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 Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Locate breeding and harbourage sites of nominated vectors 

1.1 Response to reports from public, agency staff or council departments is within service and indicative health guidelines.

1.2 Access to property is in accordance with council/health program protocols and effectively communicated to landowners and tenants.

1.3 Breeding sites or potential breeding sites  for insects are identified, including use of sampling and trapping techniques.

1.4 Harbourages or potential harbourages for vermin are identified.

2. Assist in the control and reduction of nominated vectors 

2.1 Insects and vermin are treated according to council/health program guidelines.

2.2 Appropriate protocols are followed by staff and contractors to ensure workplace and public safety.

2.3 Activity is programmed effectively to ensure response that is appropriate to season, weather or invasion.

3. Issue notices to properties in breach of vector or vermin legislation 

3.1 Notices are issued in accordance with council and program regulations.

3.2 Voluntary compliance principles are observed.

4. Conduct follow up inspections of vector breeding and harbourage sites 

4.1 Inspections are conducted at intervals appropriate to season or cycle to achieve optimum compliance.

4.2 Breaches and ineffective reduction are addressed.

4.3 Hazard reduction and cost recovery action is in accordance with council regulations.

5. Provide general advice to the public in relation to vector control 

5.1 Community education programs are programmed to achieve maximum impact and budgetary effectiveness.

5.2 Enquiries are responded to promptly and new issues for inclusion in program are identified.

6. Provide reports on activity 

6.1 Data is supplied to assist in program reporting to council/health program funding authorities.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit

Required Skills 

• observation and survey
• written and verbal communication
• basic computer skills including word processing, scheduling, spreadsheets, databases, global positioning systems and council mapping system
• school and public presentations
• operating four-wheel drive manual vehicle, quad bike, hand-held and motorised spray units, mister and two-way radio

Required Knowledge 

• legislation and local laws
• environmental and sustainability practices
• mosquito/mosquito larvae and fly identification and breeding sites, nominated vector identification and evidence of infestation and potential harbourage areas, local weather patterns and rainfall
• application of treatments (e.g. ratio mixing of chemicals)
• occupational health and safety
• chemical safety

Overview of assessment requirements 

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit will be able to perform the outcomes described in the Elements to the required performance level detailed in the Performance Criteria. The knowledge and skill requirements described in the Range Statement must also be demonstrated. For example, knowledge of the legislative framework and safe work practices that underpin the performance of the unit are also required to be demonstrated.

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered 

Effective response to complaints, reports and location of vectors.

• Identification and treatment of outbreaks or threats, including advice to landowners and follow up to assess effectiveness of control measures.
• Application of council policy, including cost recovery
• Environmental impact of control measures

Context of assessment 

On the job or in a simulated workplace environment.

Method of assessment 

The following assessment methods are suggested:

• observation of the learner performing a range of workplace tasks over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies
• written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding
• completing workplace documentation
• third-party reports from experienced practitioners
• completion of self-paced learning materials including personal reflection and feedback from trainer, coach or supervisor

Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance 

Evidence may need to be collected against all elements over time or against a range of variables.

Resource implications 

Access to a workplace or simulated situation with access to:

• vectors and harbourage sites
• control measures and equipment
• legislation and procedures

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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Vectors  may include:

• insects, particularly mosquitoes, midges and flies
• exotic and agricultural such as fruit flies or imported species
• vermin, including rodents, spiders, cockroaches, ants and termite infestation

Breeding and harbourage sites  may include:

• overgrown, littered or polluted allotments and drains
• waterways, tidal flats and low-lying land
• domestic sites, gutters, stormwater drainage and gardens
• commercial sites, storage, building sites and under buildings
• agricultural and vulnerable plants or species
• public land, sports fields and recreation areas

Control and reduction  may include:

• trapping, analysis and identification
• habitat destruction, vegetation control, drainage maintenance, sediment reduction and weed clearance
• pest eradication, misting and spraying, life cycle and reproduction measures