Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to implement an existing pest management program.

Application of the unit 

This unit has application in a food production environment. It typically targets the worker responsible for inspecting food products and implementing control procedures.

In some states and territories, activities including purchasing and application of some pesticides are covered by licensing arrangements. Where this applies, the appropriate licence is a prerequisite for undertaking this unit.

When applied to the pharmaceutical industry, relevant Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) codes apply in place of the Food Standards Code and reference to food safety is replaced by GMP.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

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.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Monitor the implementation of pest prevention measures

1.1. Inspections are conducted to monitor the effectiveness of pest prevention measures

1.2. Signs of pest infestation are identified, analysed and reported

1.3. Hygiene standards are maintained to meet company requirements

2. Implement pest elimination procedures

2.1. Control measures suited to infestation are selected

2.2. Procedures for the elimination of pests are implemented

2.3. Records are maintained

2.4. Waste is collected, treated and disposed of according to company procedures

2.5. Work is conducted in accordance with workplace environmental guidelines

3. Review pest control programs

3.1. Pest infestation is monitored to confirm effectiveness of treatment method

3.2. The treatment program is modified within level of responsibility

3.3. Changes to the treatment program are reported to the appropriate personnel

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

Ability to :

• recognise indicators of pest invasion
• select appropriate control method according to the control program in place
• select, fit and use personal protective clothing and/or equipment
• follow pest elimination procedures, such as preparing pesticides for use, applying pesticides according to company procedures and licensing arrangements, setting up and operating equipment, such as fumigation and other pesticide application equipment, and preparing and placing baits as required
• follow procedures to measure and monitor pest populations, such as sampling, testing and recording data
• review effectiveness of control methods and amend or recommend changes to program as required
• safely dispose of pesticides, residues, empty containers and pests
• monitor the implementation of housekeeping and cleaning standards
• conduct tests according to enterprise procedures, such as using instrumentation to measure the presence of airborne pesticides
• carry out basic maintenance required to support pest prevention measures according to enterprise procedures
• liaise with external contractors according to enterprise procedures
• 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
• work cooperatively within a culturally diverse workforce

Required knowledge 

Knowledge of :

• basic principles of integrated pest management (IPM), including identification of pest hazards, establishment of pest elimination methods and monitoring the effectiveness of these measures
• methods used to prevent pest invasion suited to workplace and typical pest invasion, including appropriate work area and storage design features to minimise the possibility of pest infestation through building access points, packaging materials/requirements to protect product from pests and other physical and mechanical control measures
• housekeeping and cleaning standards to minimise conditions which attract pests
• food safety issues relating to the use of pesticides in a food handling area
• characteristics and behaviour of each type of pest at each life cycle stage
• conditions required by pests for survival
• methods and procedures used to minimise pest resistance to elimination methods
• range of pesticides used in the workplace
• legislation, codes of practice and procedures relating to the purchase, transport, storage, use and disposal of pesticides
• safe procedures for handling, using and storing pesticides and dangerous goods, identifying identification of information provided on labels, and where required, handling of gas cylinders
• purpose, application and limitations of protective clothing and equipment
• test methods where relevant
• basic maintenance procedures where relevant
• contractor service arrangements where relevant

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 

Assessment must be carried out in a manner that recognises the cultural and literacy requirements of the assessee and is appropriate to the work performed. Competence in this unit must be achieved in accordance with food safety standards and regulations.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of ability to:

• conduct pest inspections
• identify pest infestations and select suitable control measures
• implement pest control measures in accordance with procedure
• monitor effectiveness of controls
• assess control procedures and contribute to improvement of pest control
• complete workplace records as required
• apply safe work practices and identify OHS hazards and controls
• apply food safety procedures

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must occur in a real or simulated workplace where the assessee has access to:

• work procedures, including advice on safe work practices, food safety and environmental requirements
• pesticide labels
• MSDS and personal protective clothing and equipment
• pest management program and procedures
• pest management compounds and equipment
• housekeeping procedures and cleaning schedules in the work area, such as storage, production and/or packaging areas
• documentation and record keeping system.

Method of assessment 

This unit should be assessed together with core units and other units of competency relevant to the function or work role. Examples could be:

• FDFOP2011A Conduct routine maintenance
• FDFOP2013A Apply sampling procedures
• MSL973001A Perform basic tests.

Guidance information for assessment 

To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.

RANGE STATEMENT 

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.

Policies and procedures 

Work is carried out in accordance with company procedures, regulatory and licensing requirements, legislative requirements and industrial awards and agreements

Workplace information 

Workplace information may include:

• pest management program
• pesticide labels
• work instructions
• standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• specifications
• materials safety data sheets (MSDS)
• manufacturers' advice
• standard forms and reports

Hazardous substances 

Work may involve:

• exposure to chemicals and other hazardous substances and may require working in accordance with a permit to work

Pests 

Pests include:

• vertebrates, such as birds, rats and mice
• invertebrates, such as insects

Pest control methods 

Pest control methods may include:

• fumigation
• application of insecticides, dusts, gas and/or baits (using registered controlled and generally available substances)

Where use of pesticides include work conditions covered by National Occupational Health and Safety Commission and/or state and territory health and safety authorities, the assessment criteria and methods prescribed by these authorities must also be met

Selection of control measures 

Selection of control measures occurs in the context of an existing program

Application equipment 

Application equipment may include:

• automated reticulation systems
• sprayers
• misters and dosing equipment

Tests 

Tests may include:

• testing the level of fumigant in the atmosphere and pressure testing

Records 

Records are maintained to meet legal and company requirements

Unit sector 

Technical

Competency field 

Co-requisite units