Monitor and implement the control of weeds, pests, diseases and disorders
Overview
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
- assess the risks associated with the site and the control of weeds, pests, diseases and disorders
confirm that suitable clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn
confirm the methods, timing and frequency of monitoring to determine the presence of weeds, pests, diseases and disorders
gather accurate monitoring information, at relevant intervals, relating to the presence of weeds, pests, diseases and disorders
accurately interpret all the available information to identify the extent of weeds, the pest population, disease, disorders and the presence of biological controls
seek technical advice where required
develop suitable plans for the control of weeds, pests, diseases and disorders and confirm they are clearly communicated to all those involved
confirm that the selected control methods are in accordance with the relevant legislative requirements, instructions and specifications
identify the availability of equipment and resources required to implement the control of weeds, pests, diseases and disorders
- check that the tools and equipment for the control of weeds, pests, diseases and disorders are used and maintained safely and correctly, in accordance with regulations and manufacturer’s requirements
- check that the recycling or disposal of waste and surplus materials, including chemicals, is in accordance with the relevant legal requirements and organisational practices
- confirm that hygiene and bio-security are maintained in accordance with organisational practices
implement the control methods in ways that minimise the risks to non-target species and the environment
take the relevant action, without delay, should problems arise during weed, pest, disease and disorder control
monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the control methods
confirm that work is carried out in accordance with the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and organisational policies
- confirm records are completed and stored as required by the relevant legislation and the organisation
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
how to identify hazards and assess the risks associated with monitoring and controlling weeds, pests, diseases and disorders
the types of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) suitable for the activity
the reasons for monitoring the presence of weeds, pests, diseases and disorders and the problems they cause to crops or plants
the methods that can be used to monitor the presence of weeds, pests, diseases and disorders, including the use of thresholds and schedules
the effects of season and weather conditions on monitoring, and how monitoring methods can be adjusted to take account of these
how to identify weeds, pests, diseases and disorders, and assess the significance of their presence
the sources of technical advice on the control of weeds, pests, diseases and disorders
how to develop suitable plans for their control in accordance with the relevant legislative requirements, instructions and specifications
the importance of maintaining communication with those involved in, or affected by, the plans
the current national legislation controlling the use of treatments to control weeds, pests, diseases and disorders
the different biological control methods for controlling pests
the cultural control methods for controlling weeds, pests and diseases
integrated pest management and its advantages and disadvantages
the safe handling and effective use of chemicals and the requirements of the relevant legislation controlling their use and disposal
how to prolong the effective life of chemicals
the problems that may occur when implementing the control of weeds, pests, diseases and disorders, and the relevant action to take
the importance of following the relevant environmental and ecological best practice to help minimise the impact of your work on the environment
your responsibilities under the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, codes of practice and organisational policies
- the importance of maintaining records for the control of weeds, pests, diseases and disorders, in accordance with the relevant legal requirements and organisational policies
Scope/range
- control method(s) to be used (chemical, biological and/or cultural)
- timing
- equipment and materials required
- health and safety requirements
- environmental protection measures
- monitoring requirements
- chemical
- biological
- cultural
Scope Performance
Scope Knowledge
Values
Behaviours
Skills
Glossary
• drawings/plans• schedules• method statements• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)• manufacturer’s guidelines• customer requirements• quality assurance requirements• crop requirements• verbal instructions
Monitoring could involve direct observation of weeds and pests, direct observation of diseases, the interpretation of signs and the extent of the pest population, disease or disorder
Pests may include insects, slugs, snails, rodents or birds
Weeds: wild plant growing where it is not wanted and in competition with cultivated plants