Control weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation LEGACY
Overview
This standard is for those who control of weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation. There is a range of techniques and tools available for control of weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation across all environments: terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine. Techniques can include, prevention, monitoring, control, eradication. Unwanted vegetation can include, invasive, harmful or toxic species.
You will be working in accordance with instructions and specifications and not expected to make decisions about the most appropriate methods of control to use.
You must carry out your work in a way that takes account of the impact on the environment.
This standard is suitable for those controlling pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation at different sites in different situations.
If you are working with chemicals or machinery you should be trained in line with relevant legislation and hold relevant certification where appropriate.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
- be aware of hazards associated with the activity to be carried out
- carry out all work in accordance with instructions and specifications
- maintain site bio-security to prevent weeds, pests, diseases, disorders and unwanted vegetation being imported, spread or taken off the site
- maintain appropriate levels of site and personal hygiene
- confirm the methods of control to be used
- prepare and use equipment that is appropriate for the control weeds, pests, diseases, disorders and unwanted vegetation, safely and correctly, including personal protective equipment (PPE) where required
- clarify any relevant site restrictions or designations in place
- check that any necessary permissions, consents or licences are in place before commencing work
- check that you have or know where to access relevant sources of information or expertise
- maintain communication with colleagues and those involved in, or affected by, your work
- handle all materials carefully, safely and correctly in accordance with instructions and specifications
- implement methods of control in a way that minimises the risks to non-target species and the environment
- dispose of waste safely and correctly in accordance with instructions to maintain site bio-security and unwanted spread
- complete records in accordance with instructions
- carry out your work in accordance with relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and company policies
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- the hazards associated with controlling weeds, pests, diseases, disorders and unwanted vegetation
- the importance of completing activity in accordance with instructions and specifications
- the purpose, scope and objectives of the activity
- the context of the site in the wider environment e.g. what risk the site poses to the wider environment and how the wider environment can affect the site
- methods of maintaining bio-security and the reasons why it is important to help prevent weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation being imported, spread or taken off the site
- the implications of the relevant legislation that affects your work, including any constraints e.g. public access
- the implications of relevant site restrictions or designations and how to obtain any relevant permissions, consents or licences for the activity to take place
- safe handling and correct use of materials, equipment including personal protective equipment (PPE) where required and chemicals during the control of weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation and the importance of following instructions for use
- different methods of controlling weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation in different situations
- the sources of information to aid the control of weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation
- methods of maintaining site and personal hygiene and why it is important
- the potential impact of your activities on the environment and how to minimise this
- how the location, current or past uses and the habitats found on the site may impact on the likely weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation present
- the high priority invasive species currently found in the UK
- the weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation that are a priority for the site
- how the time of year may affect the presence and the control of weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation
- the impact of weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation, how they can spread and damage the surrounding environment, structures or surfaces
- safe working practices for handling or managing weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation and the dangers of any toxic species
- the importance of maintaining communication with those involved in, or affected by, your work and how this should be done
- the records that need to be kept and the importance of completing them
- the different agencies involved in controlling weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation
- the limits of your own expertise and where to seek advice
- the importance of public liability and professional indemnity insurance
- relevant protocols, codes of conduct and relevant legislation associated with controlling weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation
- how to handle, transport and dispose of waste in accordance with relevant legal and organisational requirements and the importance of bio-security
- your responsibilities under relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, codes of practice and company policies
Scope/range
A. use the following methods to control weeds, pests, diseases, disorders or unwanted vegetation:
(i) chemical
(ii) biological
(iii) cultural
B. prepare and use equipment:
(i) relevant to the control method being used
(ii) personal protective equipment
Scope Performance
Scope Knowledge
Values
Behaviours
Skills
Glossary
Specifications: work plans; drawings; schedules; method statements; Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); manufacturers' guidelines; good practice guidelines; customer requirements; organisational policies
Instructions: verbal or written.
Pests may include insects, slugs, snails, rodents for example.
Diseases may be fungal, viral or bacterial.
Disorders may include nutrient deficiencies (e.g. nitrogen or calcium deficiencies).
Control methods may be manual, mechanical, biological, cultural, chemical, eradication, prevention, mitigation
Weeds may be invasive species, harmful/toxic species, common weeds
The GB Non-native Species Secretariat hosts an information portal for non-native species present in the UK. It contains full details, impact and methods of control for over 300 species.
Also available on the GB Non-native Species Secretariat is the NBN search facility for monitoring where non-native species can be found in the UK, you can also link to the RICS recording facility to record any new arrivals and note the spread of existing non-natives.
Links To Other NOS
LANCS76 Arrange management of invasive or harmful species