Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

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

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Plan and prepare work .

1.1 Plan work according to work specifications, relevant legislation and organisational procedures .

1.2 Perform site check according to organisational requirements to prevent damage to other utilities and environment.

1.3 Select and check equipment and personal protective equipment  and material safety data sheets to meet safety requirements of task and site.

1.4 Identify noxious weeds, plants and shrubs.

2 Treat vegetation .

2.1 Conduct monitoring programs to determine spread, growth rate and extent of problem caused by weeds.

2.2 Store, handle, transport and mix chemicals and other control mechanisms according to relevant legislation and organisational procedures.

2.3 Use processes  to treat vegetation in a manner safe to all stakeholders and according to appropriate standards and organisational operational procedures.

2.4 Implement controls according to organisational requirements to minimise environmental damage and deal with emergencies and spillage.

3 Check work and restore work site .

3.1 Clean equipment after use and prepare for safe storage or re-use.

3.2 Identify potential hazards and dispose of waste according to organisational requirements.

4 Complete records and reports .

4.1 Record use of chemicals and control mechanisms according to legislative and organisational requirements.

4.2 Complete work reports and documentation as required.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required skills :

• identify and report operational problems
• produce reports and logs
• use personal protective equipment
• use tools and machinery
• use chemicals and other treatments
• follow plans, charts and instructions
• perform work-related calculations
• interpret material safety data sheets (MSDS)
• apply procedures and standards
• communicate with employees and customers
• work effectively as part of a team
• use communication equipment
• use literacy skills in regard to verbal and written communication in the workplace
• give and receive instructions

Required knowledge :

• environmental aspects of controlling vegetation
• relevant utilities and service bodies
• communication systems
• use, storage, handling and transport of hazardous substances
• landscape and ground structure of work area
• risk factors and potential hazards of vegetation control processes
• equipment operation, capacity and limitations
• effects of weather and conditions on use of chemical treatment, site or plant
• control systems
• materials handling
• landscape and ground structure of work area

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

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

The candidate should demonstrate the ability to control vegetation on a site by inspecting, identifying and treating weeds, plants and shrubs including:

• interpreting work requirements from given documentation
• identifying noxious weeds and appropriate control methods
• planning and preparing equipment and materials required for work
• treating vegetation according to legislative and organisational procedures
• identifying risks and implement controls
• restoring work site according to environmental and organisational requirements
• completing relevant documentation.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Access to the workplace and resources including:

• documentation that should normally be available in a water industry organisation
• relevant codes, standards and government regulations.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:

• competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace
• where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice
• a decision of competence only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's competence over time and in various contexts
• all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence
• where assessment is for the purpose of recognition (RCC/RPL), the evidence provided will need to be authenticated and show that it represents competency demonstrated over a period of time
• assessment can be through simulated project-based activity and must include evidence relating to each of the elements in this unit.

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge. Questioning will be undertaken in a manner appropriate to the skill levels of the operator and cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and will reflect the requirements of the competency and the work being performed.

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. Add any 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.

Relevant legislation and organisational procedures  include:

• relevant federal and state or territory legislation and regulations
• codes of practice, associated standards and guidance material
• documented organisational policies, manuals and induction programs
• relevant community planning and development agreements, such as land care agreements

Equipment and personal protective equipment  may include:

• hand and power tools
• on- and off-road vehicles
• lifting and winching equipment
• mechanical excavation equipment
• chemicals and mixers
• chemical spraying apparatus
• mixing equipment and storage areas
• communication equipment
• gas detection equipment
• rescue equipment
• breathing apparatus
• other appropriate personal protective equipment, including goggles and gloves

Processes  used to treat and control vegetation include:

• application of chemicals
• manual extraction
• use of genetic plant modification
• companion planting
• other environmental controls, including use of insects