Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 1:29 AM 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.

Use a bee smoker

Use a bee smoker

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCBEK202A
State Code
D6676
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
10/06/2011
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
06/12/2011
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
06/12/2011
Nominal Hours
10
Description
This unit covers the process of using a bee smoker when undertaking bee husbandry tasks and defines the standard required to: interpret impact of weather, nectar flow and strain of bee on defensive behaviour of colony; select suitable fuel; place a bee smoker in a cleared spot when not in use and have fire extinguishment materials available when working in dry conditions; keep a bee smoker alight and functioning while carrying out bee husbandry tasks; monitor the effects of smoke on bees, including the wearing off of the effects.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare bee smoker for use
  • 1.1. Confirmation is sought that climatic and other conditions permit the use of a bee smoker and planned activities are adjusted if required.
  • 1.2. Bee smoker and components are checked to ensure that they are in good repair and serviceable, and any faults are addressed according to SOPs.
  • 1.3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is checked for serviceability and worn and used correctly.
  • 1.4. Occupational health and safety (OHS) hazards associated with the use of a bee smoker are identified and appropriate action is taken to minimise risks to self and others.
  • 1.5. Adequate water supply and tools are available for fire control.
  • 1.6. Suitable fuel is added to bee smoker and lit.
  • 1.7. Bee smoker bellows are operated to produce and maintain a steady and dense stream of cool smoke.
2. Use bee smoker to manage bee
  • 2.1. Smoke is blown into entrance of hive and sufficient time is allowed before hive is opened.
  • 2.2. After opening hive, additional smoke is puffed over frames and/or supers and directed at bees.
  • 2.3. Bee smoker is placed within easy reach while working on hives to ensure bees remain under control.
  • 2.4. Bee smoker is kept alight and producing cool smoke until operations are complete.
  • 2.5. After completion of operations, bee smoker is made safe according to fire, biosecurity and other enterprise procedures.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Bee smokers may include:
all types and makes of bee smokers.
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

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:
interpret impact of weather, nectar flow and strain of bee on defensive behaviour of colony
select suitable fuel
place a bee smoker in a cleared spot when not in use and have fire extinguishment materials available, when working in dry conditions
keep a bee smoker alight and functioning while carrying out bee husbandry tasks
monitor the effects of smoke on bees, including the wearing off of the effects.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BAN00 AHCBEK202 Use a bee smoker Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
D451 AHC20110 Certificate II in Agriculture Qualification
D533 AHC32010 Certificate III in Beekeeping Qualification