Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of treating weeds and defines the standard required to: identify significant weed species for the enterprise; apply a range of weed treatment control options; recognise and control risks to environment (including spray drift and chemical spillage); clean and store equipment correctly; monitor treatment site; record weed treatment.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to supervised workers in agriculture, horticulture and land management who carry out the process of treating weeds and is carried out following specific work instructions.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare to treat weeds

1.1. Weeds which impact on commercial crops, gardens and turf, and natural areas are recognised by common name.

1.2. Details of the weed occurrence are recorded and reported to the supervisor.

1.3. Treatment methods are selected in consultation with the supervisor.

1.4. Equipment is selected and prepared for use according to enterprise guidelines and manufacturers specifications.

1.5. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified and safety concerns reported to the supervisor.

2. Treat weeds

2.1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used and maintained according to procedures.

2.2. Treatments are prepared according to supervisor's instructions and manufacturer's guidelines.

2.3. Treatments are applied in such a way that non-target damage is minimised.

2.4. Treatments are applied according to OHS and environmental regulatory requirements.

3. Carry out post treatment operation

3.1. Equipment is shut down and cleaned with full consideration of environmental impacts and OHS requirements.

3.2. Treatment waste is disposed of causing minimal environmental damage.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• identify hazards and implement safe work practices
• read and interpret chemical labels, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), manufacturer's specifications for setting up equipment
• use and maintain PPE
• prepare to treat weeds
• apply weed treatments
• carry out post treatment operations
• maintain spray records
• recognise caution or hazard signs and symbols
• interpret tasks or information from labels, manuals or written instructions
• record information accurately or verbally report information
• 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 

• recognition of common weeds for a particular enterprise/situation
• weed growth characteristics
• different types of control measures, treatments and their principles
• modes of action of different chemicals
• equipment capability and limitations
• legislation relation to the use of chemicals for weed control
• OHS responsibilities of employers and employees
• OHS legislative requirements and associated hazardous substances regulations and Codes of Practice
• correct wearing/fit of personal protective equipment
• environmental considerations when using chemicals for weed control.

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:

• identify significant weed species for the enterprise
• apply a range of weed treatment control options
• recognise and control risks to environment (including spray drift and chemical spillage)
• clean and store equipment correctly
• monitor treatment site
• record weed treatment.

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.

Weeds may include:

• all plants that are classified as weeds.

Treat weeds may include:

• control by cultural, biological and chemical methods.

Unit sector 

Pest management

Co-requisite units 

Competency field