Release 1. This is the first release of this unit of competency in the NWP National Water Training Package.

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to control vegetation on a site.

It includes inspecting, identifying and treating weeds, plants and shrubs. It also includes safe handling of chemicals and equipment and the ability to plan and work safely.

This unit applies to those working as field and operational staff involved in plant control but does not reflect the requirements for undertaking plant control on properties of third parties where further training and licensing requirements may apply. Those undertaking this unit would work under appropriate supervision, while performing routine tasks, in familiar contexts.

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

Not applicable.

Catchment and Dams

Not applicable.

ELEMENTS 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1  

Prepare for work 

1.1 

Determine work requirements from job specifications and plans

1.2 

Identify noxious weeds, plants and shrubs

1.3 

Inspect site to prevent damage to utilities, environment and adjoining land

1.4 

Identify potential hazards according to workplace procedures

1.5 

Select and check equipment and tools to meet task and safety requirements

1.6 

Select, fit and use personal protective equipment

2 

Treat vegetation 

2.1 

Store, handle and transport chemicals according to safety procedures

2.2 

Use processes to treat vegetation according to workplace procedures

2.3 

Implement controls to minimise environmental damage and deal with emergencies

2.4 

Calculate dosing rates and mix chemicals according to workplace procedures

2.5 

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

2.6 

Clean equipment after use and prepare for safe storage according to manufacturer instructions and workplace procedures

2.7 

Dispose of waste according to workplace procedures

3 

Complete records and reports 

3.1 

Record use of chemicals and control mechanisms according to workplace procedures

3.2 

Complete and process work reports according to workplace procedures

3.3 

Identify and report observations outside defined parameters to relevant personnel for further action

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

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

This unit replaces and is equivalent to NWPSOU002 Control vegetation on a site.

Release 1. This is the first release of this unit of competency in the NWP National Water Training Package.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and includes:

• applying workplace procedures
• controlling vegetation by treating weeds, plants and shrubs either mechanically or chemically
• dealing with chemical spillages
• following plans and job specifications
• identifying and reporting operational problems
• identifying noxious weeds and appropriate control methods
• identifying risks and implementing controls
• interpreting safety data sheets
• interpreting work requirements from given documentation
• performing work-related calculations
• planning and preparing equipment and materials required for work
• producing reports and completing relevant documentation
• restoring worksite
• using personal protective equipment, tools and machinery, chemicals and other treatments

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and includes knowledge of:

• control systems
• effects of weather and conditions on use of chemical treatment
• emergency response scenarios
• environmental aspects of controlling vegetation
• equipment operation, capacity and limitations
• landscape and ground structure of work area
• materials handling
• mechanical and chemical control of weeds plants and shrubs
• noxious weeds, plants and shrubs
• relevant legislation, regulations and workplace procedures
• relevant utilities and service bodies
• risk factors and potential hazards of vegetation control processes
• use, storage, handling and transport of chemicals

Assessors must hold credentials specified within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence and all regulatory requirements included within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations where it is appropriate to do so; where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that replicate workplace conditions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

• relevant and appropriate materials, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry
• applicable documentation including legislation, regulations, codes of practice, workplace procedures and operation manuals.