SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Apply pest control practices in ornamental plant production and landscaping 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
264185  Apply pest control practices in ornamental plant production and landscaping 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Horticulture 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 2  NQF Level 02  6 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Observe all the safety precautions and practices.
  • Operate the various types of pest control applicators.
  • Exercise due diligence to the environment when applying pest control.
  • Identify the various types of chemical pest controls and their strategies. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners accessing this qualification will have demonstrated competence in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 1 or equivalent.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 1 or equivalent. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Apply health and safety practices when conducting pest control. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The personal protective clothing and equipment that should be used when working with chemical control substances are described in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The items of PPE necessary for the application of chemical control substances in an open area or landscape are described in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The reasons why items of PPC must be washed after chemical pest control has been used are explained in terms of company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The necessity of covering any open sores prior to working with chemical control substances is explained in relation to the possible poisoning of the worker. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The reasons why no smoking, drinking or eating is allowed whilst working with hazardous chemicals are explained in terms of the possible danger of the hand to mouth transference of these chemicals. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The safe handling procedures when using hazardous chemicals are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The importance of adhering to the manufacturer's instructions on the data sheets of control chemicals is explained in terms of the consequences that the incorrect application of these can have on the plants and the environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The reasons why empty hazardous chemical containers must be disposed of and may not be used for any other purpose are explained in respect of the possible danger that the residue in these containers may pose to the plants and workers. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The necessity of erecting the appropriate warning signs, before hazardous chemicals are applied is explained in relation to the prevention of a possible poisoning of the public and fellow workers. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    The importance of determining the wind's direction and the reasons why an operator should work into the wind are explained in terms of the possibility of poisoning. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    The reasons why hands, arms and any other body parts must not be exposed when applying hazardous chemicals is explained in terms of the possibility of infection and/or poisoning. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 12 
    The procedures for the safe storage of hazardous chemicals are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe the correct use and maintenance of pest control applicators and equipment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The procedures for "drenching" an area using a watering can are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The reasons for the specific marking of all pest control applicators are explained in terms of the danger that the chemical residue will have to the workers, plants and environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The particular function of a pad applicator is explained and the correct method of usage is demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The use of aerosol sprays are described in terms of the types of control chemicals that are available and the can's operation is demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The use of a hand-held spray canister is described in terms of the types of control chemicals that can be applied and its operation is demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The use of a knapsack spray is described in terms of the types of control chemicals that can be applied and its operation is demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The importance of following the mixing instructions is explained and the correct measurement of various quantities for dilution is demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The various spray nozzles are identified and their particular uses are described in terms of the droplet size and spray pattern that is required. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The methods of cleaning various spray equipment and other chemical applicators are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    The importance of conducting preventative maintenance checks on the chemical application equipment is explained in terms of ensuring their correct functioning and the specific components that require regular replacement are identified. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Identify and explain the hazards that chemical control substances pose to the environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The need to minimise the impact that control chemicals have on beneficial insects is explained in terms of the roles they play in ensuring the correct functioning of the ecosystem. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of identifying the residual levels and efficacy periods of control substances is explained in terms of ensuring that toxic levels are not reached. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The necessity of following the dilution ratios and application rates is explained in terms of the danger that the excess chemicals will have on the environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The danger when spraying in windy conditions is explained in relation to the damage that may be inflicted to trees and neighbouring plants. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The function of spray screens is explained in terms of the protection that they afford to ornamental plants and foliage and their usage is demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The danger that "runoff" water from hard surfaces that have been treated with broad spectrum herbicides is explained in terms of the damage that may be inflicted to neighbouring plants. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the specific chemical control groups and their modes of combating pests. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The control objectives of using contact insecticides are explained in terms of the specific functions for which they have been formulated and the methods of application are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The control objectives of using systemic insecticides are explained in terms of the specific functions for which they have been formulated and the methods of application are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The control objectives of using stomach insecticides are explained in terms of the specific functions for which they have been formulated and the methods of application are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The various forms of chemical fungicides used in horticulture are described and the methods of applying these are demonstrated in accordance with the company's procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The possible consequences, when an incorrect fungicidal application rate has been used are described in terms of the possible damage that is caused (over dosage) or ineffectual control (under dosage). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The various types of herbicides used in horticulture are described and an explanation of their specific control functions is given. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The function of fumigants is explained in terms of their control spectrum and the instances where this control practice is required. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The function of chemical cocktails is explained in terms of their broad control spectrum described and an example of a typical usage is given. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against the qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant Education, Training, Quality, Assurance (ETQA) Body, or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA's policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described in the associated unit standards.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Embedded knowledge is reflected in the Assessment Criteria for each specific outcome and must be assed in its own right, through oral and written evidence. Observation cannot be the only assessment. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    The learner is able to identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made by:
  • Applying knowledge of the protection that must be given to neighbouring plants when using herbicides. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    The learner is able to work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or communities by:
  • Participating with others in the maintenance of the chemical store. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The learner is able to organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Following the dilution and mixing procedures before applying the control chemicals. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    The learner is able to collect, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Adhering to the data sheet for the various control chemicals. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    The learner is able to communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation by:
  • Relaying information regarding the wind conditions and when application of the control chemicals may commence. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    The learner is able to use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Understanding the dangers associated with the use of hazardous chemicals.
  • Recognising the climatic conditions that will pose a danger to others. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    The learner is able to demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation:
  • Evident in all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    The learner is able to contribute to the full personal development of themselves and the social and economic development of the society at large:
  • Evident in all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  66589   National Certificate: Horticulture  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 


    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.
     
    1. Alvans Training Academy 
    2. Ezolimo Training and Supply Pty Ltd 
    3. Flick Environmental Services (Pty) Ltd 
    4. Joypat farming and Projects 
    5. Mphekgwane Business Development 
    6. Posh Accredited Training Pty Ltd 
    7. Protea Agricultural Training Centre 
    8. Triple S Training & Development (Pty) Ltd 


    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.