The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competence in this Unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this Unit. Assessors should ensure that candidates can:

assess health and condition of animal's coat and determine bathing requirements with client/owner

apply industry recognised hydro-bathing methods and procedures for different breeds of companion animals

handle animals in a safe and humane manner

set up, use and maintain hydro-bathing equipment and supplies in accordance with organisational standards and manufacturers' specifications

build relationships and communicate effectively with clients regarding appropriate bathing requirements

maintain records and follow-up with clients as required.

The skills and knowledge required to provide companion animal hydro-bathing services must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts and include the ability to deal with unplanned events.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of this Unit is to be practical in nature and will be most appropriately assessed in companion animal organisations that offer animal hydro-bathing services or in a situation that reproduces normal work conditions.

There must be access to a range of companion animal breeds and species as well as the appropriate equipment and/or resources to enable one to demonstrate competence.

Method of assessment

To ensure consistency of performance, competency should be demonstrated, to industry defined standards, on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.

The assessment strategy must include practical skills assessment. Suggested strategies for this Unit are:

written and/or oral assessment of candidate's required knowledge

observed, documented and first-hand testimonial evidence of candidate's application of practical tasks

simulation exercises that reproduce normal work conditions

third-party evidence

workplace documentation

portfolio.

This Unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other Units of Competency relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy and numeracy demands) and the needs of particular target groups (e.g. people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people with a language background other than English, youth and people from low socioeconomic backgrounds).

Required skills include:

Ability to:

apply problem-solving skills to use available resources and prioritise daily tasks

complete relevant work-related documents

employ interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities

employ safe and environmentally responsible organisational systems and procedures when working with and handling animals

follow sequenced written instructions; record accurately and legibly information collected; and select and apply procedures to a range of defined tasks

follow organisation policies, procedures and requirements

follow-up with clients regarding future bathing service requirements in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

identify animals using common names

maintain the highest standards of hygiene and infection control at all times to reduce the risk of infection and cross-infection

operate and maintain a range of bathing and rinsing equipment

use literacy skills to read and follow organisation policies and procedures, including workplace health and safety, infection control and waste management procedures

use oral communication skills/language to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, asking for clarification and consulting with supervisors

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

use safe manual handling techniques and/or equipment

use safe waste handling and disposal procedures.

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of:

basic industry recognised animal bathing techniques, procedures and equipment

basic animal anatomy and physiology related to hydro-bathing services

how shampoo and bathing products may irritate an animal and the effects of incorrect rinsing techniques

normal and abnormal animal behaviour and traits for relevant species

organisation policies, procedures and requirements, including workplace health and safety and emergency procedures, hygiene standards and waste disposal regulations

principles of animal ethics and welfare

relevant bathing products and services

relevant workplace health and safety and animal welfare legislative requirements and codes of practice

relevant recordkeeping systems

safe animal handling and restraint techniques and procedures

safe work practices

signs and symptoms of disease and parasitic infections

signs of abnormalities and health concerns in animals

transmission of diseases between animals

usage and maintenance of a range of bathing equipment

workplace hygiene standards, disinfectants, cleaning agents, cleaning techniques and cleaning equipment and materials.

The range statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Bathing needs may include:

animal and owner lifestyle factors

breed or type

age, sex, reproductive status

current body, skin and coat condition

known allergies or other health problems

history of previous bathing experience

injuries or other issues either reported or observed.

Risks

Risks in capture, handling and bathing of animals may include:

aggressive animal behaviour

escape of animals and subsequent threat to safety of humans and other animals

heat stress and reaction to dryers/dryer stress

potential anxiety of animal when being handled by strangers

potential injuries to humans during capture, handling and bathing processes

potential stress and injury to animals during handling, bathing and drying such as:

brush burns

dryer burn

heat stroke

reaction to washing and grooming chemicals

unfamiliarity of animal to washing equipment and processes.

Workplace health and safety risks when handling animals may include:

animal bites, kicks, scratches and crush injuries

biological hazardous waste and sharps disposal

handling of chemicals and medicines

gas leakage

inhalation of aerosol particles

intraocular contamination

manual handling including carrying, lifting and shifting

needle pricks and cuts from other sharps

release of infective agents (animal and human)

slippery or uneven work surfaces

use of water in close vicinity of electrical equipment

zoonoses.

Equipment may include:

brushes, combs, sprayers, polishing pads, towels

detangling lotion

coat dryers

grooming stands

mobile unit, with consideration for the workplace health and safety requirements related to the mobile unit safety chain and 240v safety switches

restraining equipment including collars, leads, muzzles and harness

wash tubs and hydro-baths

shampoo and other coat cleaning products.

Signs of distress may include:

aggressive behaviour

inappetence

subdued behaviour

trembling

vocalisation.

Bathing techniques may include:

external evacuation of animal’s anal glands, if required

detangle coat or hair

dry animal after washing in accordance with industry recognised standards

inspect animals for parasites and other health issues

remove and control external parasites

remove dander or scurf from skin

remove dirt, debris, contaminants from the coat and skin

restrain animal during bathing

wash animals using shampoo, parasite control and other chemicals

post-wash rinse to remove chemicals from skin and coat.

Hydro-bath and equipment cleaning may include:

checking equipment for damage and wear and tear

disinfecting equipment using approved chemicals and processes

drying, lubricating and protecting parts as required

pumping out grey water into approved waste water system

removing hair and debris from waste traps and filters.

Post-bathing review may include:

further parasite control requirements

reporting on animal behaviour during bathing

advising of any injury or illness issues that have occurred during bathing

advising of any health issues noticed during bathing or inspection of animal

suggesting grooming or care products for home use

identifying follow-up schedule to maintain coat and skin in optimal condition.