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

Design timber pest management plan.

1.1

Work order  and inspection report  are reviewed to confirm task according to company requirements .

1.2

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

1.3

Suitable timber pest management methods  are selected for control  of timber pests  based on inspection report and work site environment  and according to legislative and company requirements.

1.4

Access and application equipment  for implementing timber pest management plan  are identified, selected and applied according to manufacturer specifications  and legislative, OHS and company requirements.

1.5

Materials  for implementing timber pest management plan are identified and requirements are calculated  according to manufacturer specifications and legislative, OHS and company requirements.

2

Prepare to implement timber pest management plan.

2.1

Timber pest management plan is reviewed to identify factors affecting completion of work order, and issues are clarified with appropriate persons  according to company requirements.

2.2

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

2.3

Equipment is selected and operational effectiveness checked according to manufacturer specifications and legislative, OHS, company and environmental requirements .

2.4

Chemicals  and materials are prepared according to manufacturer specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements.

2.5

Signage and barriers  are installed as required to maximise protection of public health and safety  during the treatment operation.

3

Implement pest management plan.

3.1

Hazards are identified and risks controlled at work site according to legislative, OHS and company requirements.

3.2

Materials are installed as identified in timber pest management plan according to manufacturer specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements.

3.3

Work is conducted using safe operating practices according to manufacturer specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements.

3.4

Implementation is reviewed to check effectiveness of timber pest management plan.

3.5

Emergency response procedures  are implemented when necessary according to manufacturer specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements.

4

Restore work site.

4.1

Work site is restored to condition agreed with client  and requirements of timber pest management plan according to environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements.

4.2

Hazards are eliminated prior to handover according to environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements.

4.3

Signage and barriers are removed when work site is available for re-use, according to work order and OHS and company requirements.

4.4

Appropriate persons are notified of further hazard reduction or necessary rectification measures according to environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements.

5

Clean, safety-check and store equipment.

5.1

Equipment and PPE are cleaned and decontaminated according to manufacturer specifications and environmental, OHS and company requirements.

5.2

Equipment and PPE are safety-checked and required maintenance is recorded according to manufacturer specifications and OHS and company requirements.

5.3

Cleaned equipment and PPE are stored to allow ready access and re-use according to company requirements.

5.4

Chemicals are transported and stored according to manufacturer specifications and OHS and company requirements.

5.5

Collected waste  is disposed of according to work order, manufacturer specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements.

5.6

Exposed skin is treated to remove contamination according to manufacturer specifications and OHS and company requirements.

6

Complete documentation.

6.1

Required certificates and notices are prepared and issued according to environmental and legislative requirements.

6.2

Company documentation  is completed and distributed according to legislative and company requirements.

7

Monitor effectiveness of timber pest management plan.

7.1

Periodic contact schedule is established with client according to company requirements.

7.2

Regular liaison is maintained with client to monitor effectiveness of plan 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
• manual handling
• selecting and using equipment
• 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 mathematical calculations required to:

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

• preparing regulatory and company documentation and pest management reports for client
• 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

• observing, including recognising variations at work site, such as usage
• planning and organising work, including:

• accurately estimating timeframes
• scheduling efficiently

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

Required knowledge 

• legislation, regulations, codes of practice and industry advisory standards that apply to the control of timber pests, including:

• licensing requirements for timber pest management
• OHS legislation

• building structures and construction methods
• company management structure and procedures, including:

• emergency response procedures
• injury, dangerous occurrence and incident reporting
• manual-handling techniques
• OHS procedures, including hierarchy of hazard control
• reporting procedures

• pest assessment, including:

• ecology and biology of timber pests
• soil types in relation to timber pest activities
• types of timber pests relevant to the 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 timber pest identification and control.

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:

• comply with company, legislative and regulatory requirements
• achieve outcomes in relation to work order
• design a timber pest management plan taking into account environmental sustainability
• identify hazards and risks associated with timber pest management and apply knowledge of hierarchy of hazard control
• implement and monitor a timber pest management plan
• select equipment and chemicals.

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
• relevant databases and information sources
• company procedures, manufacturer specifications and MSDS
• 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
• CPPPMT3008A Inspect and report on 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 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
• 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.

Inspection reports  may include:

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

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.

Hazards  may include:

• allergic reactions to chemicals, pests or equipment, including latex allergies
• 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

• 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.

Work sites  may include:

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

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 and 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.

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
• 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

• health surveillance and monitoring, such as regular blood testing
• 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.

Timber pest management methods  may include:

• biological controls
• chemical and physical barrier treatments
• cultural controls
• environmental controls
• management controls.

Control  may be:

• eradication
• exclusion
• partial.

Timber pests  include:

• timber pests found in geographic region, such as:

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

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.

Equipment  may include:

• borescopes
• brooms
• bunding materials
• cameras
• dishes or bowls
• drills
• dusters
• electrical extension leads
• elevated work platforms
• equipment decontamination materials
• flexible lights
• flushing agents
• generators
• hoses
• injectors
• knives
• ladders
• magnifying glasses
• measuring jugs
• mirrors
• probes
• safety harnesses
• sand and other absorbent materials
• screwdrivers
• sharps containers
• shovels and rakes
• sound, moisture and movement detectors
• sounding instruments
• specimen bottles
• spray equipment
• torches
• trays
• waste disposal containers.

Timber pest management plan  may include:

• advice on health, safety, legislative and environmental 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
• timber pest management methods
• types and quantities of chemicals to be used.

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.

Materials  may include:

• building components
• cleaning products
• flammable products
• pesticides
• physical barriers
• registered agricultural and veterinary (AGVET) products
• sealing components.

Calculated  requirements may apply to:

• assessment of physical characteristics
• chemical compatibilities
• equipment used
• flow rates and pressures
• nozzle tip selection
• recalibration of equipment
• surface areas
• volumes.

Appropriate persons  may include:

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

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 and clothing
• long pants
• noise protection
• non-slip safety shoes or boots
• overalls, coveralls or other chemical protective clothing
• prodding and probing sticks and rods
• safety harnesses
• soap and towels
• sunscreen
• tongs
• torches
• washable sun hats
• wet-work protective clothing.

Environmental requirements  may include:

• 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.

Chemicals  may include:

• cleaning products
• flammable products
• pesticides
• registered AGVET products.

Signage and barriers  may include:

• physical barriers and restraints erected to restrict access to work site
• signs complying with legislative requirements or Australian standards that warn of danger or adverse conditions.

Public health and safety  may affect:

• animals
• client staff
• company staff
• customers
• distributors
• facility users
• colleagues
• general public, including neighbours and bystanders
• inspectors
• retailers
• suppliers
• trade and service providers.

Emergency response procedures  include:

• clean up
• containment
• decontamination
• first aid
• isolation
• notification of authorities
• use of firefighting appliances
• use of PPE
• work site or workplace evacuation.

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.

Waste  may be solid or liquid and include:

• contaminated or hazardous biological waste
• used containers
• used or contaminated PPE, such as disposable gloves.

Company documentation  may include:

• client records
• pest activity and inspection reports
• pest management system problem and action reports
• service logbooks
• site management reports
• site visit reports.