Assessment Requirements for AHCBEK301 Manage honey bee swarms

Release: 2

Assessment Requirements for AHCBEK301 Manage honey bee swarms

Modification History

Release	Comments
Release 2	This version released with AHC Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Package Version 3.0.
Release 1	This version released with AHC Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Package Version 1.0.

Performance Evidence

An individual demonstrating competency must satisfy all of the elements and performance criteria in this unit. There must be evidence that on at least one occasion the individual has demonstrated that they have managed a honey bee swarm including:

assessed swarm for condition and viable and safe options for collection, and determined resources and equipment required

identified the hazards and risks and selected, fitted and used appropriate personal protective equipment

identified and prepared equipment required for swarm collection

interpreted behaviour and handling of bees and applied appropriate management strategies

collected a swarm of honey bees using appropriate equipment and techniques while following quarantine and biosecurity requirements

assessed captured swarm for health and need for re-queening

selected and implemented control options to manage swarming behaviour in honey bees

updated and maintained workplace and statutory records.

Knowledge Evidence

An individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge required to perform the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit. This includes knowledge of:

principles and practices of managing swarms, including:

causes and timing of honey bees swarm activity

why swarms are collected including environmental and social impacts

signs of colony swarming activity

management techniques that can be used to manage a colony showing signs of potential swarm activity

setting up swarm catch boxes to capture swarming bees

biosecurity considerations, including:

pests and diseases that occur in honey bees

signs of pests and diseases in swarms

quarantine procedures to prevent cross contamination of apiaries

sampling procedures for pests and disease for confirmation

signs and purpose for re-queening collected swarms

swarm collecting and boxing techniques, including:

tools and equipment used for capturing swarms

hive components

hazards and risks when collecting swarms and control strategies, including:

safety aspects of swarm collection and location

personal protective clothing

public safety

workplace and statutory apiary records and notifications.

Assessment Conditions

Assessment of skills must take place under the following conditions:

physical conditions:

an active apiary

access to bee swarm

resources, equipment and materials:

live bees or hive preparing to swarm

safety equipment for handling bees

tools and equipment appropriate for managing swarms.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.

Links

Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=c6399549-9c62-4a5e-bf1a-524b2322cf72