Elements and Performance Criteria
- Prepare to conduct euthanasia of research animal
- Need foreuthanasia is identified, justified and reported to the workplace supervisor in accordance with institutional protocols.
- Method selected for the euthanasia is consistent with the research program approval or protocol and is in accordance with the workplace supervisor's instructions.
- Equipment and materials required to complete the euthanasia are prepared in accordance with the institution's standard operating procedures and relevant statutory requirements.
- Location for the euthanasia is selected.
- Hazards associated with the euthanasia are identified in accordance with occupational health and safety (OHS) procedures and guidelines.
- Licences and permits required to conduct the euthanasia are reviewed and completed with the supervisor.
- Carry out the euthanasia of animals
- Personal protective and safety equipment are used in accordance with OHS policies and statutory requirements.
- Equipment is handled and transported safely at all times in accordance with statutory requirements and industry practices.
- Animals are physically restrained in a way that minimises pain, distress and risk of injury to the animals or personnel and complies with ethical, welfare and legal requirements.
- Euthanasia method is applied in accordance with the requirements of the task and in a way that complies with ethical, welfare and legal requirements, including the requirements for any licences, permits or supervisor's instructions.
- Euthanasia procedure is monitored to ensure that the animal's death is rapid and without complications or undue suffering.
- Complete the euthanasia of animals
- Animal deaths are confirmed.
- Carcasses that are required for research or post-mortem examination are handled in accordance with the institution's standard operating procedures, experimental requirements and OHS policies.
- Animal carcasses are handled and moved in accordance with OHS guidelines and codes of practice.
- Biological waste and animal carcasses that are not required for research or other approved purposes are disposed of promptly in accordance with statutory requirements, the institution's standard operating procedures and OHS policies.
- Equipment and materials are decontaminated or cleaned and stored or disposed of in accordance with the institution's standard operating procedures.
- Records relating to euthanased animals are updated in accordance with the institution's standard operating procedures.
- Coping mechanisms are developed to deal with personal distress or grief related to workplace duties.