PRMPM10B Control timber pests

Release: 1

PRMPM10B Control timber pests

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

ELEMENT	PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
1 Design management plan	1.1 Review work order and inspection report to confirm task in accordance with company requirements 1.2 Identify hazards and control risks in the work site in accordance with legislative, occupational health and safety (OHS) and company requirements 1.3 Select suitable timber pest management method option(s) for the control of timber pests based on the inspection report and work site environment and in accordance with legislation and company requirements 1.4 Identify, select and apply the most appropriate access and application equipment for implementing the timber pest management plan in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and legislative, OHS and company requirements 1.5 Identify appropriate materials for implementing the timber pest management plan and calculate requirements in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and legislative, OHS and company requirements
2 Prepare to implement timber pest management plan	2.1 Review timber pest management plan to identify any factors affecting the completion of the work order and clarify any issues with the appropriate person(s) in accordance with company requirements
2.2 Select and use suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and OHS and company requirements 2.3 Select and check operational effectiveness of equipment in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements 2.4 Prepare chemicals and materials in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements 2.5 Install appropriate signage and barriers as required to maximise public health and safety during the treatment operation
3 Implement management plan	3.1 Control hazards and control risks in the work site in accordance with legislative, OHS and company requirements 3.2 Install materials as identified in the timber pest management plan in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements 3.3 Conduct all work using safe operating practices in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements 3.4 Review implementation to check the effectiveness of the timber pest management plan 3.5 Respond to emergency situations using emergency response procedures in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements
4 Restore work site	4.1 Restore work site to condition agreed with client and the requirements of the timber pest management plan in accordance with environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements
4.2 Eliminate hazards prior to handover in accordance with environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements 4.3 Remove any signage and barriers used when work site is available for re-use in accordance with work order and OHS and company requirements 4.4 Notify appropriate person(s) of any further hazard reduction or rectification measures necessary in accordance with environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements
5 Clean, safety-check and store equipment	5.1 Clean and decontaminate equipment and PPE in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and environmental, OHS and company requirements 5.2 Safety-check equipment and PPE and record any maintenance required in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and OHS and company requirements 5.3 Store cleaned equipment and PPE to allow ready access and re-use in accordance with company requirements 5.4 Transport and store chemicals in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and OHS and company requirements 5.5 Dispose of all collected waste in accordance with work order, manufacturers' specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements 5.6 Treat exposed skin to remove any contamination in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and OHS and company requirements
6 Complete documentation	6.1 Prepare and issue required certificates and notices in accordance with environmental and legislative requirements 6.2 Complete and distribute company documentation in accordance with legislative and company requirements
7 Monitor effectiveness of management plan	7.1 Establish a periodic contact schedule with the client in accordance with company requirements 7.2 Maintain regular liaison with the client to monitor the effectiveness of the timber pest management plan in accordance with company requirements

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.

1	Perform the process	2	Perform and administer the process	3	Perform, administer and design the process
How can communication of ideas and information be applied?	2	Communicate with management and client to ensure all information gathered is appropriate to work order outcomes
How can information be collected, analysed and organised?	2	Collect previous data and analyse in accordance with all legislation and company requirements.
How are activities planned and organised?	2	Plan and organise activities in accordance with management method and all relevant legislation and work order.
How can teamwork be applied?	2	Communicate work order to team members in accordance with OHS, legislative and regulatory requirements and company policy.
How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied?	2	Calculate surface area, equipment and material requirements to meet work order requirements.
How can problem-solving skills be applied?	2	Assess and analyse in conjunction with management and client possible problems which may arise.
How can the use of technology be applied?	2	Record data, such as incident/hazard reports or other data to meet regulatory requirements.

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