Identify the presence of weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation
Overview
This standard covers the identification of the presence of weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation, including invasive, non-native, harmful or toxic species.
You are expected to help monitor the incidence and spread of pests, diseases, disorders and unwanted vegetation at a site, and to report your findings to the relevant person. Sites may be land or land- or water-based, wild or cultivated, open or enclosed.
You will be working in accordance with instructions and specifications.
You must carry out your work in a way that takes account of its impact on the environment.
This standard is suitable for those who identify the presence of pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation at different sites and in different situations.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
- assess the risks associated with the site and the required activity
- wear suitable clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE)
- carry out all work in accordance with instructions and specifications
- monitor the site for the presence of weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation in accordance with instructions and specifications
- identify the presence and extent of weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation
- identify the presence of any biological controls and beneficial insects
- report your findings to the relevant person
- carry out the work in a manner that causes minimal disturbance to the site and surrounding area
- complete records as required by the relevant legislation and your organisation
- carry out your work in accordance with the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and the policies of your organisation
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
K1 the hazards associated with identifying the presence of weeds, pests, diseases, disorders and unwanted vegetation
K2 the type of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) suitable for the activity
K3 the workplace policies and procedures relating to the identification and reporting of weeds, pests, diseases, disorders and unwanted vegetation
K4 the importance of completing the activity in accordance with instructions and specifications
K5 the reasons for monitoring the site for the presence of weeds, pests, diseases, disorders and unwanted vegetation, and when this should be carried out
K6 the problems that could be caused by the presence of weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation
K7 the common types of weeds, pests, diseases, disorders and unwanted vegetation that are likely to occur within your area of responsibility
K8 the relevant biological control and beneficial insects used within your area of responsibility
K9 to whom you should report the presence and extent of weeds, pests, diseases, disorders, unwanted vegetation and biological control or beneficial insects
K10 the potential impact of your work on the surrounding environment and how to minimise this
K11 your responsibilities under the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and the policies of your organisation
Scope/range
A. Identify the presence of the following:
· pests
· diseases
· disorders
· biological control or beneficial insects
· weeds
· unwanted vegetation
Scope Performance
Scope Knowledge
Values
Behaviours
Skills
Glossary
Diseases may be fungal, viral or bacterial.
Disorders may include nutrient deficiencies (e.g. nitrogen or calcium deficiencies).
Instructions and specifications include:
• drawings/plans
• site maps/aerial image assessment
• schedules
• method statements
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• manufacturers’ guidelines
• legal requirements
• good practice guidelines
• customer requirements
• standard of outcome required
• verbal instructions
Invasive non-native species - A list of high priority species is available on the GB National Non-native Species Secretariat (NNSS) and the Invasive Species Ireland websites together with advice on action to take and a system to report findings.
Pests may be invertebrate or vertebrate e.g. insects, rodents, birds
Weeds may be invasive species, harmful/toxic species, common weeds