Course Title: Prepare and apply chemicals

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2015

Course Code: AGRI5029C

Course Title: Prepare and apply chemicals

School: 155T Vocational Health and Sciences

Campus: City Campus

Program: C3293 - Certificate III in Conservation and Land Management

Course Contact: Bruce Partland

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 99258323

Course Contact Email: bruce.partland@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 70

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

There are no pre-requisites for this Course.

Course 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.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

AHCCHM303A Prepare and apply chemicals

Element:

1. Determine the need for chemical use

Performance Criteria:

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.

Element:

2. Prepare application/spray plan

Performance Criteria:

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

Element:

3. Prepare chemical mixes

Performance Criteria:

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.

Element:

4. Calibrate application equipment

Performance Criteria:

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.

Element:

5. Apply chemicals

Performance Criteria:

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.

Element:

6. Clean up equipment and
complete records

Performance Criteria:

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.


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

In-class instruction, exercises and practical demonstration of:

1. MSDS interpretation; Calibration; Mixing

2. Spray Plan        

3. transporting, unloading, correct measurement and mixing; PPE, application and clean-up of chemicals.

4. Relevant legislation and Codes of Practice.

5. Demonstration of Risk assessment and control methods.

4. Record keeping


Teaching Schedule

Last Thursday and Friday of each month unless otherwise indicated.


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Assessment will be based on direct observation of on-the-job work processes; Third party endorsement by work supervisor Matthew Butt and / or Aboriginal mentors; class-room exercises and quizzes.


Assessment Tasks

           

Assessment 1. Quiz: Codes of Practice and legislation; calibration; Mixing rates

 

Assessment 2:  Written assignment - Spray plan, incl.Risk Assessment and control scenario

Assessment 3: Peer assessment of personal practice (Demonstration of all aspects of safe chemical use)

Assessment 4: Report (All aspects of spray program)


Assessment Matrix

Course Overview: Access Course Overview