Foundation Skills for Chemical Handling in AgriFood Skills Australia Qualifications © Commonwealth of Australia 2013 This resource was produced by AgriFood Skills Australia and funded by the Commonwealth through the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. © AgriFood Skills Australia Ltd 2013 CC BY-SA This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution -Share Alike 3.0 Australia Licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/au/). This licence lets you copy, distribute, adapt or modify the work for both commercial and non-commercial purposes, provided you credit the original creator/s (and any nominated parties) and you license your derivative works under the same terms. The copyright of any adaptations and/or modifications to this material remains with AgriFood Skills Australia. Adapted and/or modified materials must have the AgriFood Skills Australia logo removed from the work. As far as practicable, material for which the copyright is owned by a third party has been clearly labelled. AgriFood Skills Australia has made all reasonable efforts to ensure that this material has been reproduced with the full consent of the copyright owners. While care has been taken in the preparation of this material, AgriFood Skills Australia and the original developer do not warrant that any licensing or registration requirements specified here are either complete or up-to-date for your State or Territory. AgriFood Skills Australia and the original developer do not accept any liability for any damage or loss (including indirect and consequential loss) incurred by any person as a result of relying on the information contained in this material. AgriFood Skills Australia does not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or the use of such advice) which is provided in this material or incorporated into it by reference. The information is provided on the basis that all persons accessing this material undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content. No liability is accepted for any information or services which may appear in any other format. No responsibility is taken for any information or services which may appear on any linked websites. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the views of AgriFood Skills Australia. In addition, AgriFood Skills Australia does not give any warranty nor accept any liability in relation to the contents of this work. First published: November 2013 Developed by Precision Consultancy for AgriFood Skills Australia. The development team gratefully acknowledge: Sheridan van Asch, Project Manager Wing-Yin Chan-Lee, TafeSA, Quality Assurance Consultant Businesses and organisations that accommodated site visits to collect source material, including: Inghams Enterprises Pty Limited, Tinaberries, Austchilli Pty Ltd, Windhum Farm, SSS Strawberries, Tassal Group Limited, Racing Victoria, National Centre for Equine Education, Pipeclay Oysters, Tasmanian Seafood Industry Council, Seafood Training Tasmania Workshop participants who generously gave time and useful feedback on the resources Review panel members. AgriFood Skills Australia General inquiries: Phone: 02 6163 7200 Fax: 02 6162 0610 Email: reception@agrifoodskills.net.au Web: www.agrifoodskills.net.au Location: Level 3, 10-12 Brisbane Avenue Barton ACT 2600 Postal address: PO Box 5450 Kingston ACT 2604 Contents page Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 1 Chemical handling ................................................................................................................................... 1 What’s included in this resource?........................................................................................................... 2 The sample activities............................................................................................................................... 2 Adapting sample activities ...................................................................................................................... 2 Chemicals are hazardous ........................................................................................................................ 4 Sample activity: Recognising hazards, risk assessment, risk control ................................................. 5 The language of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) .......................................................................... 6 Sample activity: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ...................................................................... 7 Numbers in the field ............................................................................................................................... 8 Sample activity: Using numbers in the field ....................................................................................... 9 Measuring liquids .................................................................................................................................. 10 Sample activity: Using measuring jugs .............................................................................................. 11 Sample activity: Finding the right measuring container ................................................................... 12 Sample activity: Calculating multiple litres ....................................................................................... 13 Sample activity: Estimating quantities .............................................................................................. 14 Notes ................................................................................................................................................. 15 Estimating distance and area ................................................................................................................ 16 Sample activity: Estimate and check................................................................................................. 17 Reading signs and symbols ................................................................................................................... 18 Sample activity: Read symbols .......................................................................................................... 19 Calibrating equipment .......................................................................................................................... 20 Sample activity: Calibrate a drench gun ........................................................................................... 21 Finding factual information .................................................................................................................. 22 Sample activity: Weed identification and control chart ................................................................... 23 Giving and receiving instructions .......................................................................................................... 24 Sample activity: Recounting instructions.......................................................................................... 25 Read Safety Data Sheets ....................................................................................................................... 26 Reading labels ....................................................................................................................................... 28 Sample activity: Read a label ............................................................................................................ 29 © AgriFood Skills Australia Ltd 2013 Interpret information from a visual or graphic text ............................................................................. 30 Sample activity: Read a video ........................................................................................................... 31 Mixing ratios ......................................................................................................................................... 32 Scenario: Learning about ratios ........................................................................................................ 32 Sample activity: Ratios ...................................................................................................................... 33 Numbers and text ................................................................................................................................. 34 Sample activity: Planning to spray .................................................................................................... 35 Notes ................................................................................................................................................. 37 Reading information in charts, tables and screens............................................................................... 38 Sample activity: Control options for Mimosa ................................................................................... 39 Interpreting information from a range of texts .................................................................................... 40 Sample activity: Reading information from more than one source ................................................. 41 Foundation Skills for Chemical Handling in AgriFood Skills Australia Qualifications Introduction This guide is part of a suite of resources developed for vocational trainers delivering units and qualifications from AgriFood Skills Australia Training Packages. The suite includes five resources. Overview Workplace health and safety Compliance Chemical handling Machine operations The Overview Guide includes background information about foundation skills, the Foundation Skills Training Package and how units and qualifications from the Foundation Skills Training Package can be used to support the development of skills for jobs in the agrifood industries. The four guides that complete the suite focus on four areas identified as crucial to agrifood work – areas that utilise foundation skills in different ways at different levels. These guides include information about foundation skills that trainers can incorporate into their delivery through various topics and typical tasks that are carried out in agrifood industries. Chemical handling Chemicals are used in different ways in many agrifood sectors; for example to control pests and diseases in the horticulture industry, to sanitise work areas in food processing, and to control pests and diseases that may affect animals. There are many foundation skills tasks that relate to using chemicals: investigating problems and working out if a chemical treatment is an option; working out which chemicals can be used to address particular problems; purchasing chemicals; storing chemicals; reading labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS); determining and controlling risks and hazards that relate to using chemicals; using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE); reading labels; reading signs; reading symbols; measuring chemicals; mixing ratios; knowing how to apply chemicals; recognising problems with chemical use; maintaining equipment and equipment logs; to name just a few! All these tasks are underpinned by foundation skills. This guide offers tips and sample activities that you can adapt to suit your learners in the context in which you work. © AgriFood Skills Australia Ltd 2013 1 What’s included in this resource? After this general introduction, the resource is divided into topics which are usually introduced on the left page, followed by a sample activity on a right page. See the following diagram. Topic area, which in this example, is ‘Reading labels’ Sample activity, available in Word format that can be changed and adapted for your delivery to your learners Foundation skill covered in the sample activity, including the relevant FSK unit and the ACSF level Tips for delivering the sample activity Reason for addressing this skill Suggestions for adapting the activity to different contexts or skills Some of the topic areas also include scenarios or case studies with ideas about what has worked for different trainers in different contexts. The scenarios are included as ideas for trainers to draw on for their own delivery. Look through the resource to identify which ideas or activities could be used in your vocational delivery. The sample activities Each of the sample activities addresses one or more foundation skills that have been identified in the introduction to the activity. The sample activities also address vocational units of competency. The activities have not been mapped to the vocational units because there is a lot of overlap with many units, and the lists would be cumbersome. Vocational trainers will easily be able to identify the activities relevant to the qualifications they deliver by the topics in each guide. Adapting sample activities You should adapt the sample activities to fit into your vocational training program. The activities are presented in a Word format, so that you can copy and paste them into a new Word document, and change to suit your needs. For example, you might incorporate a specific piece of machinery from your workplace into the sample activity about vocational language included in the Compliance guide, or you might change the label in the Sample activity: Read a label to include a label from a product used in your delivery environment. The sample activities are meant to be used as a prompt for you to create your own training materials that encourage learners to develop foundation skills for the job. 2 Foundation Skills for Chemical Handling in AgriFood Qualifications This page has been left intentionally blank. © AgriFood Skills Australia Ltd 2013 3 Chemicals are hazardous Chemicals can be very useful as a way of controlling pests and diseases on animals or plants, and for sanitising work areas, but it goes without saying that chemicals can be hazardous to work with. Encourage your learners to always think about the risks and hazards of the chemicals they work with, before actually handling them. In some workplaces this will occur as a Job Safety Analysis or JSA. See the guide titled Workplace Health and Safety for an activity to support the foundation skills related to the hierarchy of controls and completing a JSA. This activity introduces the terms relating to the risks and hazards involved with handling chemicals, and will require learners to think about how risks and hazards can be controlled. Foundation skill This sample activity addresses ACSF Learning at Level 2, and supports the unit FSKLRG05 Use strategies to plan simple workplace tasks. It also includes the skills of Reading and Writing at ACSF Level 2. Tips for delivery Start the session by talking about what chemicals are used in the sector in which the learners work, and why they are used, and then move on to ask learners to think about the hazards and risks of handling chemicals. Introduce the language of hazards, risks and controls into this discussion. A hazard is something that can cause harm. A risk is the chance (likely or not likely) that the hazard will cause harm. Hazards cannot be measured. Risks can be measured or rated in terms of how likely they are to happen. Risks can also be controlled so that danger or harm can be avoided. Lead the discussion about handling chemicals to include examples such as; chemicals can be poisonous and cause harm if absorbed through the skin, if swallowed or inhaled, or if the chemical somehow got in your eyes. Ask how likely it would be that the hazards cause harm, and then prompt learners to think about how the risk can be controlled. Ask learners to complete the activity at the end of the discussion. Reason for addressing this skill People, and the environment, can be severely harmed by chemicals. Learners should always think about what might happen if risks aren’t controlled. Adapt this activity This activity could be adapted to address the hazards and risks of any environment, or workplace environments more generally. You could visit a workplace and ask learners to look around and identify the particular hazards and then ask them to identify ways that risks are being controlled. 4 Foundation Skills for Chemical Handling in AgriFood Qualifications Sample activity: Recognising hazards, risk assessment, risk control Think about using chemicals. What are the hazards? What are the risks associated with hazards? How can the risk be controlled? Complete the following table by: Identifying the hazards of working with chemicals and noting them in the left column – the hazards are all the possible situations in a workplace in which people could be exposed to injury, illness or disease. Then assess the risk to work out the likelihood that people may be exposed to injury, illness or disease, and write very likely, likely, or not likely in the middle column Work out ways to control the risk – ask yourself, can the risk be eliminated? Can the risk be reduced in some way? Think of as many ways as you can and write them in the right column. Identify the hazard Assess the risk Control the risk ‘Find it’ ‘Assess it’ ‘Fix it’ Chemicals can give off harmful fumes People using chemicals would be very likely to breathe fumes that could make them ill Wear a respirator mask to reduce the risk Skin can absorb chemicals © AgriFood Skills Australia Ltd 2013 5 The language of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) PPE is often essential to controlling risks to health and safety in the workplace. Gloves protect hands, safety glasses protect eyes. Workers need to know the language of PPE to identify and wear the various protection items. A useful way to help learners build language skills is to create matching activities, where a graphic needs to be matched to a word. Learners will develop reading skills by matching the word to the graphic, linking the two with a line. Foundation skill This activity addresses ACSF Reading Level 1, and supports the unit FSKRDG02 Read and respond to basic workplace signs and symbols. Tips for delivery This activity is about developing the vocabulary of PPE. The activity could start being a matching activity to encourage how to recognise words. It could be extended to include pronunciation of the words and also an explanation of what each piece of equipment protects, for example, ear muffs are worn to control noise and protect hearing, safety boots protect feet. Reason for addressing this skill It’s important that workers know the language of their vocation and particularly of safety equipment (whether it’s heard, or read) and sometimes the words need to be spoken or written down. Having a graphic linked to a word can help with word recognition. Adapt this activity The graphics in this activity could be substituted with photos of pieces of equipment and words relevant to the context of work, which workers need to be able to recognise, for example, signs or various pieces of equipment used when handling chemicals. The Overview Guide also includes a small bank of signs that may be useful in adapting this activity. Matching activities could also be used to encourage learners to link a word with its definition, or an acronym with the full text that it stands for. inhale touch JSA Personal protective equipment ingest breathe in PPE Standard operating procedure contact swallow SOP Job safety analysis 6 Foundation Skills for Chemical Handling in AgriFood Qualifications Sample activity: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Draw a line to link the image and the word. The first one is done for you. Gloves Dust mask Respirator mask Rubber boots Safety glasses Apron Protective suit © AgriFood Skills Australia Ltd 2013 7 Numbers in the field Practical tasks often require the use of numbers and the four operations of addition, subtraction, division and multiplication, before decisions can be made about work such as weed control or how much chemical to spray. Sometimes you need to carry out paper-based activities to get a sense of learners’ existing skills before moving on to using these skills in the field. Foundation skill This activity addresses ACSF Numeracy Level 2, and supports the units FSKNUM08 Identify and use whole numbers and simple fractions, decimals and percentages for work and FSKNUM09 Identify, measure and estimate familiar quantities for work. Tips for delivery Either read the text to learners, or ask learners to read through the text and discuss the questions that follow, pointing out the practical application of the skills. The questions target the following operations. Question number Skill 1 Visual numeracy and recognition of number 2-5 Addition 6 Subtraction 7 Multiplication 8 Division This activity could be followed by a similar activity carried out in the field to reinforce the application of these skills. Reason for addressing this skill The fundamental operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, underpin many practical activities. It’s important that they are carried out correctly so that the work that follows on is accurate, for example, so that the correct amount of chemical is mixed to cover an area, and that the time taken to carry out such a task can be planned. Adapt this activity This activity could be contextualised to counting animals. 8 Foundation Skills for Chemical Handling in AgriFood Qualifications Sample activity: Using numbers in the field Imagine the graphic below is a paddock that needs to have weeds removed. The paddock measures 11 metres by 7 metres. It has a number of weeds on it. Two workers are going to remove the weeds by hand grubbing. One worker will remove the weeds in the top part of the paddock. The other worker will remove the weeds in the bottom part of the paddock. 1. Underline the group of six weeds growing in a row. 2. How many weeds are there in the top section of the paddock? _________________________________________________________________________ 3. How many weeds are in the bottom section of the paddock? _________________________________________________________________________ 4. How many weeds are there in total? _________________________________________________________________________ 5. If each worker pulled out 6 weeds, how many weeds would be left? _________________________________________________________________________ 6. How many weeds does each worker need to pull out to do an equal amount of work and ensure that no weeds are left in the paddock? _________________________________________________________________________ 7. What is the area of the paddock? _________________________________________________________________________ © AgriFood Skills Australia Ltd 2013 9 Measuring liquids It goes without saying that measuring is an important skill required to mix chemicals. It’s not only important that learners understand units of measurement – in this case millilitres (mL) and litres (L), but it’s also important that learners can make the links between measurements and fractions. Knowledge of fractions can assist learners to understand decimal numbers and ultimately to interpret instructions such as “we’ll only need half the mix we used yesterday”. Foundation skill The following four activities address ACSF Numeracy Level 2, and supports the unit FSKNUM08 Identify and use whole numbers and familiar fractions, decimals and percentages for work. Tips for delivery The five sample activities that follow focus on measuring liquids. The activities start with paper based tasks, which would naturally lead on to practical training room activities to reinforce concepts of volume and estimating volume. The activities are based on measuring containers and it’s important to note that not all measuring containers are the same. Reinforce the language of measurement as learners complete these activities, and reinforce that measuring volume can be applied to many contexts. Reason for addressing this skill Measuring accurately is important to get mixes and doses correct. Inaccuracy can result in damage and product wastage, which can be expensive. It can also have workplace health and safety and environmental consequences. Adapt this activity These activities focus on measuring liquid and volume, but could be contextualised to address concepts of area (to determine areas to be treated with chemicals) and weight (particularly to work out average weights of animals to determine drench dosages). 10 Foundation Skills for Chemical Handling in AgriFood Qualifications Sample activity: Using measuring jugs This is a 1 (one) litre (L) measuring jug. When the jug is full, it holds 1 L or 1,000 mL. When the jug is half (½) full, it holds 0.5 L or 500 mL. When the jug is a quarter (¼) full, it holds 0.25 L or 250 mL. When the jug is three quarters (¾) full it holds 750 mL or 0.75 L. 1. Put a 1 beside the line that shows the jug is full 2. Put a 2 where the jug is ¼ full 3. Put a 3 at 0.25 L 4. Put a 4 at 750 mL This measuring jug holds 500 mL when it is full. 5. How much does it hold when it is half full? 6. How much does it hold when it is a quarter full? 7. If it has 375 mL, how full is it? 8. Put a mark at the ¾ full line. © AgriFood Skills Australia Ltd 2013 11 Sample activity: Finding the right measuring container Measure out the following quantities and fill out the information in the table. Describe the ways the amount could be measured, for example a spoon, a syringe, or a jug or cup. Picture what the measurement looks like, in case you don’t have an appropriate measuring container. For example, 5 mL of liquid is a teaspoonful. Measurement Container Describe what the amount looks like 5mL of liquid 10mL of liquid 50mL of liquid 250mL of liquid 500mL of liquid 5000mL or 5L of liquid 12 Foundation Skills for Chemical Handling in AgriFood Qualifications Sample activity: Calculating multiple litres This chemical spray container takes 15 litres. How many 1 litre jugs would it take to fill the tank? _______________________________________________________ How many jugs would it take to half fill the tank? ___________________________________________ How did you work that out? _______________________________________________________ This container holds 120 litres. How many one litre jugs would it take to half fill it? ______________________________________________ How did you work that out? _______________________________________________ The volume of this tank has been marked up in litres. How many litres between each marking? ______________________________________________ How did you work that out? ______________________________________________ © AgriFood Skills Australia Ltd 2013 13 Sample activity: Estimating quantities Estimate the volume of liquid in each container, and then measure it to see how close your estimations are! Container number Estimated quantity Actual measurement 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 14 Foundation Skills for Chemical Handling in AgriFood Qualifications Notes © AgriFood Skills Australia Ltd 2013 15 Estimating distance and area There are a number of steps involved in working out how much chemical to use in a particular situation. It could be the area of a paddock to work out how much chemical to spray, or the average weight of a flock of sheep or a herd of calves, to determine a drench dosage. Sometimes the measurements need to be an estimate. This activity is similar to the previous sample activity, but focuses on estimating distance, area and weight. Foundation skill The following activity addresses ACSF Numeracy Level 2, and supports the unit FSKNUM09 Identify, measure and estimate familiar quantities for work. Tips for delivery Begin the activity with a discussion about distance and area, and how often workers need to make estimates of distances and area, to determine the area of a paddock to spray with fertiliser, for example. Talk about ways to estimate distance: in steps or paces, visual estimations (if you know that the distance from the chair to the door is 2 m, how many ‘2 m’ lengths are there from the chair to the driveway?, etc). Then talk about ways to measure actual distance, which could include a tape measure, a click wheel, a laser range finder. Estimate a couple of distances as a group, then measure to see how accurate estimations are. Ask learners to complete the first part of the activity, reinforcing the language of measurement. Then move on to talk about area, explain the applications of area and complete a couple of sample activities on the whiteboard to show how the formula works, as learners complete the activity, and reinforce that measuring area can be applied to many contexts. You may like to extend the activity to cover irregular shapes and hectares as a unit of measurement for area. One hectare (ha) = 1000 m2. Reason for addressing this skill Estimating distance and area underpins many agrifood work tasks, for example to work out yield of a crop, and amounts of fertiliser to apply. Adapt this activity Extend this activity to cover real spaces in the place where you work – a plot of strawberries, for example, a particular paddock or an oyster bed. 16 Foundation Skills for Chemical Handling in AgriFood Qualifications Sample activity: Estimate and check Distance Estimated distance (m) Actual distance (m) From where you are to the nearest window From where you are to the closest vehicle From where you are to the closest tree From the front gate to the back of the property To calculate the area of a shape, or a paddock, multiply the length x width (Area = L x W). The unit of measurement used to describe area is metres squared, represented as m2. Shape Estimated length (L) Estimated width (W) Estimated area (L x W = A) in m2 Actual area (in m2) The room you are in now The nearest car park The closest paddock © AgriFood Skills Australia Ltd 2013 17 Reading signs and symbols Handling chemicals requires users to read labels to understand the dangers related to particular chemicals. Labels include lots of symbols and this activity aims to encourage learners to read symbols that represent physical, health and/or environmental hazards and to make a link between the hazard and appropriate behaviour. Foundation skill This sample activity addresses ACSF Reading Level 2, and supports the unit FSKRDG07 Read and respond to simple workplace information. Tips for delivery Encourage learners to identify what the picture on the sign represents, and to then make a link with the hazard it presents. The degree of hazard can vary, depending on the product. Pictogram Description Flame of picture FlammHazard Flame over circle May cause able liquid a fire or and vapour intensify a fire Exploding bomb Heating may cause an explosion Health hazard May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways Environment Gas cylinder EnvironGases mental under hazard pressure – may explode Corrosion Skull and crossbones Causes Toxic if serious eye inhaled and skin damage Exclamation mark Harmful if contact with skin or if swallowed Adapted from Labelling of Workplace Chemicals Code of Practice, viewed at www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/swa/about/publications/pages/labelling-hazardous-chemicals-cop This activity should extend to a discussion about what actions workers should take around chemicals that have the signs. For example, never use matches, a lighter, welders or grinders near a product labelled with a flame (flammable liquid and vapour) and keep product away from heat and sparks. The discussion could then lead on to the appropriate personal protective equipment that must be worn when using a chemical with this symbol on the label. Reason for addressing this skill Understanding signs on labels is important for keeping people, the work site, and the environment safe. Adapt this activity This activity could be contextualised to cover different groups of signs, such as mandatory action signs (which are blue on white), caution signs (which are black on yellow), emergency treatment signs (which are green or red on white). The Overview Guide includes a small bank of signs that may be useful in adapting this activity 18 Foundation Skills for Chemical Handling in AgriFood Qualifications Sample activity: Read symbols Draw a line to link the sign with the hazard. Causes serious eye and skin damage Gases under pressure – may explode Heating may cause an explosion May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways May cause a fire or intensify a fire Harmful if contact with skin or if swallowed Environmental hazard Toxic if inhaled or swallowed Flammable liquid and vapour © AgriFood Skills Australia Ltd 2013 19 Calibrating equipment Measuring equipment should be calibrated regularly to ensure that measurements are accurate. This is the case for many types of equipment, including for example, milk tanks (where volume needs to be checked) and scales (where weights need to be checked). This sample activity looks at calibrating a drench gun. Foundation skill This sample activity addresses ACSF Numeracy Level 1, and supports the unit FSKNUM04 Locate, compare and use highly familiar measurements for work. Tips for delivery Introduce the activity with a discussion about the purpose of calibrating equipment. Hand out the sample activity and ask learners to work in pairs. Explain the steps for calibrating the drench gun and model what should be done for each check. Once the checks have been completed, talk about whether the drench gun needs to be ‘recalibrated’, and how this can be carried out (according to manufacturer specifications). Reason for addressing this skill Many agrifood businesses rely on weights or measures as methods of payment, for example, dairy farmers are paid on the volume of milk sent to a processing plant – the measurements need to be accurate to ensure fairness in the arrangement. It’s also important that dosage levels are accurate so that animals do not suffer adverse effects from incorrect drench amounts. Adapt this activity Adapt this activity to utilise measuring equipment used in the context in which you deliver, for example, a scale used for weighing. 20 Foundation Skills for Chemical Handling in AgriFood Qualifications Sample activity: Calibrate a drench gun To check the measurements on a drench gun are accurate, fill the gun with 100 mL with water. Release the water into a measuring container and check how much. Is there exactly 100 mL? Repeat the same measurement a number of times to check. Calibration check Amount shown on drench gun (dose) Actual amount measured Check 1 Check 2 Check 3 Check 4 Check 5 Check 6 If the measurements do not consistently match, then the drench gun needs to be adjusted to ensure the dosage amount is correct. Does your drench gun need to be adjusted? If so, how? _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ © AgriFood Skills Australia Ltd 2013 21 Finding factual information Sometimes, information needs to be located in large documents, such as fact sheets or reference guides. You can assist readers to access information in large documents by pointing out various text features, such as specific horticultural vocabulary, information in charts and tables, and diagrams. Knowing who produced a document, and the intended audience, can also help ‘place’ the information into context. SAMPLE: INFORMATION TEXT This sample of information text, produced through a joint initiative of Australian Governments, incorporates: text broken down into chunks and placed under clear headings photos that illustrate written text key points listed in bold as dot points in a shaded box common name and botanical name of a weed presented together the Australian Government logo that reinforces the status of the text. Extract from www.weeds.org.au/WoNS/gambagrass. Foundation skill This sample activity primarily addresses ACSF Reading Level 3, and supports the unit FSKRDG10 Read and respond to routine workplace information. Tips for delivery The aim of this activity is to summarise the main points in a lengthy text. Choose a text relevant to the context in which you deliver. It may be a weed management guide from www.weeds.org.au. Contextualise the headings in the sample activity to match the text you provide. Before asking learners to complete the activity, assist them to identify the main text features – chunks of information, vocational vocabulary, graphics, diagrams and charts. Then ask learners to read the information. Encourage them to use a highlighter as they read to assist with engaging with the text and to note the location of key information. Reason for addressing this skill Workers often need to read complex documents to locate information that impacts on practical aspects of their work. Being able to read and locate the correct information is important. Adapt this activity This activity could be changed to incorporate information about identification of, and control of, pests or diseases in any area. 22 Foundation Skills for Chemical Handling in AgriFood Qualifications Sample activity: Weed identification and control chart INSERT PHOTO OR GRAPHIC OF WEED Details Your notes Common weed name Latin name Problem created by this weed Main identification features Height of plant Stems Flowers Seed pods Seeds Seed dispersal Biological control Chemical control Mechanical control Physical control Season to control Notes © AgriFood Skills Australia Ltd 2013 23 Giving and receiving instructions Work instructions are often given verbally. This activity is about listening to instructions to ensure the correct message is heard. Foundation skill This activity addresses ACSF Oral communication Level 2, and supports the unit FSKOCM03 Participate in simple spoken interactions at work. Tips for delivery Before printing out the activity for learners, add two or three instructions of your own, typical to the workplace in which you deliver training. Divide the group into pairs and ask one person to read out the instructions, while the other listens. Then the listener should repeat the instructions, while the reader checks their accuracy. How often can these instructions be accurately conveyed? Encourage learners to think of their own strategies for checking that the information received is correct. This will usually be through asking clarifying questions. Reason for addressing this skill This skill is important for locating information to guide practical tasks. If the correct information is not identified and acted on, then practical activities could result in wasted time, money and effort. Adapt this activity Contextualise this activity with instructions regularly given in the environment in which you deliver training. Scenario: Ways to remember “I’ve been amazed at how often I give an instruction, only to have the worker go off and do something completely different! So now I check what they’ve heard and ask that they repeat what I said. It sounds a bit over the top, but it saves me a lot of angst! We use the whiteboard a lot. It might seem a bit old-fashioned in this day and age, but it’s a good way to give instructions so that everyone knows what’s going on. I also encourage workers to keep a little notebook with them, to jot down key things to remember, then they’re less reliant on their memory”, explains Matt, an operation supervisor. 24 Foundation Skills for Chemical Handling in AgriFood Qualifications Sample activity: Recounting instructions 1. Mix up the disinfectant at a rate of 100:1 and give the benches a good wipe over. You better wipe over the slicer as well. 2. Make sure you have all the right PPE for the job. You’ll need a respirator mask, safety glasses, hard hat, protective footwear and a high visibility vest. 3. 4. Take the quad bike over to Lot 5 and check the irrigation on the north side of the paddock - there seems to be a leak about 10 metres in from the gate and we don’t want to be losing the fertiliser we put through this morning. On your way back can you pick up the delivery from Andersons? 5. Before you use that new spray, you’ll need to flush out the spray tank. Fill it up with clean water and add 300 mL of chlorine bleach. Flush through the booms and hoses and let it stand for 15 minutes with the agitator on. Then drain it out and do the same thing again. You’d better take off the nozzles and filters then and clean them separately. Then flush the whole system with clean water. Should be ready to go then. 6. We need to get some Lig-Calcium + B out onto those grapes. Get it out at 5 L/ha and repeat that every 2 weeks from now up until harvest. Thanks. © AgriFood Skills Australia Ltd 2013 25 Read Safety Data Sheets Safety Data Sheets (SDS) can be extremely complex documents to access and understand. Providing learners with some guidance about how to access a complex document can be helpful. Foundation skill This activity addresses ACSF Reading Level 3, and supports the unit FSKRDG10 Read and respond to complex workplace information. Tips for delivery Start by outlining the purpose of an SDS as a document that provides information on the properties of hazardous chemicals and how they affect health and safety in the workplace. For example an SDS includes information on: the identity of the chemical; health hazards; safe handling and storage procedures; first aid and emergency procedures; and disposal considerations. Also note that SDSs need to be updated regularly to comply with workplace health and safety legislation, so they change and need to be revisited over time. Provide a copy of the activity to each learner and point out some of the conventions of the text, for example: the title of the document is across the top in a grey band; the main headings are bolded capitals and reading just those gives a quick summary of what is included in the document; the tables include information arranged in sub-headings (either issues or items of equipment), which run down the left column with treatments or details in right column; sub-headings are also included in bolded, lowercase text. You could ask learners to use a highlighter to mark up particular information in the text, such as particular headings or storage information. Using a highlighter is a strategy to engage a reader with a text. Once learners have read the text, ask them to complete the questions at the end, either in writing or verbally. Reason for addressing this skill Very often, texts relevant to the workplace get left unread because they are difficult to access. But they often need to be read and understood to carry out work safely and effectively. Adapt this activity Contextualise this activity by using an SDS relevant to the context in which you deliver training. 26 Foundation Skills for Chemical Handling in AgriFood Qualifications SAFETY DATA SHEET for Lo-Kill Insecticide Last updated 22 August, 2013 Product Name: Lo-Kill Insecticide Emergency telephone number: 1300 555 5557 HAZARDOUS CLASSIFICATION Non-Hazardous (National Occupational Health and Safety Commission - NOHSC) ADG CLASSIFICATION Not a “Dangerous good” for transport by road or rail according to the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail. FIRST AID TREATMENT Swallowed If swallowed, do NOT induce vomiting. Transport to nearest medical facility for additional treatment. If vomiting occurs spontaneously, keep head below hips to prevent aspiration. Eye Immediately irrigate with water or neutral saline solution. Remove contact lenses, if present, after the first 5 minutes, then continue rinsing eye. Seek medical attention. Skin If skin contact occurs, remove contaminated clothing and wash skin thoroughly with water and follow by washing with soap if available. Inhaled Move to fresh air. Seek medical attention if irritation persists. First aid facilities Fresh water should be available to rinse eyes or skin. Provide eye baths and safety showers. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Respiratory protection Not normally required. Hand protection Material: Chemical-resistant gloves. Eye protection Wear safety goggles. Protective clothing Use chemical resistant glove/gauntlets, boots and apron. Engineering controls Avoid generating and inhaling mists. Keep containers closed when not in use. Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Wash hands before breaks and immediately after handling the product. Remove soiled clothing immediately and clean thoroughly before using again. HANDLING AND STORAGE Handling Avoid contact with skin, eyes and clothing. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Do not store or consume food, drink or tobacco in areas where they may become contaminated with this material. Storage Store in a cool, dry place. Store product in original container only in a location inaccessible to children and pets. Do not store or consume food, drink or tobacco in areas where they may become contaminated with this material. Flammability Not flammable – water based product. What would you do if someone swallowed this chemical? What PPE should be worn when using this chemical? How should this chemical be stored? What number would you call to get more information about an emergency related to this product? © AgriFood Skills Australia Ltd 2013 27 Reading labels As with SDSs, chemical labels also include a lot of information and can be complex to read and interpret. Pointing out some of the conventions of labelling will assist learners to access the information. Foundation skill This activity addresses ACSF Reading Level 3, and supports the unit FSKRDG10 Read and respond to complex workplace information. Tips for delivery Introduce this activity with a discussion about insecticides and what they are used for. Chemical labels usually include the following information: the product name; details of the manufacturer, along with batch number and date of manufacture; proportion of chemical ingredient/s; hazard pictogram and hazard statement, consistent with the classification of the chemical, for example, Poison; information about use; information about first aid. Point these conventions out to learners before asking them to read over the label and answer the questions that follow. Reason for addressing this skill Information on labels is not only important for use, but to ensure safety of the user, the environment, and anyone within the vicinity of the chemical’s use. Information about chemicals and the use of chemicals should also be recorded to comply with many industry codes of practice, such as Freshcare. Adapt this activity Contextualise this activity with a label from a product used in the context in which you deliver. 28 Foundation Skills for Chemical Handling in AgriFood Qualifications Sample activity: Read a label Read over the information on the label below and answer the questions that follow. DIRECTIONS FOR USE: WARNING KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN Crop Pest Rate Comments Strawberries Grey moth 250mL in 20L water per 100 m2 or 1:80 Apply after blossom stage Apply no more than five times per season Apples, Pears, Stone fruit Black fly 300mL in 30L water per 50 m2 or 1:10 Repeat application after 10 days if needed Apply no more than five times per season READ SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE OPENING OR USING Lo-Kill Insecticide PROTECTION OF LIVE STOCK: DO NOT USE TREATED PRODUCE FOR STOCK FOOD WITHIN 7 DAYS OF TREATMENT PROTECTION OF CROPS: Do not apply under meteorological conditions or from spraying equipment which could cause spray drift onto nearby crops and plants. WITHHOLDING PERIODS: ACTIVE CONSTITUENT: 100g/L Dimase Contents: 20 litres Strawberries: DO NOT HARVEST FOR 1 DAY AFTER APPLICATION Apples, Pears, Stone Fruit: DO NOT HARVEST FOR 7 DAYS AFTER APPLICATION STORAGE AND DISPOSAL: Lo-Calum Industries Industrial Estate Bullan SA 5023 Tel: 131 555 Batch number: Z555-1799-28 Date of manufacture: 20 August 2013 Store product only in the closed original container in a cool, dry area out of direct sunlight. Bury containers below 500 mm in a disposal pit specifically set up for this purpose and clear of waterways. SAFETY DATA SHEET: Additional information is listed on the Safety Data Sheet available from Lo-Callum Industries or from our website at www.lo_callum.com.au Who produced this chemical? ______________________________________________________ What is this chemical used for? _____________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ When should the chemical be applied to strawberries? __________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ If you wanted to spray a plot that measured 15 m x 20 m, how much chemical would you need? How much water? ______________________________________________________________________________ Why would you not apply this chemical on a windy day? ______________________________________________________________________________ Where would you go to find out further information about first aid related to the product? _______________________________________________________________________________ © AgriFood Skills Australia Ltd 2013 29 Interpret information from a visual or graphic text Texts can be written, spoken, graphic or digital. Foundation skill This activity addresses ACSF Reading Level 3, and supports the unit FSKRDG08 Read and respond to routine visual and graphic texts. Tips for delivery Ask learners to read through the text and discuss the questions that follow, jotting down notes as required. Explain to readers how the information in the chart and the paragraph, work together. The chart is a visual summary of what is written in the paragraph. Highlight which parts of the chart relate to various parts of the paragraph. Reason for addressing this skill A lot of information is gleaned from the internet. Readers need to be discerning about whether the information is credible, whether it should be treated as fact or whether it intends to persuade the reader in some way. Adapt this activity This activity is intended to suit those working to control weeds. The information could be customised with information about other weeds that cause problems in different locations – go to the Weeds of National Significance website at www.weeds.org.au. The activity could also be contextualised with information about feed charts. 30 Foundation Skills for Chemical Handling in AgriFood Qualifications Sample activity: Read a video Go to www.youtube.com/user/RoundupAust ralia?feature=watch and select the video titled ‘How to use Roundup Gel’. Watch the video and discuss your answers to the questions below. 1. Who produced the video? _________________________________________________________________________ 2. What is the purpose of the video? _________________________________________________________________________ 3. Who is the intended audience? _________________________________________________________________________ 4. The company that made the video highlight several benefits of the new product. Name four: 1 ________________________________________________________________________ 2 ________________________________________________________________________ 3 ________________________________________________________________________ 4 ________________________________________________________________________ 5. Where would you go to find out further information about the product and its effects? _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ © AgriFood Skills Australia Ltd 2013 31 Mixing ratios Mixing chemicals to prescribed ratios is essential for using chemicals. Foundation skill This activity addresses ACSF Numeracy Level 4, and supports the unit FSKNUM22 Use and apply ratios, rates and proportions for work. Tips for delivery Again, this activity could begin as a paper-based activity and lead in to practical training room activities, where learners mix different ratios so they can see the difference. See the scenario below. Reason for addressing this skill Mixing the correct solutions of chemical is very important to ensure their effectiveness – applying solutions that are too weak would be a waste of time and chemical, and too strong could kill plants and harm the environment. Many growers have had to wash off chemical solutions that have been too strong. Adapt this activity Ratios are not always about liquids – this activity could be contextualised to cover the ratios of feed or of solid chemicals. Scenario: Learning about ratios ‘Yeah – mixing chemicals and working out ratios can be a bit difficult for some people to grasp. I used to just mark up a container with a big black line with ‘Round-up’ on one side and water on the other for a 1:10 mix. But people are not always going to have that container with them, so I’ve put a fair bit of effort into thinking about how to teach the concept of ratios’, says Davo. ‘What I do now is have a session that’s about mixing liquids in different ratios. I constantly talk throughout the session about what a ratio is, using the language of ratios – you know, one part of one thing mixed with several parts of another. I get the groups to mix up either red cordial or food dye because you can see it change colour as the strength changes. They usually mix 50:1, 25:1, 10:1, 5:1, 2:1 and we have all sorts of discussions about stronger and weaker solutions and how they look. Then we talk about mixing volumes of chemicals in ratio – multiplying both sides of the ratio by the same number... millilitres and litres – all that. That leads onto looking at the chemical mixes that are used for various weeds, and about the consequences of getting the mixes wrong. I finish up with a few paper based exercises where they mark up measuring containers. I keep reinforcing all the time that we’re talking about ratios, and how important it is to get the right ratio mix for the right purpose. They usually persist with the written activities because they can see a purpose for it.’ 32 Foundation Skills for Chemical Handling in AgriFood Qualifications Sample activity: Ratios Mark the measuring containers with appropriate measurements and then mark up the ratio mix. Mark up for a ratio for 10:1. Mark up for a ratio for 5:1. Mark up for a ratio for 20:1. Mark up for a ratio for 25:1. © AgriFood Skills Australia Ltd 2013 33 Numbers and text As foundation skills become more complex, learners needs to combine the skills of reading, interpreting and problem solving to make informed decisions. The following sample activity requires learners to analyse four sources of written information to make a decision about whether or not the conditions are right for chemical spraying. The numeracy that underpins the task is not complicated – the difficulty lies in interpreting the relevant numbers and units of measurement to make a critical decision. Foundation skill This activity addresses ACSF Reading Level 4, and supports the unit FSKRDG11 Read and respond to complex workplace information. Tips for delivery Ask learners to read through the activity and discuss the decision about whether to spray. They may jot down some notes as required. One of the texts is located in a separate activity in this resource. You may present it on a screen or on a separate handout. The point is that it is common to refer to texts in different places to get the information needed to inform a decision. Explain that information from the different sources needs to be considered to make a decision. The question about spray drift is about getting learners to use the internet and access relevant information. Reason for addressing this skill Analysing information from different sources to make decisions is common in real work tasks. Adapt this activity This activity is intended to suit those working to control pests. It could be contextualised to suit the control of weeds or diseases affecting plants. Learners could be introduced to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website, to find and interpret weather forecast information. Alternatively, encourage learners to listen to weather reports on radio or television, to make a decision about whether to spray tomorrow or within the next few days. 34 Foundation Skills for Chemical Handling in AgriFood Qualifications Sample activity: Planning to spray The Queensland Government advises that spraying should only be carried out in weather conditions that are suitable. You should always check the weather conditions before spraying. Measure and record the weather conditions before and after the applications. If you think they have changed, stop and measure them during the application as well. Spray only in favourable weather conditions. Ideal wind speeds are between 3-15 knots per hour. During spraying, wind should be blowing steadily. Light and variable or gusty winds make it difficult to predict where spray will go. Spraying should not be carried out under calm or still conditions. Under calm conditions, droplets are more likely to remain suspended in the air. Ideally, wind should be blowing away from susceptible crops. If not, try leaving a buffer zone. Avoid spraying in temperatures near or above 30°C and when humidity is low as spray droplet size may be reduced, increasing the risk of spray drift. Do not spray when inversion conditions exist. Visual indicators include no wind, fog, dew, frost and smoke or dust hanging in the air or forming distinct layers. Inversion conditions are very prevalent in Australia. The Beaufort Wind Scale, included below, is a scale used to categorise wind speed and effects. Use this scale in the activity that follows. Beaufort Wind Scale No. Description Speed k/ph Effects 0 1 2 3 Calm Light air Light breeze Gentle breeze 0 1.6 to 4.8 6.4 to 11.2 12.8 to 19.3 4 Moderate wind 20 to 29 5 Fresh wind 30 to 39 6 Strong wind 40 to 50 7 High wind, near gale 51 to 62 8 Gale, fresh gale 63 to 75 9 Strong gale 76 to 87 10 Storm, whole gale 88 to 102 11 Severe storm 103 to 117 12 Hurricane force 118 or more Smoke rises vertically. Smoke drifts in the wind. Wind felt on face and skin. Leaves rustle. Leaves and smaller twigs in constant motion. Light flags extended. Dust, leaves and loose paper raised. Small branches move. Branches of a moderate size move. Small trees begin to sway. Large branches move. Whistling heard in overhead wires. Difficult to use umbrellas. Whole trees in motion. Effort needed to walk against the wind. Swaying of skyscrapers may be felt, especially by people on upper floors. Some twigs broken from trees. Cars veer on road. Difficult to walk. Some branches break off trees, and some small trees blow over. Construction/temporary signs and barricades blow over. Damage to circus tents and canopies. Trees are broken off or uprooted, saplings bent and deformed. Poorly attached asphalt shingles and shingles in poor conditions peel off roofs. Widespread damage to vegetation. Many roofing surfaces are damaged; asphalt tiles that have curled up and/or fractured due to age may break away completely. Widespread damage. Very rarely experienced on land. © AgriFood Skills Australia Ltd 2013 35 You need to spray an orchard or pears and the weather forecast for tomorrow is as follows. Weather report TEMPERATURE 88°F / 31°C HUMIDITY 37% RH DEW POINT 65°F / 19°C WIND 14 k/ph from East WIND GUST – PRESSURE 29.96 in / 1014hPa (falling) Refer to the chemical label for Lo-Kill on page 27 and decide whether tomorrow is a good day to spray. Make sure that you know about spray drift before you spray. Go to www.business.qld.gov.au/industry/agriculture and search for information about spray drift. What should you do if spray drift occurs? _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ 36 Foundation Skills for Chemical Handling in AgriFood Qualifications Notes © AgriFood Skills Australia Ltd 2013 37 Reading information in charts, tables and screens Reading information in a chart or table is quite different to reading information presented in a paragraph. With charts and tables, the reader needs to work out how the information is arranged – sometimes headings run across the top, sometimes down the side, and sometimes the intersection of rows and columns is important. Foundation skill This sample activity addresses ACSF Reading Level 3, and supports the unit FSKRDG08 Read and respond to routine visual and graphic texts. The questions are intended to form the basis of a group discussion, so the activity could also be used to address the development of ACSF Oral communication Level 2, and support the unit FSKOCM03 Participate in simple spoken interactions at work. Tips for delivery Point out to learners that tables and charts can be read in different ways. This table has types of weed infestation down the side, with the type of control across the top. The information found in the intersecting row and column explains how the infestation should be controlled. Reason for addressing this skill Charts and tables are included in lots of workplace documents and they often include information vital for practical tasks in the workplace. Being able to interpret how a chart is designed, accessing the required information and responding to it, is a skill that underpins many practical job tasks. Adapt this activity This activity is intended to suit those working to control weeds. The information could be customised with information about other weeds that cause problems in different locations – go to the Weeds of National Significance website at www.weeds.org.au. The activity could also be contextualised with information about feed charts, for example type or weight of animal and type of food the animal should be fed, or about cleaning products and processes. The activity could also be contextualised to incorporate reading a digital screen. Scenario: Reading a digital screen “Yeah – you can’t just expect that someone will know how to read some of these digital screens we use in our workplace. You have to explain what each different reading is, what it’s measuring and why it’s important to know about it. For the weather station we have, there’s a heap of different readings. Usually I go over the basics of what’s being measured by each – you know – the time reading uses a 24 hour clock, the date format (date, month, year), the temperature (degrees Celsius) and the humidity. It’s not straight-forward, and it takes a bit of time to explain it all, but it’s a really important gadget to use to work out what jobs we should and shouldn’t be doing around the place.” says Ming, leading hand at a strawberry farm. 38 Foundation Skills for Chemical Handling in AgriFood Qualifications Sample activity: Control options for Mimosa Read the information in the table and discuss the questions that follow. 1. Which physical controls would you use for a few plants in a small area? _______________________________________________________________________________ 2. What is an example of a small weed infestation in the region where you work? _______________________________________________________________________________ 3. Which controls should you use for a medium number of plants? _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ 4. When would you use a physical control for a large number of plants? _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ 5. When would aerial spraying be appropriate? _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ © AgriFood Skills Australia Ltd 2013 39 Interpreting information from a range of texts At higher levels of reading the content is often less familiar and information can be presented in various formats, for example in charts and paragraphs, where a chart complements or summarises information written in sentences. Foundation skill This activity addresses ACSF Reading Level 4, and supports the unit FSKRDG11 Read and respond to complex workplace information. Tips for delivery Ask learners to read through the text and discuss the questions that follow, jotting down notes as required. Explain to readers how the information in the chart and the paragraph, work together. The chart is a visual summary of what is written in the paragraph. Highlight which parts of the chart relate to various parts of the paragraph. Reason for addressing this skill This skill is important for locating information to guide practical tasks. If the correct information is not identified and acted on, then practical activities could result in wasted time, money and effort. Adapt this activity This activity is intended to suit those working to control weeds. The information could be customised with information about other weeds that cause problems in different locations – go to the Weeds of National Significance website at www.weeds.org.au. The activity could also be contextualised with information about feed charts. 40 Foundation Skills for Chemical Handling in AgriFood Qualifications Sample activity: Reading information from more than one source How to identify gamba grass Gamba grass can be distinguished from native grasses on the basis of its growth habit – tall, dense and erect tussocks. Plants may be up to 4 to 5 metres tall including the flowering stems which may extend 2.2 metres above the height of the foliage. The leaves have a distinctive white mid-rib and are covered with soft hairs (noticeable when holding rain water and dew). Late curing (remaining green) into the dry season also distinguishes it from native grasses. Gamba grass flowers mostly in April although it may continue through to August if conditions are suitable. Seeds are generally formed from May to June and most seeds have been dropped by the end of August. Germination of seeds occurs whenever sufficient soil moisture is available, from early wet season storms in October through the typical commencement of the wet season in December. Plants that have been burnt or slashed earlier in the year can also flower and form seed from October to December. Extract from www.weeds.org.au/WoNS/gambagrass 1. In what months does gamba grass flower? _____________________________________________________________________________ 2. When are the seeds formed? _____________________________________________________________________________ 3. When are seeds dropped? _____________________________________________________________________________ 4. What do the two different colours on the chart represent? _____________________________________________________________________________ 5. When would be the most effective time to spray chemicals to control gamba grass? _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ © AgriFood Skills Australia Ltd 2013 41