Unit of competency details

Modification History

Not Applicable

Unit Descriptor

Unit descriptor 

This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to implement a management plan to control timber pests. The unit applies to timber pests and timber pest activity that impacts on the health, safety or amenity of persons or environments and can be applied to domestic, commercial or industrial premises. Timber pests may occur in buildings, landscaping, recreational equipment, timber fences, furniture, railing, bridges and stairs.

The unit requires the ability to review previous reports and design, implement and monitor a management plan designed to control timber pests. The selection of appropriate equipment, chemicals, materials and methods is essential for performing the task effectively.

Application of the Unit

Not Applicable

Licensing/Regulatory Information

Not Applicable

Pre-Requisites

Not Applicable

Employability Skills Information

Not Applicable

Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content

Not Applicable

Elements and Performance Criteria

Required Skills and Knowledge

Refer to Evidence Guide

Evidence Guide

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide identifies the requirements to be demonstrated to confirm competence for this unit. Assessment must confirm sufficient ability to use appropriate skills and knowledge to control timber pests. Assessment of performance should be over a period of time covering all categories within the range statement that are applicable in the working environment.

Critical aspects of competency 

• Accurate identification of the hazards and risks associated with timber pest management.
• Compliance with company and legislative/regulatory requirements.
• Designing an appropriate timber pest management plan.
• Implementing and monitoring a timber pest management plan.
• Knowledge of hierarchy of hazard control.
• Outcomes achieved in relation to work order.
• Selection of appropriate equipment and chemicals.

Knowledge needed to achieve the performance criteria 

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this unit in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below.

• Types of timber pests relevant to the area and their life cycles, habits and harbourages.
• Ecology and biology of timber pests.
• Building structures and construction methods.
• Soil types.
• Pesticidal and physical controls associated with managing timber pests in a range of environments and conditions.
• Product knowledge including manufacturers' specifications for equipment and products being used.
• OHS legislation and procedures.
• Applicable regulations, codes of practice and industry advisory standards.
• Routes of entry and potential symptoms of exposure from chemicals.
• Knowledge of injury dangerous occurrence and incident reporting.
• Emergency response procedures.
• Licensing requirements for timber pest management.
• Work order specifications.
• Company management structure and reporting procedures.

Specific skills needed to achieve the performance criteria 

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These are:

• observation
• hazard identification and risk control
• applying correct manual handling techniques
• reading, interpreting and comprehending directions and safety instructions in equipment manuals and MSDS
• performing the mathematical calculations required for measuring areas and volumes, the mixing of chemicals and handling of materials as specified on product labels
• preparation of regulatory and company documentation and management reports to client
• equipment selection and use
• recognition of work site variations and uses
• working safely at heights and in confined spaces
• communicating clearly and concisely using written and verbal modes
• requesting advice or further information
• seeking and receiving feedback
• working on an individual basis and within a team
• planning and organising work
• sourcing, organising and recording information
• customer service.

Prerequisite unit 

Competency in unit PRMPM06B Apply pesticide to manage pests, is a prerequisite to competency in this unit.

Other units of competency that could be assessed with this unit 

Competence in this unit may be assessed in conjunction with:

• PRMPM02B Assess pest management options
• PRMPM06B Apply pesticide to manage pests
• PRMPM08B Inspect and report on timber pests
• PRMPM43A Prepare and present a pest management submission including quotation.

Resources required to assess this unit 

The following resources should be available:

• access to a suitable work site or venue
• access to suitable equipment and materials
• access to personal protective equipment
• access to relevant databases and information sources
• access to company procedures, manufacturers' specifications and MSDS
• access to 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.

Gaining evidence to assess this unit 

For valid and reliable assessment of this unit the competency should be demonstrated in the field by reviewing the outcome of at least one complete implementation of a timber pest management plan under normal industry operating conditions or if this is not practicable observations in a realistic simulated work environment.

The competency should be demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor.

The competency is to be demonstrated in a range of situations, which may include customer/workplace interruptions and involvement in related activities normally experienced in the workplace.

Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant written correspondence with existing and potential clients. This information must be relevant by showing evidence of the candidate's work performance.

Other forms of gaining evidence such as through oral questioning and hypothetical situations (scenarios) may be used to supplement (but not substitute for) the practical demonstration of competence.

Key competency levels 

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added.

Information below highlights how these processes are applied in this competency standard.

Range Statement

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement links the required knowledge and organisational and technical requirements to the workplace context. It describes any contextual variables that will be used or encountered when applying the competency in work situations. It allows for different work practices and work and knowledge requirements as well as for differences between organisations and workplaces. The following variables are listed alphabetically and may be present for this particular unit.

Appropriate person (s ) may include:

• clients
• colleagues
• managers
• person(s) in control of work site(s)
• supervisors.

Calculate  requirements may apply to:

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

Chemicals  may include:

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

Clients  may include:

• body corporate
• building supervisor
• company/organisation
• environmental health officer
• executive housekeeper
• maintenance manager
• owner
• person in control of work processes
• property agent/manager
• tenant.

Company documentation  may include:

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

Company requirements  may include:

• access and equity policy, principles and practice
• business and performance plans
• client communication procedures
• client confidentiality procedures
• client service standards
• communication channels and reporting procedures
• company goals, objectives, plans, systems and processes
• company issued identification badge/card/pass
• company policy and procedures
• defined resource parameters
• dress and presentation requirements
• duty of care, code of conduct, code of ethics
• emergency response and evacuation procedures
• employer and employee rights and responsibilities
• establishing operator identity with client
• maintenance procedures for equipment and PPE
• OHS control procedures (e.g. health and safety plans, job plans, job safety analysis, risk assessments, safe operating practices/procedures, safe work instructions, work method statements, safe system of work statements)
• 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.

Control  may be:

• eradication
• exclusion
• partial.

Emergency response procedures  include:

• clean-up
• containment
• decontamination
• documented emergency response procedures
• First Aid
• isolation
• notification of authorities
• use of appropriate fire fighting appliances
• use of appropriate personal protective equipment
• work site/workplace evacuation.

Environmental requirements  may include:

• clean-up, containment and/or isolation
• company policies and guidelines
• emergency chemical spill control measures
• environmental protection agency and government departments (e.g. agriculture, emergency services and national parks and wildlife) regulations and guidelines
• hazardous materials handling
• local government regulations/bylaws.

Equipment  may include:

• borescope
• broom
• bunding material
• camera
• dishes or bowls
• drills
• dusters
• electrical extension leads
• elevated work platforms
• equipment decontamination materials
• flexible light
• flushing agents
• generators
• hoses
• injectors
• knives
• ladders
• magnifying glass
• measuring jug
• mirrors
• probes
• safety harnesses
• sand and other absorbent materials
• screwdrivers
• shovels and rakes
• sounding, moisture and movement detectors
• specimen bottles
• spray equipment
• torches
• trays
• waste disposal containers.

Hazards  may include:

• allergic reactions to chemicals, pests and/or equipment, including latex allergies
• biological and animal waste
• bites and stings
• blood and blood-stained products
• confined/restricted spaces
• contaminated clothing, materials and/or equipment
• damaged or inappropriate equipment
• dust and fibres
• electrical hazards arising from cables, electrical fittings (switches and lights) and untested electrical equipment
• environmental impact
• fatigue
• fire
• gas
• heights
• inadequate lighting and ventilation
• infectious and zoonotic diseases e.g. scabies/Q fever
• leaks, spill, splash and spray
• manual handling techniques including awkward and repetitive postures
• mobile/vehicle hazards around plant and vehicles
• moving and/or unguarded parts
• noise
• occupational violence and bullying
• poor personal hygiene practices
• underfoot conditions e.g. slippery, uneven and rough surfaces
• work in isolated/remote environments.

Inspection reports  may include:

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

Legislative requirements  may include:

• Australian Standards, quality assurance and certification requirements
• award and enterprise agreements
• industry advisory standards and codes
• relevant Commonwealth/state/territory legislation and local government regulations which affect company operation:

• anti-discrimination and diversity
• building codes
• chemical controls
• chemical registers/manifests
• consumer protection legislation
• dangerous goods Acts and regulations
• dangerous goods code
• declared pest (plant and animal) reporting
• environmental protection issues
• equal employment opportunity
• freedom of information
• industrial relations
• motor and commercial vehicle(s) transportation
• motor licence and endorsement regulations
• OHS Acts and regulations
• privacy
• public health
• trade practices
• workplace consultative arrangements.

Manufacturers' specifications  may include:

• emergency response resources
• equipment operational manuals
• government publications
• instructional guides
• material safety data sheets (MSDS)
• other resources supplied by the manufacturer (such as laminated cards, notices and wall posters) in work sites or vehicles
• product labels
• safety instructions pre-printed on equipment.

Materials  may include:

• building components
• cleaning products
• flammable products
• pesticides
• physical barriers
• registered AGVET products
• sealing components.

Occupational health and safety * (OHS ) requirements  may relate to:

• allergic reactions (contact dermatitis, etc)
• animal management/control procedures
• communication devices for remote and isolated locations e.g. mobile phone, two-way radio, etc
• dermatoxicological control and prevention measures
• emergency procedures for eye and skin contact, inhalation and ingestion of toxic substances
• 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 e.g. agriculture, environment protection, health and primary industry
• injury and dangerous occurrence reporting
• national and industry codes of practice
• OHS control procedures (e.g. health and safety plans, job plans, job safety analysis, risk assessments, safe operating practices/procedures, safe work instructions, work method statements, safe system of work statements)
• health surveillance and monitoring (e.g. regular blood testing)
• routes of entry and potential symptoms of exposure from chemicals
• safe work practices for equipment, PPE and chemical storage including interpretation of MSDS and hazardous substance information e.g. long latency periods
• safety training, induction and refresher training
• selection and use of PPE and clothing appropriate to the hazard
• up-to-date electrical test and tag compliance.

* Also known as workplace health and safety 

Personal protective equipment  (PPE ) may include:

• air-line and self-contained respirators
• breathing respirator - full-face and half-face
• chemical impervious gloves
• chemical resistant aprons
• communication equipment
• contaminated clothing bag
• cradles
• drinking fluids
• dust masks
• eye protection e.g. safety glasses, goggles
• eyewashes and showers
• face shield (splash-proof)
• First Aid kit appropriate to the task and location
• hair nets
• hard hats
• high-visibility vests/clothing
• long pants
• noise protection
• non-slip safety shoes/boots
• overalls, coveralls or other chemical protective clothing
• prodding/probing sticks and rods
• safety harness
• sharps containers
• soap and towel
• sunscreen
• tongs
• torch
• washable sun hats
• wet-work protective clothing.

Public health and safety  may affect:

• animals
• bystanders
• client staff
• company staff
• customers (present and future)
• distributors
• facility users
• fellow workers (colleagues)
• general public
• inspectors
• neighbours
• retailers
• suppliers
• trade and service providers.

Signage and barriers  may include:

• physical barriers and restraints erected to restrict access to the work site
• signs complying with legislative requirements and/or Australian Standards warning of danger and/or adverse conditions
• used/contaminated personal protective equipment e.g. disposable gloves.

Timber pest management method options  may include:

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

Timber pest management plan  may include:

• advice of health, safety, legislative and environmental matters
• advice on 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 method options
• types and quantities of chemicals to be used.

Timber pests  may include:

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

Waste  may be solid or liquid and include:

• contaminated/hazardous biological waste
• used containers
• used/contaminated personal protective equipment e.g. disposable gloves.

Work order  information may include:

• access to work site including timing of access and access and egress points
• budget allocations
• completion times/dates
• job requirements and tasks
• legislative and local government requirements
• OHS requirements and emergency response procedures
• resource requirements - equipment and materials
• specific client requirements e.g. noise control, sensitivity of occupants to pests and/or management, relationships with other customer activities, dress and presentation requirements
• use of signage and barriers
• work schedules
• work site contact person(s)
• working in isolated and remote locations.

Work site environment  may include:

• age of timber structure
• associated building or land uses
• dark and humid areas
• drainage
• geographic location
• known pressure pest areas
• level of moisture
• previous treatments
• soil type
• timber type
• ventilation.

Work sites  may include:

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

Unit Sector(s)

Not Applicable