Elements and Performance Criteria

Range description
Work is carried out in accordance with company procedures, regulatory and licensing requirements, legislative requirements and industrial awards and agreements
When applied to the pharmaceutical industry, relevant GMP codes apply in place of the Food Standards Code and reference to food safety is replaced by GMP
Workplace information may include pest management program, pesticide labels, work instructions/operating procedures (SOPs), specifications, Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), manufacturers' advice, standard forms and reports
Work may involve exposure to chemicals and other hazardous substances and may require working in accordance with a permit to work
Where use of pesticides include work conditions covered by National Occupational Health and Safety Commission and/or state health and safety authorities, the assessment criteria and methods prescribed by these authorities must also be met
Pests include vertebrates such as birds, insects, rats and mice and invertebrates such as insects
Pest control methods may include fumigation, application of insecticides, dusts, gas and/or baits (using registered controlled and generally available substances)
Selection of control measures occurs in the context of an existing program
Application equipment may include automated reticulation systems, sprayers, misters and dosing equipment
Tests may include testing the level of fumigant in the atmosphere and pressure testing
Records are maintained to meet legal and company requirements

Ability to:
Recognise indicators of pest invasion
Select appropriate control method according to the control program in place
Select, fit and use personal protective clothing and/or equipment
Follow pest elimination procedures. This may include preparing pesticides for use, applying pesticides according to company procedures and licensing arrangements, setting up and operating equipment such as fumigation and other pesticide application equipment, and preparing and placing baits as required
Follow procedures to measure and monitor pest populations. This typically includes sampling, testing and recording data
Review effectiveness of control method/s and amend or recommend changes to program as required
Safely dispose of pesticides, residues, empty containers and pests
Monitor the implementation of housekeeping and cleaning standards

May include ability to:

Conduct tests. This may involve using instrumentation to measure the presence of airborne pesticides
Carry out basic maintenance required to support pest prevention measures
Liaise with external contractors

Knowledge of:
Basic principles of integrated pest management (IPM). These include identification of pest hazards, establishment of pest elimination methods and monitoring the effectiveness of these measures
Methods used to prevent pest invasion suited to workplace and typical pest invasions. This includes an understanding of appropriate work area and storage design features to minimise the possibility of pest infestation through building access points, packaging materials/requirements to protect product from pests and other physical and mechanical control measures. It also includes minimising conditions which attract pests by maintaining housekeeping and cleaning standards
Food safety issues relating to the use of pesticides in a food handling area
Characteristics and behaviour of each type of pest at each life cycle stage
Conditions required by pests for survival
Methods and procedures used to minimise pest resistance to elimination methods
Range of pesticides used in the workplace
Legislation, codes of practice and procedures relating to the purchase, transport, storage, use and disposal of pesticides
Safe procedures for handling, using and storing pesticides and dangerous goods. This includes identification of information provided on labels. It may also include handling of gas cylinders
Purpose, application and limitations of protective clothing and equipment

May include knowledge of:

Test methods
Basic maintenance procedures
Contractor service arrangements

Relationship with other standards
Pre-requisite units
There are no pre-requisite units for this competency standard.
Co-assessment of related units

This unit should be assessed together with core units and other units of competence relevant to the function or work role. In addition, the following optional or ancillary units may be relevant:

FDFOPTISP2A Implement sampling procedures
PMLTEST300A Perform basic tests
FDFOPTCRM2A Conduct routine maintenance

Resources required for assessment

Assessment must occur in a real or simulated workplace where the assessee has access to:

Work procedures including advice on safe work practices, food safety and environmental requirements
Pesticide labels
Material Safety Data Sheets and personal protective clothing and equipment
Pest management program and procedures
Pest management compounds and equipment
Housekeeping procedures and cleaning schedules
Work area. This can include storage, production and/or packaging areas
Documentation and record keeping system

Assessment requirements
For information on how to assess this competency standard and who can assess, refer to the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.