Level 2 CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCE IN VERTEBRATE PEST CONTROL In the context of:

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1 City & Guilds NPTC Registered Charity No BUILDING 500, ABBEY PARK STARETON WARWICKSHIRE CV8 2LY Tel: Fax: Level 2 CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCE IN VERTEBRATE PEST CONTROL In the context of: A. Commensal Rats B. Commensal Mice C. Rabbits D. Grey Squirrels E. Moles F. Avian Pests (This Qualification does not cover the use of Aluminium Phosphide) Assessment Schedule C&G NPTC 2011

2 NPTC Level 2 Certificate of Competence In Vertebrate Pest Control Introduction The scheme will be administered by C&G NPTC. Candidate Information NPTC will: Publish - Scheme regulations - Assessment schedule - Assessment material Approve centres to co-ordinate and administer the scheme Set standards for the training of Verifiers and Assessors Recruit, train and deploy Verifiers Manage verification Issue certificates to successful Candidates The Certificate of Competence Certificates of competence will be awarded to Candidates who achieve the required level of competence in the Units to which their Certificate relates. Instruction Attendance at a course of instruction is not a pre-requisite for an application for an assessment but potential Candidates are strongly advised to ensure that they are up to the standards that will be expected of them when they are assessed. NPTC does not hold a register of instructors; however instruction will normally be available from recognised training providers and/or centres of further or higher education active in the areas covered by this certificate. Further information on training may be obtained from the local Assessment Centre. Access to Assessment Assessment Centres will be responsible for arranging assessment on behalf of a Candidate. Assessment may only be obtained through an Assessor approved by C&G NPTC for that purpose. Under no circumstances can either instructors involved in the preparation of candidates, or the candidates work place supervisors, or anyone else who might have a vested interest in the outcome, carry out the assessment. The minimum age limit for Candidates taking certificates of competence is 16 years. There is no upper age limit. Assessment Assessment is a process by which it is confirmed that the Candidate is competent in the Units within the award to which the assessment relates. It is a process of collating evidence about his/her capabilities and judging whether that evidence is sufficient to attribute competence. The candidate must be registered through a C&G NPTC approved Assessment Centre for this qualification prior to assessment. The result of the assessment will be recorded on the assessment report form. The schedule of assessment contains the assessment criteria relating to: Observation of practical performance Assessment of knowledge and understanding A list of registered Assessment Centres is available from C&G NPTC ( Performance Evaluation The result of each assessment activity is evaluated against the following criteria: 4 = Meets or exceeds the assessment criteria by displaying the required level of practical performance and/or underpinning knowledge, with no minor or critical faults. (Competent). 3 = Meets the requirements of the assessment criteria for both the practical performance and the underpinning knowledge, with some minor faults but no critical faults. (Competent). 2 = Does not fully satisfy the requirements of the assessment criteria, being unable to perform the practical task satisfactorily or being deficient in underpinning knowledge leading to the recording of minor faults. (Not yet competent). 1 = Does not satisfy the requirements of the assessment criteria, being unable to perform the practical task satisfactorily or safely or being deficient in underpinning knowledge leading to the recording of a critical fault. (Not yet competent). Verification Verification is a process of monitoring assessment; it is an essential check to confirm that the assessment procedures are being carried out in the way that C&G NPTC has laid down. The overall aim of verification is to establish a system of quality assurance that is acceptable in terms of both credibility and cost effectiveness. Approved Assessors will be subject to a visit by the Verifier at a time when assessments are being undertaken. A selection of assessment reports completed by the assessor will be evaluated by an C&G NPTC approved verifier. Compliance with the verification requirements is a pre-requisite for Assessors remaining on NPTC s list of approved assessors. C&G NPTC 2011 Reproduction of this document in whole or in part is forbidden without prior consent from C&G NPTC 2

3 Complaints and Appeals C&G NPTC and its Assessment Centres have a formal Complaints and Appeals procedure. In the event of any dissatisfaction with the arrangements and conditions of assessment, the candidate should first contact the Assessment Centre through whom the assessment was arranged and submit the complaint in writing. For further information on C&G NPTC's Equal Opportunities Policy and Complaints and Appeals Procedures, please refer to Learning Outcomes To achieve a satisfactory outcome the candidate must: - Identify key aspects of legislation relevant to vertebrate pest control and product data sheets as highlighted in the assessment criteria - Recognise and state damage caused by a specified vertebrate pest species - Identify possible implications from the damage caused - Identify chosen species at different levels of maturity - Assess environmental sensitivity - Identify typical habitats - Explain natural population control - Identify nature and source of pest infestation at a given site - Carry out and implement a practical Risk Assessment - Assess the environmental status of the given site - Identify non-target species present - Demonstrate a range of control methods, including the use of harmful substances/poisons - Clear up after the operation and complete appropriate records Guidance Notes for Candidates and Assessors The assessment is divided in to 4 compulsory units: 1. Reasons for Vertebrate Pest Control and Responsibilities Under Legislation (COMPULSORY unless indicated otherwise) 2. Characteristics of chosen species (COMPULSORY) 3. Site Survey (COMPULSORY) 4. Control Methods (COMPULSORY) 5. Application of Hazardous Substances for Vertebrate Pest Control (NOT FOR AVIAN PESTS, RABBITS AND MOLES) Candidates are required to successfully complete all appropriate Assessment Activities in Units 1, 2, 3, 4 &5 according to which species they wish to be assessed in. Those Activities that are only specific to certain species are identified in the text. The certificate will be endorsed: Either: A. Commensal Rats Or B. Commensal Mice Or C. Rabbits Or D. Grey Squirrels Or E. Moles Or F Avian pests Safe Practice Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment must be worn at all times. All equipment must be operated in such a way that the Candidate, Assessor, other persons, or other equipment are not endangered. Clean product labels and/or Manufacturer s instruction must be available, appropriate to the background of the candidate. Failure to operate safely and comply with these requirements will result in the Candidate not meeting the required standard. Warning signs stating that pest control is in progress should be available The assessor may stop the assessment on the grounds of safety at any time at his/her discretion. The assessor must ensure that a Site Specific Risk Assessment is carried out Validation of Equipment A Manufacturer s instruction book or other operator s manual should be available for any equipment used, plus a product label relating to the poisons being used. Any equipment being used for this assessment (if appropriate) must comply with the relevant requirements of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) Any appropriate item of vertebrate pest control equipment complying with legal requirements is acceptable for the assessment, provided it is suitably equipped for all assessment activities of the relevant unit to be carried out. Additional Information May be sought from the relevant manufacturers operator manuals or any other appropriate training or safety publication. Questions should be related to the background or employment aspirations of the candidate and, where possible, product labels used should be representative of products typically used in that sector of industry. Before any Assessments take place Assessor & candidate to be aware of any local or national issues to prevent breaches of security, safety and any cross contamination or damage to the local environment. In the interests of safety, realistic simulated pest control products should be used including simulated antidotes where applicable C&G NPTC 2011 Reproduction of this document in whole or in part is forbidden without prior consent from C&G NPTC 3

4 Unit 1 Reasons for Vertebrate Pest Control and Responsibilities Under Legislation 1. Demonstrate knowledge of responsibilities of employers and Employer s responsibilities: employees under the Health and Safety at Work Act safe working environment - safe equipment - safe system of working - information, instruction, training and supervision of staff - Provision of First Aid. Employee s responsibilities: - take reasonable care of him/herself - take care of others - co-operate with the employer - follow employer s requirements The self-employed have very similar duties to both of the above 2. Demonstrate knowledge of individual responsibilities under COSHH (Rats, mice & squirrels only) Employer s responsibilities: - identification of hazards - assessment of the risk(s) to employees and any other people likely to be affected - implementing control measure(s) as necessary Employee s responsibilities: - use control measure(s) provided - make visual checks at appropriate intervals to ensure control measures are working - use personal protective equipment (PPE) - do not smoke, eat or drink when likely to be contaminated - apply the personal hygiene procedures - store the PPE as instructed - any defects promptly reported The self-employed have very similar duties to both of the above. 3. Demonstrate knowledge of routes of contamination from poisons, the suitability of protective clothing and the requirements for personal protective clothing to be serviceable.. (Rats, mice & squirrels only) Routes of contamination - Inhalation - Ingestion - Skin/eye contact Suitability/serviceability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Coveralls, gloves, face shield, aprons, RPE and footwear - CE markings - Check for holes or tears - Clean after use 4. Demonstrate knowledge of the statutory requirements that control the use of vertebrate pest control products arising from: The 1985 Food and Environmental Protection Act The Control of Pesticides Regulations (Rats, mice & squirrels only) The 1985 Food and Environmental Protection Act places a duty on all users to: - Only use humane methods of pest control - Safeguard the environment - Prevent the pollution of water The Control of Pesticides Regulations require the following: - Product labels/data sheet must be read and applied, including storage, transport, use and disposal - All products must be approved for the intended use - All statutory conditions of use must be complied with - All users must be competent to perform their duties - All users must have had adequate instruction and guidance - Maximum dose rates and treatments must not be exceeded 5. Demonstrate knowledge of health and safety requirements for storing and transporting vertebrate pest control products (including poisons). (Rats, mice & squirrels only) Requirements arising from the static and mobile storage guidance laid out in HSE information sheet AIS No. 16 and CS19, the Poisons Act 1972 and Poisons Rules 1982 as amended: - Use of Risk Assessment and control procedures - General construction and siting of the store - Approved warning signs - Organisation of the store - Security of the store - Storage recording system - Precautions during transport - A register documenting the change of ownership must be kept - Products must be segregated from people during transport - Carriage of Dangerous Goods (CDG) regulations C&G NPTC 2011 Reproduction of this document in whole or in part is forbidden without prior consent from C&G NPTC 4

5 Unit 2 Characteristics of Chosen Species (Candidate to answer Assessment Activities to the context of the species for which they wish to be assessed.) 1. Demonstrate knowledge of breeding cycle, feeding behaviour and - Breeding season and gestation activity patterns of the chosen species - Litter size and frequency - Territory size and social behaviour - Movement patterns - Preferred habitats and food sources - Feeding patterns - Competition with other species 2. Demonstrate knowledge of the species natural habitat and likely nest location 3. Demonstrate knowledge of the natural population control mechanisms of the species Answers appropriate to species - Position and topography of home - Number of animals per home - Proximity to food sources - Life expectancy - Common diseases - Natural predators - Species competition - Impact of weather conditions/season Unit 3 Site Survey (Candidate to answer Assessment Activities to the context of the species for which they wish to be assessed.) 1. Identify signs and traces left by vertebrate pests that can be used as - Droppings a means of assessing activity when undertaking a survey of an - Smears infestation. - Holes - Damage to structures and food - Urination pillars - Smell - Runs - Mole hills 2. Carry out a site survey to identify the nature and source of infestation on a site - Previous survey information (if applicable) - Records of previous controls carried out (if available) - Species causing the infestation - Degree of the infestation - Mark holes, latrine, harbourages etc. 3. Carry out a Risk Assessment of the site - Preparation of a Risk Assessment - Task/ site specific hazards - Evaluation of risks - Hierarchy approach to risk prevention when using hazardous substances - Knowledge of recording and reviewing - Implementation of Risk Assessment provided by employer and/or vertebrate pest control product manufacturer 4. Demonstrate knowledge of the damage caused to a site and its surrounding area that may make control necessary 5. Demonstrate knowledge of the possible implications of the damage caused The degree and extent of infestation identified by damage to: - Agricultural crops/stores - Horticulture crops/stores - Neighbours crops/stores - Municipal and amenity land - Sports ground - Industrial land - Trees and shrubs - Banking, Railways, Rivers, Flood banks - structures, buildings - Drainage systems - Airports - Any damage leading to safety implications - Reduction in crop values - Costs related to damage and loss - Costs related to control - Transmission of disease - Public reaction - Environmental impact - Assurance Schemes C&G NPTC 2011 Reproduction of this document in whole or in part is forbidden without prior consent from C&G NPTC 5

6 Unit 3 Site Survey (continued) (Candidate to answer Assessment Activities to the context of the species for which they wish to be assessed.) 6. Assess and comment on the position and environmental status of the - Map reference for the site site - Area of the site in hectares needing management - Status of the site, e.g. Site of Special Scientific Interest - Name(s) of anybody who needs to be warned of the intended control programme (if applicable) - Written version of any permission granted by any affected third party e.g. Natural England, Countryside council for Wales,, Environment Agency, SEPA.(if applicable) 7. Identify other species (non-target) needing protection (including people), which may influence the method of control used. - Employer/staff - Business visitors - Members of the public including children - Farm animals - Domestic animals - Red squirrel - Foxes Principal features of a fox earth Fox signs, paw prints, hair, droppings, scent Fox specific habits - Badgers Legal position regarding the protection of the badger Legal position regarding the protection of the badger sett Principal features of a badger sett Badger signs, tracks, hair, droppings Identify badger specific habits - Protected wildlife potentially at risk: Other mammals Birds living in burrows Amphibia Reptiles Identification of protected sites e.g. SSSI SAC s (Special Areas of Conservation) Unit 4 Control Methods (Candidate to answer Assessment Activities to the context of the species for which they wish to be assessed.) CARF to be endorsed according to species controlled. 1. Demonstrate knowledge of key points operators should be aware of - Where bait can and can t be placed when controlling Vertebrate Pests, arising from the following legislative acts: - How often treated areas should be checked: Public access - Wildlife Countryside Act 1981 No public access - Wildlife Amendments Destructive Imported Animal Act Poisons Act Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provision) Act Protection of Animals Act Wild Mammals (Protection) Act Pests Act Prevention of Damage by Pests Act Spring Trap Approval Order Spring traps can only be set in tunnels, not open spaces - Agricultural Act Liability for control of Rabbits - Ground Game Act (1880) - Welfare of Animals Act (2006) Protection of non-target species - Grey Squirrel Warfarin Order 1973* Avian control methods e.g. live trap cage traps, shooting, - Grey Squirrels (Prohibition) Order 1937* scaring - Other relevant legislation * Grey Squirrels only. - Dangers to domestic pets and children - Dilution rate for Warfarin when applying to Squirrels and Rats - Dates when vertebrate pest control treatments can and can t be used 2. Demonstrate knowledge of the main types of preventative management. - Exclusion barriers - Closed containment or removal of potential food sources - Habitat/environment changes - Use of repellents 3. Demonstrate knowledge of the main types of population control. - Shooting - Trapping/ snaring - Gassing - Poison - Predation - Ultrasound C&G NPTC 2011 Reproduction of this document in whole or in part is forbidden without prior consent from C&G NPTC 6

7 Unit 4 Control Methods (continued) (Candidate to answer Assessment Activities to the context of the species for which they wish to be assessed.) CARF to be endorsed according to species controlled. 4. Assess and report on the suitability of each method for the problem in hand. - Acceptable method for specific species? - Level of control achievable - Cost effectiveness of control - Effectiveness - Time scale - Applicability - Safety to non target species - Humaneness - Public reaction - Environmental impact - Recovery of population following control 5. Demonstrate knowledge of the range and types of Spring trap and cage trap legally available for use. 6. Select and set a trap using safe and effective application of techniques. 7. Demonstrate knowledge of the techniques used for checking and recovery of traps. 8. Demonstrate knowledge of suitable monitoring procedures following any pest control treatments. - Spring traps in current Approval Order - Cage Traps (single catch) - Cage Traps (multi catch) - Half Barrel traps - Pincer Traps - Larsen - Select appropriate traps for species - Identify site and level of infestation - Set up warning signs - Check working mechanism - Select appropriate trap site - Pre-bait as appropriate according to job specification and manufacturers instructions - Place trap - trap lines - Construct tunnel (where necessary) - Record/mark on plan to enable recovery of trap - Identify public access - Public response and interference - Identify non target hazard - Camouflage the trap - Ensure secure fixing of trap - Frequency and timing of revisits - Checking to ensure humaneness - Monitoring target species activity - Humane and legal dispatch of live animals - Disposal of carcasses - Operational checks - Recording of results - Maintenance of traps - Reason for follow-up visit(s) - When to make any follow-up visit(s) to a site/revisit frequency - Who should carry out the visit(s) - Bait replacement strategy (if applicable) - Signs to note regarding efficacy of treatment - Locate and remove carcasses - Recording information - Removal of warning signs C&G NPTC 2011 Reproduction of this document in whole or in part is forbidden without prior consent from C&G NPTC 7

8 Unit 5 Application of Hazardous Substances for Vertebrate Pest Control (NOT FOR AVIAN PESTS RABBITS AND MOLES) In the interests of safety, for Unit 5 Simulations should normally be used. These should be a realistic alternative to the real product. Warfarin (For Grey Squirrels use a pre-mixed product only) 1. Read, understand and follow information on: product labels safety data sheets - Approval number - Field of Use - Species the product can be used to control - Position on the label of The Statutory Conditions of Use relevant to the product (Statutory Box) - Requirements imposed on the user by The Statutory Conditions of Use - Mode of action - Precautions - Dose rate - PPE/RPE - Correct disposal of empty containers - Hazard identification - Toxicological information - Symptoms of poisoning - Personal hygiene - Choice and use of PPE/RPE - First aid - Antidote use - Procedures to be used in cases of personal contamination 2. Apply warfarin formulation in a hopper. - Select and use correct hopper type - Site hopper appropriately to target species - Retain hopper - Identify non-target hazard - Sign area appropriately - Maintain hopper as appropriate - Identify revisit strategy to hopper - Replace warfarin bait as required - Monitor control operation - Provide camouflage - Label site appropriately - Identify public access - Provide warning notices as required - Recover and clear hoppers as required 3. Complete the operation safely - Implement the risk assessment and control procedures - Empty and clean equipment safely - Maintain personal safety - Service equipment according to manufacturer s instructions - Store clean equipment safely - Remove warning signs 4. Demonstrate knowledge of the appropriate response to accidental spillage 5. Demonstrate knowledge of factors to consider when disposing of vertebrate pest control products - Re-seal the container immediately - Appropriate methods/materials to clear up spillage referring to manufacturer s label - Identify first aid measures, including use of antidote - Inform Environment Agency, SEPA and other relevant authority - Wear PPE as appropriate - Wash out containers thoroughly(except those which have held water activated compounds) - Crush or puncture to prevent re-use - Take to a licensed disposal site - Dispose of in line with manufacturer s recommendations/codes of practice - Never re-use containers - Used containers should not be left lying around - Prevent environmental pollution C&G NPTC 2011 Reproduction of this document in whole or in part is forbidden without prior consent from C&G NPTC 8

9 Unit 5 Application of Hazardous Substances for Vertebrate Pest Control (NOT FOR AVIAN PESTS RABBITS AND MOLES) (Continued) Warfarin (Grey Squirrels use a pre-mixed product only) (continued) 6. Complete records for legal and management purposes Complete records where appropriate: - Name of the product(s) - Amount of the product(s) stored - Copy of record kept away from store in case of emergency Application records: - Where the application took place - When the application took place - Who carried out the application - Product name - How much product was used - Weather conditions at the time - Reason the application took place Unit 5 Application of Hazardous Substances for Vertebrate Pest Control (continued) Rodenticide ( Rats and Mice only) 1. Demonstrate knowledge of different rodenticide formulations and their uses - Baits (loose baits, bag baits, pellets, blocks) Only for use in specified containers (Pre-baited food hopper) Bags can be put directly into rat holes - Pastes and gels For use in sewers and runs - Liquid baits For professional users only - Mouse tubes Can go anywhere Not often available - Concentrates For professional users only C&G NPTC 2011 Reproduction of this document in whole or in part is forbidden without prior consent from C&G NPTC 9

10 Unit 5 Application of Hazardous Substances for Vertebrate Pest Control (continued) Rodenticide ( Rats and Mice only) 2. Read, understand and follow information on: product labels safety data sheets - Approval number - Field of Use - Species the product can be used to control - Position on the label of The Statutory Conditions of Use relevant to the product (Statutory Box) - Requirements imposed on the user by The Statutory Conditions of Use - Mode of action - Precautions - Dose rate - PPE/RPE - Correct disposal of empty containers - Hazard identification - Toxicological information - Symptoms of poisoning - Personal hygiene - Choice and use of PPE/RPE - First aid - Antidote use - Procedures to be used in cases of personal contamination Candidate to either complete 3 or 4 depending on whether they are using Concentrates or ready mixed baits Either - Implement the risk assessment and control procedures - Prepare equipment as appropriate 3. Prepare to apply concentrate on whole wheat. - Dose rate - Mix concentrate safely - Mix formulation as per manufacturer s instructions - Store mixed formulation as recommended - Ensure container is clearly labelled - Store concentrate safely OR 4. Select and apply rodenticide formulations - Select appropriate formulation - Place rodenticide in relation to rodent activity identified at survey - Place formulation at effective density - Knowledge of bait containers - Knowledge of appropriate use of tamper resistant bait containers - Implement Risk Assessment and control procedures - Ensure care of others on site - Identify the prevailing weather conditions (if relevant) - Pre-bait as appropriate in accordance with job specification and manufacturer s instructions - Use appropriate amount of bait - Place the bait into the run or burrow - Identify risk to non-target species 5. Complete the operation safely - Implement the risk assessment and control procedures - Empty and clean equipment safely - Maintain personal safety - Service equipment according to manufacturer s instructions - Store clean equipment safely 6. Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate response to accidental spillage - Reseal the container immediately - Appropriate method to clear up spillage referring to manufacturer s label - Identify first aid measures, including use of antidote - Inform Environment Agency and other relevant authorities C&G NPTC 2011 Reproduction of this document in whole or in part is forbidden without prior consent from C&G NPTC 10

11 Unit 5 Application of Hazardous Substances for Vertebrate Pest Control (continued) Rodenticide ( Rats and Mice only) 7. Demonstrate knowledge of factors to consider when disposing of vertebrate pest control products and carcasses - Wear PPE as appropriate - Wash out containers thoroughly - Crush or puncture to prevent re-use - Take to a licensed disposal site - Dispose of in line with manufacturer s recommendations/codes of practice - Never re-use containers - Used containers should not be left lying around - Prevent environmental pollution - Prevent secondary poisoning from infected carcasses 8. Complete records for legal and management purposes Complete records where appropriate: - Name of the product(s) - Amount of the product(s) stored - Copy of record kept away from store in case of emergency Application records: - Where the application took place - When the application took place - Who carried out the application - Product name - How much product was used - Weather conditions at the time - Reason the application took place C&G NPTC 2011 Reproduction of this document in whole or in part is forbidden without prior consent from C&G NPTC 11