PRMPM11B Conduct fumigation

Release: 1

PRMPM11B Conduct fumigation

Modification History

Not Applicable

Unit Descriptor

Unit descriptor

This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to conduct fumigation to manage organisms. The unit applies to organisms and organism activity that impacts on the health, safety or amenity of persons, commodities or environments and can be applied to domestic, commercial, industrial or maritime situations. This unit is not intended for use in horticultural or agricultural situations involving the growing of crops.

The unit may require the ability to assess the nature and extent of the organism and organism activity. It requires a thorough understanding of client requirements and the application of company information in order to perform the task. The selection of appropriate equipment, fumigants and methods is essential for performing the task safely and efficiently. These work functions are often done in teams of at least two people and within company guidelines.

Persons wishing to demonstrate competency in management of complex fumigation procedures should submit for assessment in units PRMPM11B Conduct fumigation, PRMPM19B Organise and monitor pest management operations, PRMPM43A Prepare and present a pest management submission including quotation and BSBSM407A Manage a small team.

Application of the Unit

Not Applicable

Licensing/Regulatory Information

Not Applicable

Pre-Requisites

Not Applicable

Employability Skills Information

Not Applicable

Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content

Not Applicable

Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT	PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
1 Access and assess work site	1.1 Access work site in accordance with company requirements 1.2 Review work order in accordance with company requirements and clarify any issues with appropriate person(s) 1.3 Confirm authority of client requesting the fumigation services in accordance with company requirements 1.4 Identify hazards and control risks in the work site in accordance with legislative, occupational health and safety (OHS), public health and safety and company requirements 1.5 Assess the work site and the work site application characteristics in accordance with legislative and company requirements 1.6 Determine the size and usage pattern of the work site to ensure safety of all personnel and efficient use of equipment and fumigants 1.7 Assess work site for access, security arrangements, hazards and public health and safety issues in accordance with legislative, OHS and company requirements
2 Determine type and method of fumigation	2.1 Confirm the type of organisms and commodities in accordance with company requirements 2.2 Select fumigation method to suit type of organism, work site and commodities in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements 2.3 Select and access type of fumigant in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and client, environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements 2.4 Establish capacity to create fumigation conditions in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements 2.5 Identify any factors affecting the completion of the work order and advise promptly the appropriate person(s)
3 Prepare work site for fumigation	3.1 Identify hazards and control risks using fumigants at the work site in accordance with legislative, OHS and company requirements 3.2 Advise adjoining properties, regulatory and other relevant authorities of proposed fumigation in accordance with legislative and company requirements 3.3 Install appropriate signage and barriers as required to maximise public health and safety during the fumigation in accordance with legislative and company requirements 3.4 Implement security measures to control unauthorised access to the work site during the fumigation and prescribed non-re-entry periods in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and legislative, OHS and company requirements
3.5 Create the conditions to ensure that the required concentration of fumigant is retained within the fumigation enclosure for the required period of time in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and public health and safety and company requirements
4 Prepare equipment and fumigants	4.1 Select and use suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and legislative, OHS and company requirements 4.2 Select equipment appropriate for the fumigation in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and company requirements 4.3 Check calibration and operational effectiveness of equipment in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and company requirements 4.4 Set up equipment and adjust equipment to suit operator's requirements in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and company requirements 4.5 Select, transport, calculate dosage and prepare fumigants in order to control the risk of non-target contamination or exposure in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements
5 Conduct fumigation	5.1 Treat fumigation enclosure using appropriate equipment, fumigants and fumigation methods in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements 5.2 Check and adjust air-tight seal, where applicable, on fumigation enclosure in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements
5.3 Assess fumigant escape to control impact on public health and safety in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements 5.4 Respond to emergency situations using emergency response procedures in accordance with environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements
6 Monitor fumigation	6.1 Monitor fumigation work site continuously to prevent unauthorised access and to maintain safe conditions in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements 6.2 Monitor and maintain fumigant concentrations over active period in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements 6.3 Maintain integrity of air-tight seals, where applicable, throughout the active fumigation period in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements
6.4 Maintain ongoing assessment of fumigant escape to control impact on public health and safety in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements
7 Ventilate fumigation enclosure	7.1 Establish suitable conditions to ventilate to control risks to public health and safety in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements 7.2 Implement approved method of safe release of fumigant in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements
7.3 Ventilate fumigation enclosure to remove fumigant in a safe and controlled manner in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements 7.4 Aerate fumigation enclosure and commodities in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and company requirements 7.5 Test fumigation enclosure and commodities for evidence of residual fumigant in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements 7.6 Notify client and other appropriate person(s) of any further risk control measures required in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and legislative, OHS and company requirements
8 Restore work site	8.1 Collect and remove all equipment, fumigants and waste in accordance with environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements 8.2 Restore work site in accordance with work order and client, environmental and company requirements 8.3 Remove signage and barriers used when work site is available for re-use, in accordance with environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements
9 Clean, safety-check and store equipment and fumigants	9.1 Clean and decontaminate equipment and PPE in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and environmental, OHS and company requirements 9.2 Safety-check equipment and PPE and record any maintenance required in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and OHS and company requirements
9.3 Store cleaned equipment and PPE to allow ready access and re-use in accordance with company requirements
9.4 Transport and store fumigants in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and OHS and company requirements 9.5 Dispose of all collected waste in accordance with work order, manufacturers' specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements 9.6 Treat exposed skin to remove any contamination in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and OHS and company requirements
10 Update regulatory and company documentation	10.1 Complete and distribute regulatory and company documentation in accordance with environmental, legislative and company requirements 10.2 Update client records in accordance with company requirements

Required Skills and Knowledge

Refer to Evidence Guide

Evidence Guide

EVIDENCE GUIDE

The evidence guide identifies the requirements to be demonstrated to confirm competence for this unit. Assessment must confirm sufficient ability to use appropriate skills and knowledge to conduct fumigation safely and efficiently. Assessment of performance should be over a period of time covering all categories within the range statement that are applicable in the working environment.

Critical aspects of competency

Accurate confirmation of the type of organism.

Accurate identification of the hazards and risks associated with pest management fumigation.

Compliance with company and legislative/regulatory requirements.

Knowledge of emergency response procedures.

Knowledge of hierarchy of hazard control.

Outcomes achieved in relation to work order.

Safe fumigant application methods.

Selection of appropriate equipment and fumigants.

Knowledge needed to achieve the performance criteria

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this unit in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below.

Fumigants including types, application method, safety requirements, environmental conditions (such as withholding periods) and preparation.

Commodity absorption and desorption rates.

Fumigation work site requirements.

Fumigant application equipment.

Fumigation regulations.

Relevant Australian and international standards.

Organisms eradicated through fumigation.

Relevant fumigation licence requirements.

Test methods and readings.

Dangerous goods use.

Hazardous substances in the workplace.

Quarantine provisions in accordance with Customs Act.

Product knowledge including manufacturers' specifications for equipment and products being used.

OHS legislation and procedures.

Applicable regulations, codes of practice and industry advisory standards.

Routes of entry and potential symptoms of exposure from chemicals.

Injury, dangerous occurrence and incident reporting requirements.

Work order specifications.

Company management structure and reporting procedures.

Specific skills needed to achieve the performance criteria

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These are:

correct use of fumigation equipment

performing advanced calculations for volumes, quantities and application rates

safe fumigant application techniques

applying knowledge of structures to planning fumigation

handling, management and disposing of chemicals safely

applying correct handling techniques

hazard identification and risk control

reading, interpreting and comprehending directions and safety instructions in equipment manuals and on chemical labels and MSDS

written communication for certification and fumigant logs

attention to detail in observing work site conditions

working with breathing and associated protective equipment

performing the mathematical calculations required for measuring volumes and dosage rates based on volume and required concentrations at various stages during the fumigation period

working safely at heights and in confined spaces

communicating clearly and concisely using written and verbal modes

requesting advice or further information

seeking and receiving feedback

working on an individual basis and within a team

planning and organising work

sourcing, organising and recording information

customer service.

Other units of competency that could be assessed with this unit

Competence in this unit may be assessed in conjunction with:

PRMPM02B Assess pest management options

PRMPM06B Apply pesticide to manage pests

PRMPM43A Prepare and present a pest management submission including quotation.

Resources required to assess this unit

The following resources should be available:

access to a suitable work site or venue

access to suitable equipment and fumigants

access to safety equipment including PPE

access to equipment operating manuals, MSDS, company procedures and manufacturers' specifications

access to plain English version of relevant statutes and procedures

access to relevant databases and information

assessment instruments, including personal planner and assessment record book.

Gaining evidence to assess this unit

For valid and reliable assessment of this unit the competency should be demonstrated in the field by reviewing the outcome of at least one complete fumigation role under normal industry operating conditions or if this is not practicable, observations in a realistic simulated work environment.

The competency should be demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor.

The competency is to be demonstrated in a range of situations, which may include customer/workplace interruptions and involvement in related activities normally experienced in the workplace.

Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant written correspondence with existing and potential clients. This information must be relevant by showing evidence of the candidate's work performance.

Evidence may be available in the candidate's fumigation logbook(s) or similar record of performance.

Other forms of gaining evidence such as through oral questioning and hypothetical situations (scenarios) may be used to supplement (but not substitute for) the practical demonstration of competence.

Key competency levels

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added.

Information below highlights how these processes are applied in this competency standard.

1	Perform the process	2	Perform and administer the process	3	Perform, administer and design the process
How can communication of ideas and information be applied?	2	Communicate with management and client to ensure all information gathered is appropriate to work order outcomes.
How can information be collected, analysed and organised?	2	Gather and analyse all information to ensure activities to be conducted meet all legislation and work order requirements.
How are activities planned and organised?	2	Plan and organise all work tasks in accordance with regulatory, legislative and company policy.
How can teamwork be applied?	2	Communicate with team members and appropriate authorities all requirements of work order.
How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied?	2	Calculate work site area and equipment and fumigation volumes required to meet work order outcomes.
How can problem-solving skills be applied?	2	Communicate with management and client to identify and control potential risks or problems which may arise.
How can the use of technology be applied?	2	Record data, such as incident/hazard reports or assessment documentation of client, for future use.

Range Statement

RANGE STATEMENT

The range statement links the required knowledge and organisational and technical requirements to the workplace context. It describes any contextual variables that will be used or encountered when applying the competency in work situations. It allows for different work practices and work and knowledge requirements as well as for differences between organisations and workplaces. The following variables are listed alphabetically and may be present for this particular unit.

Appropriate person(s) may include:

clients

colleagues

managers

person(s) in control of work site(s)

supervisors.

Clients may include:

body corporate

company/organisation

customs agents

environmental health officer

owner

owner's agent

person in control of work processes

quarantine officers.

Client records may be a computer or manual file and include:

contact details

customer files and databases

details of previous assessments

details of previous quotations

details of previous service provision

government orders e.g. from AQIS

logbooks

reports

specific details about the work site, nature of the organism problem, etc

use of contractors.

Commodities may include:

containers

fabric

furniture

grains

household items

plant material

soil

structures

timber.

Company requirements may include:

access and equity policy, principles and practice

business and performance plans

client communication procedures

client confidentiality procedures

client service standards

communication channels and reporting procedures

company goals, objectives, plans, systems and processes

company issued identification badge/card/pass

company policy and procedures

defined resource parameters

dress and presentation requirements

duty of care, code of conduct, code of ethics

emergency response and evacuation procedures

employer and employee rights and responsibilities

establishing operator identity with client

maintenance procedures for equipment and PPE

OHS control procedures (e.g. health and safety plans, job plans, job safety analysis, risk assessments, safe operating practices/procedures, safe work instructions, work method statements, safe system of work statements)

OHS policies and procedures

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

work site access security clearance procedures.

Emergency response procedures include:

clean-up

containment

decontamination

documented emergency response procedures

First Aid

isolation

notification of authorities

use of appropriate fire fighting appliances

use of appropriate personal protective equipment

work site/workplace evacuation.

Environmental requirements may include:

clean-up, containment and/or isolation

company policies and guidelines

emergency chemical spill control measures

environmental protection agency and government departments (e.g. agriculture, emergency services and national parks and wildlife) regulations and guidelines

hazardous materials handling

local government regulations/bylaws.

Equipment may include:

broom

bunding material

calibrated fumigant dispenser

calibrated gas detection and monitoring equipment

camera

clips and other sealing devices

detector tubes

dispersal fans

drills

dusters

electrical extension cords

elevated work platforms

equipment decontamination materials

finger manifold

flexible light

flushing agents

fumigation sheets

generators

hoses

injectors

knives

ladders

magnifying glass

measuring jug

mirrors

monitoring lines

nozzles

portable residual current devices

pressure manometer

probes

pumps

safety harness

sand and other absorbers

sandsnakes

screwdrivers

specimen bottles

thermometer

torches

vaporiser

waste disposal containers

water flume

weight scales.

Fumigants are chemicals which, at a particular temperature and pressure, can exist in a gaseous state in sufficient concentration and for sufficient time to be lethal to insects or other animals, weeds or other organisms.

Fumigation enclosure is any space which has been or is intended to be made sufficiently gas tight to contain the fumigant.

Fumigation methods may include:

aircraft fumigation

building fumigation

chamber fumigation

sealed spaces fumigation

sheet fumigation

ship fumigation.

Hazards may include:

accidental death

allergic reactions to chemicals, pests and/or equipment, including latex allergies

biological and animal waste

bites and stings

blood and blood-stained products

confined/restricted spaces

contaminated clothing, materials and/or equipment

damaged or inappropriate equipment

dust and fibres

electrical hazards arising from cables, electrical fittings (switches and lights) and untested electrical equipment

environmental impact

fatigue

fire

gas

heights

inadequate lighting and ventilation

infectious and zoonotic diseases e.g. scabies/Q fever

manual handling techniques including awkward and repetitive postures

mobile/vehicle hazards around plant and vehicles

moving and/or unguarded parts

noise

occupational violence and bullying

poor personal hygiene practices

spill, splash and spray

underfoot conditions e.g. slippery, uneven and rough surfaces

work environment temperature extremes

work in isolated/remote environments.

Legislative requirements may include:

Australian Standards, quality assurance and certification requirements

award and enterprise agreements

industry advisory standards and codes

relevant Commonwealth/state/territory legislation and local government regulations which affect company operation:

anti-discrimination and diversity

building codes

chemical controls

chemical registers/manifests

consumer protection legislation

dangerous goods Acts and regulations

declared pest (plant and animal) reporting

environmental protection issues

equal employment opportunity

freedom of information

fumigator licence requirements

industrial relations

motor and commercial vehicle(s) transportation

motor licence and endorsement regulations

OHS Acts and regulations

privacy

public health

trade practices

workplace consultative arrangements.

Manufacturers' specifications may include:

emergency response resources

equipment operational manuals

government publications

instructional guides

material safety data sheets (MSDS)

other resources supplied by the manufacturer (such as laminated cards, notices and wall posters) in work sites or vehicles

product labels

safety instructions pre-printed on equipment.

Occupational health and safety* (OHS) requirements may relate to:

allergic reactions (contact dermatitis, etc)

animal management/control procedures

communication devices for remote and isolated locations e.g. mobile phone, two-way radio, etc

dermatoxicological control and prevention measures

emergency procedures for eye and skin contact, inhalation and ingestion of toxic substances

hazard identification and risk assessment mechanisms

health surveillance and monitoring (e.g. regular blood testing)

hierarchy of hazard control procedures

industry advisory standards

information provided by national registration authority for chemical approval and state government authorities e.g. agriculture, environment protection, health and primary industry

injury and dangerous occurrence reporting

national and industry codes of practice

OHS control procedures (e.g. health and safety plans, job plans, job safety analysis, risk assessments, safe operating practices/procedures, safe work instructions, work method statements, safe system of work statements)

routes of entry and potential symptoms of exposure from chemicals

safe work practices for equipment, PPE and chemical storage including interpretation of MSDS and hazardous substance information e.g. long latency periods

safety training, induction and refresher training

selection and use of PPE and clothing appropriate to the hazard

up-to-date electrical test and tag compliance.

* Also known as workplace health and safety

Organisms may be living animal or plant including:

bacteria

insects

mites

molluscs

rodents

seeds.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) may include:

contaminated clothing bag

cradles

dust mask

face shield

full-face mask

hair nets

hard hats

impervious gloves

overalls

respirator

safety boots

safety harness

soap and towel

sunscreen

washable hat.

Personnel may include:

client's staff

fellow workers (colleagues)

general public including bystanders

venue/facility/building/shopping centre staff/management.

Public health and safety may affect:

animals

client staff

company staff

customers (present and future)

distributors

facility users

general public

inspectors

neighbours

onlookers

retailers

suppliers

trade and service providers.

Regulatory and company documentation may include:

accident and incident reports

certificates and notices

customer files and databases

invoices

job sheets

logbooks

receipts.

Signage and barriers may include:

physical barriers and restraints erected to restrict access to the work site

signs complying with legislative requirements and/or Australian Standards warning of danger and/or adverse conditions.

Waste may be solid or liquid and include:

contaminated/hazardous biological waste

used containers

used/contaminated personal protective equipment e.g. disposable gloves.

Work order information may include:

access to work site including timing of access and access and egress points

budget allocations

completion times/dates

job requirements and tasks

legislative and local government requirements

OHS requirements and emergency response procedures

resource requirements - equipment and materials

specific client requirements e.g. noise control, sensitivity of occupants to pests and/or management, relationships with other customer activities, dress and presentation requirements

use of signage and barriers

work schedules

work site contact person(s)

working in isolated and remote locations.

Work sites for fumigation may include:

airports

bond stores

commercial premises

customs and immigration centres

docks

domestic premises

glasshouses

grain

marine craft

planes

plant nurseries

produce storage facilities

public buildings and structures

quarantine centres

rail yards and rolling stock

ships

specialised company fumigation facilities

sporting fields

transport containers and depots.

Unit Sector(s)

Not Applicable