must include pest management vehicle
• may also include:

• chemical cupboard
• equipment storage bays
• storage room or depot.

Legislative requirements  may include:

• Australian standards, quality assurance and certification requirements
• award and enterprise agreements
• industry advisory standards and codes, such as:

• building codes
• dangerous goods codes

• relevant commonwealth, state and territory legislation and local government regulations that affect company operation, such as:

• anti-discrimination and diversity
• chemical controls
• chemical registers or 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 transportation
• WHS Acts and regulations
• privacy
• public health
• trade practices
• workplace consultative arrangements.

Work health and safety requirements  may include:

• allergic reactions, such as contact dermatitis
• animal management and control procedures
• communication arrangements and devices for isolated or remote locations, such as:

• mobile phone
• two-way radio

• dermatoxicological control and prevention measures
• emergency procedures for contact with toxic substances, such as:

• splashes in eye or on skin
• inhalation
• ingestion

• hazard identification and risk assessment mechanisms
• hierarchy of hazard control procedures
• industry advisory standards
• information provided by national registration authority for chemical approval and state government authorities, such as:

• agriculture
• environment protection
• health
• primary industry

• injury and dangerous occurrence reporting
• national and industry codes of practice
• routes of entry and potential symptoms of exposure to chemicals
• safe work practices for equipment, PPE and chemical storage, including:

• interpretation of SDS and hazardous substance information, such as long latency periods
• separation of chemical storage

• safety, induction and refresher training
• selection and use of PPE and clothing appropriate to hazard
• up-to-date electrical test and tag compliance
• use of chemicals according to SDS
• use of residual current devices
• use, storage and maintenance of equipment according to manufacturer specifications and equipment operating manuals
• WHS control procedures, such as:

• health and safety plans
• job plans
• job safety analyses
• risk assessments
• safe operating practices and procedures
• safe work instructions
• safe work method statements
• health surveillance and monitoring, such as regular blood testing

• withholding periods and spray drift.

Company requirements  may include:

• access and equity policy, principles and practice
• business and performance plans
• client communication procedures
• client confidentiality procedures
• client service standards
• company goals, objectives, plans, systems and processes
• company issued identification badge, card or pass
• company policies and procedures
• defined resource parameters
• dress and presentation requirements
• duty of care, code of conduct and code of ethics
• emergency response and evacuation procedures
• employer and employee rights and responsibilities
• establishing operator identity with client
• internal communication channels and reporting procedures
• maintenance procedures for equipment and PPE
• 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
• WHS policies and procedures
• work site access security clearance procedures.

Environmental requirements  may include:

• clean up, containment or isolation
• company policies and guidelines
• emergency chemical spill control measures
• hazardous materials handling
• regulations, by-laws and guidelines of environmental protection agencies and government departments, such as:

• agriculture
• emergency services
• national parks and wildlife.

Hazards  may include:

• allergic reactions to chemicals, pests or equipment, including latex allergies
• biological and animal waste
• bites and stings
• blood and blood-stained products
• confined or restricted spaces
• contaminated clothing, materials and equipment
• damaged or inappropriate equipment
• dust and fibres
• electrical hazards arising from:

• cables
• electrical fittings:

• switches
• lights

• untested electrical equipment

• extremes of heat and temperature
• fatigue
• fire
• gas
• heights
• inadequate lighting and ventilation
• infectious and zoonotic diseases, such as:

• scabies
• Q fever

• leaks, spills, splashes and sprays
• manual-handling techniques, including awkward and repetitive postures
• mobile or vehicle hazards around plant and vehicles, such as moving or unguarded parts
• noise, for example from portable and stationary equipment
• occupational violence and bullying
• poor personal hygiene practices
• release of substances with negative environmental impact
• unsafe underfoot conditions, such as slippery, uneven and rough surfaces
• work in unfamiliar isolated and remote environments.

Equipment  may include:

• batteries
• bulk liquid tanks, pumps, hoses and fixtures
• bunded trays
• cages
• cameras
• computers
• contaminated clothing bags
• cradles
• dishes
• drills
• dusters
• electronic inspection or recording devices
• elevated work platforms
• extension cords
• eyewashes and showers
• firearms
• first aid kits appropriate to tasks and locations
• flexible lights
• flushing agents
• generators
• GPS
• hoses
• injectors
• knives
• ladders
• ladder racks
• lockable chemical and equipment storage areas
• magnifying glasses
• measuring jugs
• mirrors
• mobile phones
• nets
• personal protective clothing and equipment
• prodding and probing sticks and rods
• sand and other absorbers
• screwdrivers
• sharps containers
• sound, moisture and movement detectors
• sounding instruments
• specimen bottles
• spray equipment
• tongs
• torches
• waste disposal containers
• water supply access facilities fitted with suitable backflow prevention devices.

Vehicle  may be either two or four-wheel drive and include:

• all terrain vehicles (ATV)
• equipment trailers
• light trucks and vans
• panel vans
• tray utilities.

Emergency response procedures  may include:

• clean up
• containment
• decontamination
• first aid
• isolation
• notification of authorities
• use of firefighting appliances
• use of PPE
• work site or workplace evacuation.

Safety warnings  may include:

• charts and posters
• instructions
• labels
• signs and placards
• symbols.

Safety information  may include:

• chemical co-location, separation and segregation requirements
• chemical manifests
• chemical registers
• colour codes
• company policies and procedures
• container and package storage arrangements
• emergency management plans
• manufacturer instructions
• manufacturer specifications
• operation manuals
• safety data check sheets
• SDS
• statutory storage limits
• waste disposal information
• WHS information.

Manufacturer specifications  may include:

• emergency response resources
• equipment operating manuals
• government publications
• instructional guides
• other resources supplied by manufacturer, such as:

• laminated cards
• notices
• wall posters

• product labels
• safety instructions pre-printed on equipment
• SDS.

Chemicals  may include:

• cleaning agents
• flammable products
• pesticides
• registered agricultural and veterinary (AGVET) products.

Personal protective equipment  may include:

• air-line and self-contained respirators
• breathing respirators:

• full-face
• half-face

• chemical-impervious gloves
• chemical-resistant aprons
• communication equipment
• drinking fluids
• dust masks
• eye protection, such as:

• safety glasses
• eyewashes and showers
• goggles

• face shields (splash-proof)
• hair nets
• hard hats
• hearing protection
• high-visibility vests or clothing
• long pants
• noise protection
• non-slip safety shoes or boots
• overalls, coveralls or other chemical protective clothing
• safety harnesses
• soap and towels
• sunscreen
• washable sun hats
• wet-work protective clothing.

Waste  may include:

• absorbent material, rags or other contaminated cleaning materials
• used containers
• used or contaminated PPE
• used or unused chemicals
• vehicle wash run-off
• chemicals past the expiry date
• materials used in cleaning up spillages
• packaging materials.

Authorised personnel  may include:

• company staff
• licensed pest management technicians
• suitably licensed drivers.

Regulatory and company documentation  may include:

• accident and incident reports
• certificates and notices
• customer files and databases
• invoices
• job sheets
• logbooks
• receipts
• risk assessments
• WHS control procedures and forms
• work diaries.