Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:00 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.

Prepare and apply chemicals

Prepare and apply chemicals

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCCHM303A
State Code
D6759
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
10/06/2011
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
35
Description
This unit covers the process of preparing and applying chemicals and defines the standard required to: assess the need for chemical use: comply with safety, chemical label and MSDS requirements; prepare an application/spray plan; prepare and apply chemicals; calibrate application equipment and maintain chemical records.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Determine the need for chemical use
  • 1.1. Nature and level of the pest, weed infestation or disease is identified.
  • 1.2. Need for control is assessed.
  • 1.3. The requirement for chemical use as an option within an integrated pest management strategy is assessed.
  • 1.4. Hazard and risk analysis of different chemical options is undertaken.
  • 1.5. Requirement for chemical application is identified and confirmed.
2. Prepare application/spray plan
  • 2.1. Mixing rates for chemical is defined and calculated.
  • 2.2. Application equipment type and set up requirements are determined for intended application.
  • 2.3. The quantity of mix required is determined.
  • 2.4. Meteorological conditions and forecasts prior to and during application are accessed.
  • 2.5. An application/spray plan is completed.
  • 2.6. Notify neighbours as required in accordance with industry practice or regulatory requirements
3. Prepare chemical mixes
  • 3.1. Requirements from chemical labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) are interpreted and applied.
  • 3.2. Appropriate first aid supplies are at hand.
  • 3.3. Appropriate personal protective and mixing equipment is selected and used in accordance with MSDSs and chemical label.
  • 3.4. A suitable location for mixing and loading is selected.
  • 3.5. Chemicals are prepared in accordance with registered use.
  • 3.6. MSDSs are followed in the event of a spill.
4. Calibrate application equipment
  • 4.1. Pre-operational checks of application equipment are carried out.
  • 4.2. Equipment is calibrated in accordance with manufacturer specifications and application/spray plan.
  • 4.3. Calibration is checked for conformity to the requirements of the application/spray plan.
  • 4.4. Chemical is loaded wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and controlling risks to human health and the environment.
5. Apply chemicals
  • 5.1. Appropriate personnel protective equipment is selected and used in accordance with MSDSs and chemical label.
  • 5.2. Chemical is applied in accordance with the application/spray plan and/or instructions and legislative and/or regulatory requirements.
  • 5.3. Risks to others, product integrity and the environment are assessed and minimised.
6. Clean up equipment and complete records
  • 6.1. Excess chemical is disposed of in accordance with label and MSDSs requirements.
  • 6.2. Application equipment is cleaned and decontaminated.
  • 6.3. Requirements for the disposal of unused chemical, containers spilled materials are determined and implemented
  • 6.4. PPE and mixing equipment is cleaned and stored.
  • 6.5. Incidents are reported as required in accordance with legislative and/or regulatory requirements.
  • 6.6. All records, e.g. calibration, application, DG/hazard substances, risk assessments, are completed in accordance with legislative, industry and enterprise requirements.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Chemical types may include:
all types of chemical mixes used in the control of pests, weeds and diseases including animal health products.
This unit does not cover:
operation of specialised equipment and machinery transport
handling and storage of chemicals set up of advanced operation
specialised on-board control equipment.
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:
assess the need for chemical use
comply with safety, chemical label and MSDSs requirements
prepare an application/spray plan
prepare and apply chemicals
calibrate application equipment
maintain chemical records
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.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
S2755 RTC3704A Prepare and apply chemicals Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BAN65 AHCCHM303 Prepare and apply chemicals Unit of competency
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