Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

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

1

Access and assess work site.

1.1

Work site  is accessed according to company requirements .

1.2

Work order  for inspection is reviewed according to company requirements and issues are clarified with appropriate persons .

1.3

Previous inspection and treatment records  are accessed and reviewed to establish a history of inspection area .

1.4

Physical characteristics of work site and work site environment  are assessed according to company requirements.

1.5

Type of structure and construction methods are determined according to company and legislative requirements .

1.6

Location of industry recognised pest pressure areas  is confirmed to ensure that inspection targets likely timber pest  activity.

1.7

Client  agreement to inspection is obtained prior to commencement according to company requirements.

2

Plan for inspection.

2.1

Hazards  are identified and risks controlled at work site according to manufacturer specifications  and company, legislative, environmental  and occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements .

2.2

Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) is selected and used according to manufacturer specifications and OHS and company requirements.

2.3

Systematic and comprehensive inspection and recording method, using knowledge of work site and work site environment, is determined and adopted according to work order, manufacturer specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements.

3

Inspect for timber pests.

3.1

Suitable PPE is selected and used according to manufacturer specifications and legislative, OHS and company requirements.

3.2

Inspection is conducted using predetermined methods and safe operating practices according to work order, manufacturer specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements.

3.3

Evidence  of past or present timber pest activity is collected according to OHS and company requirements.

4

Analyse inspection data.

4.1

Where type of timber pest or identified timber pest activity is inconclusive, tests on evidence are conducted according to work order, manufacturer specifications and OHS and company requirements.

4.2

Past or presently active types of timber pests are identified according to legislative and company requirements.

4.3

Extent and locations of timber pest infestations are determined using inspection data and test results.

4.4

Source of timber pests and conditions conducive to infestation are identified to enable development of an effective timber pest management plan  according to company requirements.

4.5

Past, present and potential impacts of confirmed timber pest activity are estimated according to legislative and company requirements.

5

Prepare inspection report.

5.1

Inspection report  is prepared according to industry standards, and legislative and company requirements.

5.2

Report is presented according to work order and client, legislative and company requirements.

5.3

Report is distributed to relevant parties according to work order and client and company requirements.

5.4

Copy of inspection report is included with client records  according to company requirements.

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

Required skills 

• skills to work safely when:

• identifying hazards and controlling risks
• handling and disposing of chemicals
• manual handling
• working at heights and in confined spaces

• customer service skills to:

• establish rapport with clients
• gain clients’ trust
• perceive and respond to clients’ attitudes to pest problems

• language, literacy and numeracy skills for:

• communicating clearly and concisely verbally and in writing
• performing the mathematical calculations required to:

• dilute and mix chemicals as specified on product labels
• measure area and volume

• reading and interpreting directions and safety instructions, including:

• equipment manuals
• material safety data sheets (MSDS)

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

• inspecting and observing skills for:

• assessing work site
• identifying pests and pest activity
• identifying risks

• planning and organising work, including:

• accurately estimating timeframes
• conducting systematic and comprehensive inspections

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

Required knowledge 

• building structures and construction methods in relation to timber pest activity
• climatic and geographic impact on timber pest activities
• company management structure and procedures, including:

• emergency response procedures
• injury, dangerous occurrence and incident reporting
• inspection methods and procedures
• OHS procedures, including hierarchy of hazard control
• reporting procedures

• legislation, regulations, codes of practice and industry advisory standards that apply to inspecting and reporting on timber pests, including:

• legal implications of work
• licensing requirements for timber pest management
• OHS legislation

• pest assessment, including:

• soil types in relation to timber pest activity
• timber pest ecology as related to timber pest management operations
• types of timber and relationships to timber pests
• types of timber pests relevant to geographic area and their life cycles, habits and harbourages

• pest management options, including:

• pesticidal and physical controls associated with managing timber pests in a range of environments and conditions
• product knowledge, including manufacturer specifications for equipment and products being used
• routes of entry and potential symptoms of exposure to chemicals

• 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 inspection for timber pests and reviewing report documentation completed by the candidate.

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:

• identify client’s timber pest problem, including type of timber pest and timber pest activity
• comply with company, legislative and regulatory requirements
• achieve outcomes in relation to work order
• identify hazards and risks associated with timber pest management and apply knowledge of hierarchy of hazard control
• report and record inspection results
• select and recommend safe, effective and environmentally responsible timber pest management treatments or rectification options
• select equipment and materials.

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
• suitable equipment and materials
• PPE
• plain English version of relevant statutes and procedures
• 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
• CPPPMT3006A Apply pesticides to manage pests
• CPPPMT3010A Control timber pests
• CPPPMT3043A Prepare and present pest management proposals.

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.

Work sites  may include:

• building surroundings
• buildings
• domestic, commercial or industrial premises.

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
• 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.

Work order  information may include:

• access to work site, including:

• timing of access
• access and egress points

• budget allocations
• completion times and dates
• dress and presentation requirements
• job requirements and tasks
• legislative and local government requirements
• OHS requirements and emergency response procedures
• requirements for working in isolated and remote locations
• resource requirements – equipment and materials, such as:

• bore scopes
• cameras
• knives
• ladders
• magnifying lenses
• mirrors
• screwdrivers
• sound, moisture and movement detectors
• sounding instruments
• specimen bottles
• torches

• specific client requirements, such as:

• noise control
• sensitivity of occupants to pests or pest management
• relationships with other customer activities

• use of signage and barriers
• work schedules
• work site contact persons.

Appropriate persons  may include:

• clients
• colleagues
• managers
• persons in control of work site
• supervisors.

Inspection and treatment records  may include:

• building approvals
• invoices
• previous inspection reports
• previous written reports
• treatment notices and certificates on buildings
• warranties.

Inspection areas  may include:

• external areas of property, including trees and fences
• external surfaces
• floor areas
• freestanding structures
• furniture and fittings
• internal surfaces
• poorly ventilated areas, such as subfloor
• roof voids
• other timber areas, such as wall cavities, trims and mouldings.

Work site environment  may include:

• age of timber structure
• associated building or land use
• dark and humid areas
• drainage
• geographic location
• known pressure pest areas
• level of moisture
• previous treatments
• soil type
• timber type
• ventilation.

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
• motor licence and endorsement regulations
• OHS Acts and regulations
• privacy
• public health
• trade practices
• workplace consultative arrangements.

Recognised pest pressure areas  may be defined by:

• government authorities
• industry and industry advisory groups
• other commercial or business interests
• research groups.

Timber pests  include:

• timber pests found in geographic region, such as:

• borers
• carpenter ants
• termites
• wood decay fungi.

Clients  may include:

• bodies corporate
• building supervisors
• companies or organisations
• environmental health officers
• executive housekeepers
• maintenance managers
• owners
• persons in control of work processes
• property agents or managers
• tenants.

Hazards  may include:

• allergic reactions to chemicals, pests or equipment, including latex
• biological and animal waste
• bites and stings
• blood and blood-stained products
• confined or restricted spaces
• contaminated clothing, materials or 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
• mobile or vehicle hazards around plant and vehicles
• moving or unguarded parts
• noise
• occupational violence and bullying
• poor personal hygiene practices
• release of substances with negative environmental impact
• unsafe manual-handling techniques, including awkward and repetitive postures
• unsafe underfoot conditions, such as slippery, uneven and rough surfaces
• work in unfamiliar isolated or remote environments.

Manufacturer specifications  may include:

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

• laminated cards
• notices
• wall posters

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

Environmental requirements  may include:

• baiting
• 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.

Occupational health and safety  (also known as workplace health and safety) requirements  may relate to:

• allergic reactions, such as contact dermatitis
• animal management and control procedures
• communication 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
• health surveillance and monitoring, such as regular blood testing
• 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
• OHS 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

• routes of entry and potential symptoms of exposure to chemicals
• safe work practices for equipment, PPE and chemical storage, including interpretation of:

• MSDS
• hazardous substance information, such as long latency periods

• safety, induction and refresher training
• selection and use of PPE and clothing appropriate to hazard
• up-to-date electrical test and tag compliance.

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
• contaminated clothing bags
• cradles
• drinking fluids
• dust masks
• eye protection, such as:

• safety glasses
• goggles
• eyewashes and showers

• face shields (splash-proof)
• first aid kits appropriate to tasks and locations
• hair nets
• hard hats
• high-visibility vests or clothing
• long pants
• noise protection
• non-slip safety shoes or boots
• overalls, coveralls or other chemical protective clothing
• prodding or probing sticks and rods
• safety harnesses
• soap and towels
• sunscreen
• tongs
• torches
• washable sun hats
• wet-work protective clothing.

Evidence  may include:

• chambers
• droppings
• evidence of feeding
• holes
• nests and nest materials
• soils and soil samples
• specimens
• timber, timber shavings and sawdust
• tracks.

Timber pest management plan  may include:

• advice on health, safety, environmental and other legislative matters
• advice on pest prevention strategies
• chemical application methods
• details of timber pest and timber pest activity
• follow-up pest management advice, monitoring and call-back schedule
• pest management method options
• types and quantities of chemicals to be used.

Inspection report  may include:

• method of inspection
• analysis of evidence
• relevant exclusions and limitations to the inspection
• data analysis.

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

• contact details
• customer files and databases
• details of previous:

• assessments
• quotations
• service provision

• logbooks
• pest management plan
• reports
• specific details about work site nature of pest problem
• use of contractors.