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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD: 

Carry out pest control operations 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
242962  Carry out pest control operations 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Secondary Agriculture: Processing 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Secondary Agriculture 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 1  NQF Level 01  10 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Registered" 		 2007-02-08  2010-02-08  SAQA 1169/07 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2011-02-08   2014-02-08  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
A learner who has achieved this unit standard will be able to carry out the correct operational procedures of a pest controller before, during and after the treatment of pests in a domestic, commercial and industrial environment, and be aware of the dangers of exposure of the human body to pesticides. The learner will operate under the on-site supervision of a registered Pest Control Operator. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that the learner is competent in Communication and Mathematical Literacy at ABET Level 3. 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
The scope of this unit standard deals with pest control applications within commercial, domestic and industrial environments under the on-site supervision of a registered Pest Control Operator. Where appropriate, range items have been included under specific outcomes and assessment criteria. 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of integrated pest management. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
Integrated pest management is the technique of effectively controlling pests while taking into account all factors of pest control (range of factors include sanitation, customer education and chemical control). 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
Knowledge of integrated pest management is demonstrated by describing the main principles supported by an integrated pest management approach. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Integrated pest management principles includes but are not limited to basic ecological principles supported by and integrated pest management approach, the reasons for integrated pest management, advantages of integrated pest management, consequences of not following an integrated pest management approach.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
Pest control practices that support an integrated pest management approach are described in terms of own workplace practices. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
Pest control practices that do not support an integrated pest management approach are described in terms of own workplace practices. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
Demonstrate an understanding of the health and safety risks associated with pest control chemicals. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The different ways that pesticides can enter the human body and the resulting dangers thereof are explained according to general health principles. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The potential affects of careless handling of pest control chemicals on the person, the customer and the natural environment are explained according to general principles. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
Personal hygiene principles that must be followed when working with pest control chemicals are explained according to worksite procedures. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
The range includes but is not limited to washing of hands, washing and replacing contaminated protective clothing, eating, drinking and smoking.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
Measures that must be followed to clean up spillages are explained according to worksite procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
Measures that must be followed when discarding waste and empty containers are explained according to worksite procedures. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
Prepare to control pests. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The site is accurately located according to worksite procedures. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Locating the site includes but is not limited to confirming the location, locating the site on a map, planning the route, estimating travelling time, confirming contact numbers, confirming contact persons.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
Specific pest that must be controlled is confirmed according to worksite procedures. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Includes the control of common pests which occur in domestic, commercial and industrial environments. Common pest include fleas, small black ants, pharaoh ants, rodents and cockroaches.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The functionality of the required application equipment is assured according to worksite procedures. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Application equipment includes dusters and sprayers. Assuring the functionality included but are not limited to the availability of the right equipment for the task at hand, testing the functionality of the equipment, confirming the availability of accessories and components.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The availability of the required pest control chemicals for the task at hand are confirmed according to worksite procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
The availability of the required health, safety and environmental protection equipment required for the task at hand is assured according to worksite procedures. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
The range of health, safety and environmental protection equipment includes but are not limited to equipment to protect persons from known hazards and risks (body, head, face, feet and hands) and equipment to protect the environment from risks of contamination.
 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
Prepare the pest control worksite. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The customer is informed of the precautions that must be taken related to specific risks associated with the pest control application according to worksite procedures. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
The range includes but is not limited to precautionary measures to be taken (before, during and after the application), specific risks associated with the application, potential consequences if precautionary measures are not adhered to, respond to customer queries and questions.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The environment in which the pest control operations are to take place is prepared according to worksite procedures. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
The range includes but is not limited to safe handling and removal from the scene of pets and plants; advising of the customer regarding the pest control implementation process; and safe storage of customer's personal effects, food and beverages which may be adversely affected by the implementation of pest control measures.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
Pre-application health and safety protection measures are performed and warning signs are posted according to worksite procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The environment is prepared in order that the customer's person and property is not violated according to worksite procedures. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
Apply pest control chemicals. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
The pest control application equipment and chemicals are prepared according to worksite procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
Health and safety protective equipment is selected and used according to worksite procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
The pest control application is efficiently and thoroughly performed according to worksite procedures. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
The range includes but is not limited to the sequence of activities, application techniques applied, application to specification.
 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
Perform end of task duties. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
All equipment, pesticides, waste and containers are removed from the premises according to worksite procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
The property of the customer is restored to its original state. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
A final inspection of the premises is performed according to worksite procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
The required documentation is completed and signed off according to worksite procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
Empty containers and waste material is disposed of according to worksite procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
Application equipment is cleaned and maintained according to worksite procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
Health and safety protective equipment is cleaned and maintained according to worksite procedures. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
All equipment and unused materials are returned to storage according to worksite procedures. 


UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures.
  • The assessment of qualifying learners against this standard should meet the requirements of established principles. Practical assessment activities will be used, which are appropriate to the contents in which qualifying learners are working. These activities will include an appropriate combination of self and peer assessment, practical and oral assessments, observations etc.
  • The assessment should ensure that all the specific outcomes, Critical Cross-Field Outcomes and essential embedded knowledge be assessed. The specific outcomes must be assessed in its own right, through oral and practical evidence. It cannot be assessed by observation only.
  • The specific outcomes and essential knowledge must be assessed in relation to each other. If a qualifying learner is able to explain the essential embedded knowledge, but is unable to perform the specific outcomes, then they should not be assessed as competent. Similarly, if a learner is able to perform specific outcomes, but is unable to explain or justify their performance in terms of the essential embedded knowledge, they should not be assessed as competent.
  • Evidence of the specified critical cross-field outcomes should be found, both in performance and in the essential embedded knowledge.
  • Performance of specific outcomes must actively affirm target groups of qualifying learners, not unfairly discriminate against them. Qualifying learners should be able to justify their performance in terms of these values. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Map reading.
  • Types and usages of application equipment used for different formulations of pesticides.
  • Types and usages of protective and safety equipment.
  • Precautionary measures to be taken prior to, during and after pesticide application.
  • Correct disposal of empty pesticide containers and leftover pesticides.
  • Knowledge of good personal and working habits.
  • Basic safety measures in preparing for and application of pesticides. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made by:
  • Selecting and applying appropriate safety and protective equipment in various situations.
  • Locating the customer's premises.
  • Preparing the environment in which the pest control operations are to take place.
  • Ensuring that the customer's property is left in a safe and tidy state before departure from the premises. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization or community by:
  • Adhering to worksite procedures and delegated authority levels. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Preparing for safe and effective execution of pest control tasks.
  • Selecting appropriate application and safety and protective equipment.
  • Preparing the environment in which the pest control operations are to take place.
  • Ensuring that the customer's property is left in a safe and tidy state before departure from the premises. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation by:
  • Communicating with customers on precautions to be taken when pest control measures are implemented.
  • Reading and interpreting standard workplace instruction, chemical labels and technical specifications.
  • Preparing pest control applicators and chemicals. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others:
  • Preparing the environment in which the pest control operations are to take place.
  • Discarding of empty containers and waste in an environmentally sensitive and responsible manner.
  • Demonstrating an understanding of and sensitivity towards the concept integrated pest management. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation by:
  • Demonstrating an understanding of the different ways that pesticides can enter the human body and the resulting dangers thereof.
  • Demonstrating an understanding of the concept of integrated pest management.
  • Selecting appropriate application, safety and protective equipment for a range of different environments.
  • Discarding of empty containers and waste material in a responsible and environmentally safe manner. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    Assessors must:
  • Be accredited as an assessor by the relevant ETQA.
  • Hold an assessor certificate according to the current requirements.
  • The assessor of this unit standard must be registered with the Department of Agriculture as Pest Control Operator. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
  • The learner:
    > Is expected to perform the specific outcomes reflected in this unit standard under the supervision of a registered Pest Control Operator.
    > Should have access to work site procedures.
    > Should demonstrate an application of ethics and values.
    > Must apply basic principles of general safety and customer care.
    > Should demonstrate an awareness of the expectations and obligations of basic employee/employer relations including industrial relations principles.
  • At this level the communication/reporting of issues arising in the workplace, is embedded in the specific outcomes and the related assessment criteria.
  • It is understood that, due to the nature of the work environment and the skills level of the Learner, that the aspects of teamwork form an integral part of the necessary specific outcomes and related assessment criteria.
  • The points included under the notes, should be included when the qualifying learners are being assessed. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.