Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to use a bee smoker when undertaking bee husbandry tasks.
This unit applies to beekeepers who work under general supervision and exercise limited autonomy with some accountability for their own work. They undertake defined activities and work in a structured context.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare bee smoker for use | 1.1 Confirm the activity to undertake with supervisor 1.2 Confirm that climatic and other conditions permit the use of a bee smoker and adjust planned activities where required 1.3 Check bee smoker and components to ensure that they are in good repair and serviceable, and any faults are addressed 1.4 Check personal protective equipment for serviceability and ensure correct fit 1.5 Identify hazards associated with the use of a bee smoker and take appropriate steps to minimise risks to self and others 1.6 Make sure there is an adequate water supply and tools available for fire control 1.7 Assess weather conditions, nectar flow and strain of bee to interprets defensive behaviour of colony 1.8 Add suitable fuel to bee smoker and light it 1.9 Operate bee smoker bellows to produce and maintain a steady and dense stream of cool smoke |
2. Use bee smoker to manage bees | 2.1 Blow smoke into entrance of hive and allow sufficient time before hive is opened 2.2 Puff additional smoke over frames and supers after hive is opened and direct smoke at bees 2.3 Ensure bees remain under control while working on hives by placing smoker within easy reach, keeping it alight and producing cool smoke until operations are complete 2.4 Place bee smoker in a cleared spot when not in use and have fire extinguishment materials and equipment on hand |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
identify hazards and use safe work practices
anticipate defensive behaviour of colony
select suitable fuel
keep a bee smoker alight and functioning while carrying our bee husbandry tasks
monitor the effects of smoke on bees, including the wearing off of effects
make bee smoker safe after completing operations according to fire and biosecurity procedures.
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices of smoking bees
effects of smoke on bees and hive products
suitable fuel for bee smokers
when to use a bee smoker and why
current fire regulations.
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Beekeeping (BEK)