Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:27 PM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Work effectively in an emergency disease or plant pest response

Work effectively in an emergency disease or plant pest response

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCBIO301A
State Code
D6694
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
10/06/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
09/10/2014
Field of Education
059901 - Pest And Weed Control
Original Release Date
09/10/2014
Nominal Hours
50
Description
This unit specifies the outcomes required to work effectively within own area of responsibility in a response to an emergency disease or plant pest incursion.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Obtain and use information about the emergency disease or plant pest and an appropriate response
  • 1.1. Information about emergency disease or plant pest and appropriate response is accessed and applied during an emergency disease or plant pest response.
  • 1.2. Information is used to address specific work needs and further information requirements are identified.
  • 1.3. Information and/or resources required from stakeholders are identified and accessed.
2. Work according to organisational requirements
  • 2.1. All communication with stakeholders is carried out according to organisational policies and procedures.
  • 2.2. All work undertaken reflects a current working knowledge and understanding of organisational requirements.
  • 2.3. All work undertaken reflects understanding and compliance with relevant duty of care and legal responsibilities.
  • 2.4. Work activities conform to relevant legislation, regulations, procedures and codes of practice appropriate to work area and level of responsibility.
  • 2.5. Hazards and risks relevant to specific work being undertaken are identified and responded to as required.
  • 2.6. Work is carried out according to organisational policies and procedures.
3. Manage own work
  • 3.1. Work instructions are interpreted correctly and clarification is sought if inconsistencies are noted.
  • 3.2. Workload is assessed and competing demands are prioritised to achieve personal, team and organisational goals and objectives.
  • 3.3. Need for physical and human resources is communicated clearly to appropriate person(s).
  • 3.4. Own role, responsibilities and duties are performed in a positive manner that promotes cooperation within the workplace.
  • 3.5. Importance of own and others' roles in achieving organisational goals is respected.
  • 3.6. Personal symptoms of stress and their potential to impact on performance are recognised, action is taken to minimise their negative effects and undue personal stress is reported to appropriate persons.
4. Comply with biosecurity requirements
  • 4.1. Biosecurity procedures relevant to own work area are identified.
  • 4.2. Work activities are carried out according to established biosecurity procedures.
  • 4.3. Personal protective equipment and fomites are maintained according to biosecurity procedures.
  • 4.4. Biosecurity breaches are reported immediately to appropriate person.
  • 4.5. Biosecurity records are completed according to work area requirements.
5. Adapt to change as required
  • 5.1. Need for change in own work practices to reflect critical emergency issues or emerging trends is identified and assessed.
  • 5.2. Changes required are discussed and agreed with senior staff.
  • 5.3. Own work practices are changed where required and according to agreed arrangements.
  • 5.4. Flexible approach that takes account of changing priorities and circumstances is applied when implementing instructions for changes to work practices.
  • 5.5. Change is monitored to determine the effectiveness of revised work practices and senior staff members are advised of findings.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Information about emergency diseases or plant pests may be found in:
AUSVETPLAN or PLANTPLAN strategies
published texts
scientific literature.
Information about emergency response may be found in:
district, regional or local plans
functional plans of other government agencies
industry biosecurity plans
national, state or territory plans.
Emergency diseases and pests may include:
diseases that may effect animals, fish and other marine animals include:
disease that is exotic to Australia
serious infectious diseases or pests of or uncertain cause
severe infectious disease of unknown or uncertain cause
severe outbreaks of known endemic diseases or pests that are considered to be of national significance with serious social or trade implications
variants of endemic diseases
biotypes or strains of invertebrate pests or pathogens injurious to plants or plant health; invasive pest plants.
Stakeholders may include:
agronomists and consultants
chemical resellers
consumers
crop monitors or scouts
general community
government departments
industry
producers and other local enterprise owners
other personnel involved in an emergency response
plant pathologists
property owners, managers and staff
stock agents and transport personnel
veterinarians.
Organisational requirements may include:
biosecurity and OHS policies and procedures
district or regional plans
functional plans of other government agencies
goals, objectives, policies and standard operating procedures of response lead agency
national plans such as AUSVETPLAN or PLANTPLAN
local, state and territory plans.
Duty of care and legal responsibilities may include:
duties and responsibilities for self and others
responsibilities defined through legislation
responsibility of an employer to provide a safe workplace.
Procedures may include:
AUSVETPLAN or PLANTPLAN
biosecurity procedures of industry and response lead agency
handling and storage of hazardous materials
industry codes of practice
legal or regulatory requirements
personal hygiene
standard operating procedures of response lead agency.
Hazards and risks may include:
allergic reaction
chemical exposure
occupational trauma
physical injury
spreading disease or plant pests
zoonotic infection.
Ways in which work may be carried out include:
individually
in cooperation with other sections in response team, using their skills and knowledge as appropriate.
Appropriate person may include:
controller
section manager
team leader.
Fomites may be defined in terms of:
inanimate objects capable of transmitting an infectious agent such as:
boots
clothing
vehicles.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
This unit of competency could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units of competency relevant to the job function.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The critical requirements for this unit of competency as a whole are listed below. Assessment must confirm one's ability to:
access and use national plans such as AUSVETPLAN or PLANTPLAN
operate within a response team and follow instructions
operate effectively under stress in tasks involving problem solving in relation to own role
make effective judgements
follow instructions
provide advice in area of expertise and authority
understand legal and regulatory implications of one's own role in an emergency disease or plant pest response.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
For valid assessment, one must have opportunities to participate in exercises, case studies and other real and simulated practical and knowledge assessments that demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to work effectively in an emergency disease or plant pest response.
The candidate must also have access to the following resources:
simulated workplace for an emergency disease or plant pest response for assessment using scenarios, case studies, role plays and group work
access to local, regional, district, state and territory, and national plans relating to an emergency disease or plant pest response.
Method of assessment
Assessment for this unit of competency is to be largely practical in nature and will most appropriately be assessed in a simulated workplace or in a situation that reproduces normal work conditions.
Guidance information for assessment
To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.
The skills and knowledge required to work effectively in an emergency disease or plant pest response must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts, including the ability to deal with unplanned events. This could include:
working in the field or in a local, state or national control centre
participating in a response to a plant pest or to an emergency disease of animals, fish or other marine animals
participating in a response to a natural disaster.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BAQ85 AHCBER301 Work effectively in an emergency disease or plant pest response Unit of competency