Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of applying chemicals under supervision using handheld or small powered equipment, and defines the standard required to: apply chemicals using handheld or small powered equipment; check, prepare, use and maintain application equipment and personal protective equipment; measure, mix, transport, handle store and dispose of chemicals and comply with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), chemical label and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) requirements.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to working under supervision with reference to the product label, legislation and enterprise procedures. This unit may be deemed to have a time limit when used as part of an accreditation or licence process.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Check application and personal protective equipment

1.1. Carry out pre-operational checks of application equipment in accordance with manufacturer's specification and OHS requirements.

1.2. Prepare application equipment for use in accordance with manufacturer's specification and directions.

1.3. Identify and replace any damaged or worn components.

1.4. Check personal protective equipment in accordance with manufacturer's specification and OHS requirements.

2. Prepare application equipment

2.1. Apply label information regarding precautions for the chemical mix/substance being used.

2.2. Select and use appropriate personal protective and mixing equipment in accordance with MSDSs and chemical label.

2.3. Measure, mix and load chemical mix or substances in accordance with directions on chemical label.

2.4. Follow legislative and regulatory requirements regarding chemical use including OHS.

2.5. Confirm instructions from chemical MSDSs in the event of a spill.

2.6. Check that output of application equipment is correct and in accordance with application/spray plan.

3. Apply chemicals

3.1. Assess and record meteorological conditions and forecasts prior to and during application.

3.2. Select and use appropriate personal protective equipment in accordance with MSDSs and chemical label.

3.3. Apply chemical in accordance with the application/spray plan and/or instructions.

3.4. Assess and minimise risks to others, product integrity and the environment prior to and during application.

4. Finalise work

4.1. Clean and store Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and application equipment in accordance with manufacturer's specification and OHS requirements.

4.2. Dispose of excess chemicals and use triple rinse drums in accordance with label and MSDSs requirements.

4.3. Complete incident reports as required in accordance with legislative and/or regulatory requirements.

4.4. Complete application records.

4.5. Store unused chemical/products in accordance with label requirements and MSDSs.

4.6. Adhere to all re-entry and withholding periods.

5. Transport and handle chemical

5.1. Confirm precautions for the transport and handling of chemicals.

5.2. Transport and handle chemicals in accordance with legislative and/or regulatory requirements.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• identify hazards and adopt safe work practices
• conduct pre-operational checks of application equipment
• use and maintain personal protective equipment
• measure, mix and load chemical mixes
• use hand held and small powered application equipment relevant to the industry sector using safe and environmentally responsible work practices
• interpret labels, record relevant information and measure application amounts
• follow chemical label requirements and application/spray plan
• record activities and maintain records
• transport and handling techniques
• respond to emergencies and apply first aid in the event of pesticide poisoning
• 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 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 

• applied principles of Integrated Pest/Resistance Management
• structure of chemical label and MSDS
• types, applications, storage and fitting of personal protective equipment
• legislation and regulations including OHS and licensing requirements in relation to chemical use
• features and functions of a range of application equipment relevant to the industry sector
• risk factors including human and animal health, spillage and environmental
• principles of transport, handling and storage for chemicals
• requirements for disposal of excess chemicals, clearing spillages and equipment clean up
• transport and handling requirements
• environmental effects of selected chemicals and how to minimise damaging effects of chemicals
• different broad chemical types, eg, insecticides, herbicides and fungicides and their mode of action symbols on the label
• paths of entry of poisons into the body and methods of limiting exposure
• methods of minimising risk during application
• Regulations and Codes of Practices with regard to hazardous substances of the use of chemicals
• OHS concerning personal safety and safety of others in the workplace
• alternatives to chemicals for pest management
• possible effects on health of bystanders/public in addition to applicators
• weather conditions and means of assessing them in line with risks, and recognising when they become unsuitable for application to continue.

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:

• apply chemicals using handheld or small powered equipment
• check, prepare, use and maintain application equipment and personal protective equipment
• measure, mix, transport, handle store and dispose of chemicals
• comply with OHS, chemical label and MSDSs requirements.

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.

Chemicals may include:

• the application of liquid chemical mixes
• granular products
• and/or biological agents used in the control of pest, weeds and diseases including animal health products.

Unit sector 

Chemicals

Co-requisite units 

Competency field