Unit of competency

Modification History

Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to monitor pest problems in the community that could potentially affect the health of householders and community members and identify appropriate methods of control.

This unit applies to work in a public health context and workers at this level will demonstrate judgement and limited responsibility within defined guidelines.

No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Elements and Performance Criteria

Foundation Skills

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Unit Mapping Information

Links

Companion Volume implementation guides are found in VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=ced1390f-48d9-4ab0-bd50-b015e5485705

Assessment requirements

Modification History

Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit in the context of the job role, and:

• identify at least two pest problems in the community that could potentially affect the health of householders and community members and develop and implement a work plan that includes appropriate strategies and methods of control.

Knowledge Evidence

Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit:

• organisational requirements relating to pest control and community needs, including:

• national, State or Territory and local health policies, goals, targets and priorities relevant to identifying health needs
• scope of own role and responsibilities
• other key people or agency responsibilities
• points of contact to assist with the implementation of strategies which are outside own area of responsibility
• relevant workplace health and safety (WHS) standards

• common pests and rodents found in the area, including mosquitoes, ants, cockroaches and rodents, and the different stages of their lifecycle
• how to set traps
• the links between pests, including rodents and disease transmission
• understanding of the living and breeding places of different pests and the environmental conditions which encourage them to live and breed
• signs of pest and rodent problems
• environmental conditions contributing to pest problems, including:

• pools of water lying under leaking taps
• rubbish lying around the yard or community that could potentially become a breeding ground for pests
• houses with broken or non-existent fly wire screens and doors
• toilet vents that are not fly proofed
• bins without tight fitting lids
• septic tanks that are not sealed, or lids broken
• toilets that are blocked or broken
• grass and reeds growing around and in sewage lagoons
• overflowing drains
• dead animals and faeces lying around
• dirty kitchen and food preparation surfaces
• dirty cupboards
• household rubbish that is not properly disposed of
• cracks or crevices in walls or ceilings

• environmental, chemical, biological prevention and control strategies and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Assessment Conditions

Skills must be demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that reflects workplace conditions.

Where simulation is used, it must reflect real working conditions by modelling industry operating conditions and contingencies.

Assessment must ensure access to:

• suitable facilities, equipment and resources.

Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations’ requirements for assessors.

Links

Companion Volume implementation guides are found in VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=ced1390f-48d9-4ab0-bd50-b015e5485705