Assessor Resource

MSL975015
Prepare animal and plant material for display

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit of competency covers the ability to perform a range of techniques to collect and preserve animals and plant material for both public and scientific research display. Personnel are required to assist clients to clarify their display requirements, select the most appropriate collection and preservation procedures and display configuration and then assemble and conserve the display items. The unit does not cover techniques and procedures for handling vertebrates that are subject to national and state/territory animal care and ethics regulations.

This unit of competency is applicable to technical assistants and technical officers in research and teaching institutions, museums, herbariums, commercial taxidermy, forestry, zoos and fauna park industry sectors. This unit of competency is relevant to technicians who may work individually or as part of a team. The workplace will need to equip its personnel with relevant animal handling skills should they be required.

While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Confirm the requirements of the display and plan the work

1.1

Clarify the purpose and design of the display in consultation with other staff

1.2

Determine suitable methods of collection, preservation and display in order to meet the display requirements

2

Work safely according to the legal and regulatory framework

2.1

Ensure work practices and personal actions conform to all relevant legislation, regulations, codes and guidelines

2.2

Identify hazards and workplace safety procedures associated with the specimens, samples, collection and preservation methods, reagents and equipment

2.3

Select, fit and use personal protective equipment (PPE)

2.4

Address hazards and incidents as they arise

2.5

Ensure the safe disposal of biohazardous materials and other waste

3

Collect plants and animal material

3.1

Assemble equipment required for collection and preservation

3.2

Collect specimens to meet display requirements

3.3

Check identification of specimens and assess their suitability for the display

3.4

Label specimens and accurately record data to ensure traceability of specimen from the source through to the final display

3.5

Store specimens during transportation to ensure it retains the required characteristics

4

Preserve plant and animal material

4.1

Confirm the identification of specimens and suitability for the purpose

4.2

Examine the specimens and record data

4.3

Take samples from the specimens and prepare them for preservation

4.4

Preserve the specimens using workplace procedures

5

Display plant and animal material

5.1

Ensure the specimen is conserved to minimise deterioration

5.2

Place the preserved specimen in the display to meet the display plan and security requirements

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

safely collecting and preserving five (5) different examples of animal and plant material for display

assisting clients to clarify their display requirements

selecting appropriate collection, preservation and display techniques to suit particular display requirements

recognising, identifying and collecting suitable animal and plant specimens

storing and transporting specimens safely while maintaining their wellbeing, viability and/or integrity, as appropriate

preserving and preparing animal and plant specimens for a range of display purposes

assembling and conserving the display items

preparing displays that meet client and security requirements

complying with all legislative, regulatory and workplace requirements

keeping records to provide chain of custody of specimens and samples through collection, storage, preservation and display

following workplace safety procedures.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

classification/taxonomy/flora and fauna recognition and identification methods

legislative limitations on collection of flora and fauna

specimen preparation methods relevant to job role, such as fixation and preservation techniques, and preparation of skeletal material

workplace processes and procedures for creation of displays relevant to job role

relevant hazards, work health and safety (WHS) and environment requirements.

Judgment of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

MSL975017 Perform laboratory-based ecological techniques

Holistic assessment methods include:

review of display plans prepared by the candidate (or as part of a team)

examination of animal and plant displays prepared by the candidate

observation of the candidate collecting, preserving and mounting specimens

oral and written tests to assess required knowledge of legislative, regulatory and workplace requirements and techniques for preparing animal and plant material for display.

Access is required to instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit, including, but not limited to:

a standard laboratory equipped with equipment and reagents

workplace procedures for the collection, storage, preservation, mounting and documentation of specimens and preparation of displays.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

The assessor must demonstrate both technical competence and currency.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR

relevant workplace experience.

Currency can be demonstrated through:

performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR

having consulted with a laboratory about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Confirm the requirements of the display and plan the work

1.1

Clarify the purpose and design of the display in consultation with other staff

1.2

Determine suitable methods of collection, preservation and display in order to meet the display requirements

2

Work safely according to the legal and regulatory framework

2.1

Ensure work practices and personal actions conform to all relevant legislation, regulations, codes and guidelines

2.2

Identify hazards and workplace safety procedures associated with the specimens, samples, collection and preservation methods, reagents and equipment

2.3

Select, fit and use personal protective equipment (PPE)

2.4

Address hazards and incidents as they arise

2.5

Ensure the safe disposal of biohazardous materials and other waste

3

Collect plants and animal material

3.1

Assemble equipment required for collection and preservation

3.2

Collect specimens to meet display requirements

3.3

Check identification of specimens and assess their suitability for the display

3.4

Label specimens and accurately record data to ensure traceability of specimen from the source through to the final display

3.5

Store specimens during transportation to ensure it retains the required characteristics

4

Preserve plant and animal material

4.1

Confirm the identification of specimens and suitability for the purpose

4.2

Examine the specimens and record data

4.3

Take samples from the specimens and prepare them for preservation

4.4

Preserve the specimens using workplace procedures

5

Display plant and animal material

5.1

Ensure the specimen is conserved to minimise deterioration

5.2

Place the preserved specimen in the display to meet the display plan and security requirements

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements

Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements include the latest version of one or more of:

Australian and international standards, guidelines and codes covering safety in laboratories; occupational protective equipment; labelling of workplace substances; storage, handling and transport of dangerous goods; environmental management; biological safety cabinets, and physical containment levels and facility types

national work health and safety (WHS) standards, animal welfare legislation and codes of practice, and permits for wildlife capture and handling

specific codes, regulations, guidelines, procedures and methods, such as gene technology regulations, Australian Dangerous Goods Code, animal welfare legislation and codes of practice, Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) Import Guidelines, and principles of good laboratory practice (GLP)

Staff

Staff include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

curator

conservator

design exhibition project officer

project manager

Requirements of a display plan

Requirements of a display plan include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

purpose (public display or part of a collection for research purposes)

length of time (permanent or temporary)

accessibility (static or interactive)

type (diorama, live or preserved specimens and additions to existing showcase)

two- or three-dimensional

exclusion of pests

specific features of the specimen to be demonstrated

lighting that is sympathetic to the conservation of the specimen

security (particularly for valuable, vulnerable or irreplaceable specimens)

user-friendliness for both visitors and maintenance staff

Collection

Collection includes, but is not limited to, one or more of:

collecting live specimens from the wild

accessing specimens from existing collections in the base or other institutions

netting, trapping and light traps

use of euthanasia techniques, such as shooting, stunning, anaesthetics, gases and chemicals

Identification

Identification includes, but is not limited to, one or more of:

collection access number

tags and labels on existing specimens

use of field guides, keys and taxonomic charts

collaboration with experts

Suitability of specimen

Suitability of specimen includes, but is not limited to, one or more of:

whole or part

sex, age and breeding condition

type and characteristics

level of preservation

whether dead or alive

inclusion of features for identification, such as flowers, fruit, roots and leaves

Data to be recorded

Data to be recorded includes, but is not limited to, one or more of:

collection information such as location, time, date, collector, behaviour, environment, depth, altitude, weather and habitat

reference photographs of the environment in the field

reference drawings to characterise colour and shape

identification number, collection access number, collection database and catalogue details

characteristics of the specimen, such as:

standard measurements (mass, length and size)

plumage characteristics (age, pattern and colour)

flesh characteristics (skin tone, naked flesh texture and internal organs)

sex

X-rays and scans

manual or electronic data

Samples

Samples include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

DNA

tissue

bone fragments

stomach contents

Preparation for preservation

Preparation for preservation includes, but is not limited to, one or more of:

treatment of the specimen (dissection, mounting, pinning, use of backing boards, fixing, staining, colour retention, latex injection and vascular preservation)

preparation of the display (painting, making of wet boxes, choice of vessel and storage fluid, planning of mould sections and lay up)

maceration of tissue from skeletons by sand, invertebrates, cold or warm water, enzymes, physical removal or chemical treatment

Preservation

Preservation includes, but is not limited to, one or more of:

temporary (freezing)

wet (whole mounts in formalin and tissue staining)

dry (freeze and air drying), pressing, taxidermy, including exhibition quality mounts, study skins, tanning and plastination techniques, such as dry mounting of seeds, bird skins, pin mounted invertebrates and pressing of plants

skeletal involving maceration, degreasing, bleaching, articulation and mounting or sectioning (e.g. whale skeletons)

mould and cast (alignate, plaster, stone plaster, polyester, latex, silicone, Vinamould, gelatine, urethane elastomers, glass and carbon fibre), such as for fish, amphibians and reptiles

embedding by encapsulation in clear plastic or resin using wet or dry techniques

Detailing of specimens

Detailing of specimens includes, but is not limited to, one or more of:

cleaning

touch up

addition of false eyes

Conservation

Conservation involves:

minimisation of deterioration which can be caused by pests, light and/or humidity

Workplace safety procedures

Workplace safety procedures include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

ensuring access to service shut-off points

recognising and observing hazard warnings and safety signs

using material safety data sheets (MSDS)

labelling of samples, reagents, aliquoted samples and hazardous materials

handling and storage of all hazardous materials and equipment in accordance with labelling, MSDS and manufacturer instructions

identifying and reporting operating problems or equipment malfunctions

cleaning and decontaminating equipment and work areas regularly using recommended procedures

using PPE, such as hearing protection, sunscreen lotion, gloves, safety glasses, face guards, coveralls, gowns and safety boots

reporting abnormal emissions, discharges and airborne contaminants, such as noise, light, solids, liquids, water/wastewater, gases, smoke, vapour, fumes, odour and particulates, to appropriate personnel

following established procedures for handling animals

WHS and environmental management requirements

WHS and environmental management requirements include:

· complying with WHS and environmental management requirements at all times, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation. These requirements must not be compromised at any time

· applying standard precautions relating to the potentially hazardous nature of samples

accessing and applying current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and State and Territory Departments of Health, where relevant

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

safely collecting and preserving five (5) different examples of animal and plant material for display

assisting clients to clarify their display requirements

selecting appropriate collection, preservation and display techniques to suit particular display requirements

recognising, identifying and collecting suitable animal and plant specimens

storing and transporting specimens safely while maintaining their wellbeing, viability and/or integrity, as appropriate

preserving and preparing animal and plant specimens for a range of display purposes

assembling and conserving the display items

preparing displays that meet client and security requirements

complying with all legislative, regulatory and workplace requirements

keeping records to provide chain of custody of specimens and samples through collection, storage, preservation and display

following workplace safety procedures.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

classification/taxonomy/flora and fauna recognition and identification methods

legislative limitations on collection of flora and fauna

specimen preparation methods relevant to job role, such as fixation and preservation techniques, and preparation of skeletal material

workplace processes and procedures for creation of displays relevant to job role

relevant hazards, work health and safety (WHS) and environment requirements.

Judgment of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

MSL975017 Perform laboratory-based ecological techniques

Holistic assessment methods include:

review of display plans prepared by the candidate (or as part of a team)

examination of animal and plant displays prepared by the candidate

observation of the candidate collecting, preserving and mounting specimens

oral and written tests to assess required knowledge of legislative, regulatory and workplace requirements and techniques for preparing animal and plant material for display.

Access is required to instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit, including, but not limited to:

a standard laboratory equipped with equipment and reagents

workplace procedures for the collection, storage, preservation, mounting and documentation of specimens and preparation of displays.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

The assessor must demonstrate both technical competence and currency.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR

relevant workplace experience.

Currency can be demonstrated through:

performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR

having consulted with a laboratory about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.
Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Clarify the purpose and design of the display in consultation with other staff 
Determine suitable methods of collection, preservation and display in order to meet the display requirements 
Ensure work practices and personal actions conform to all relevant legislation, regulations, codes and guidelines 
Identify hazards and workplace safety procedures associated with the specimens, samples, collection and preservation methods, reagents and equipment 
Select, fit and use personal protective equipment (PPE) 
Address hazards and incidents as they arise 
Ensure the safe disposal of biohazardous materials and other waste 
Assemble equipment required for collection and preservation 
Collect specimens to meet display requirements 
Check identification of specimens and assess their suitability for the display 
Label specimens and accurately record data to ensure traceability of specimen from the source through to the final display 
Store specimens during transportation to ensure it retains the required characteristics 
Confirm the identification of specimens and suitability for the purpose 
Examine the specimens and record data 
Take samples from the specimens and prepare them for preservation 
Preserve the specimens using workplace procedures 
Ensure the specimen is conserved to minimise deterioration 
Place the preserved specimen in the display to meet the display plan and security requirements 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSL975015 - Prepare animal and plant material for display
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

MSL975015 - Prepare animal and plant material for display

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: