Required skills

calculate solutions dilutions percentages concentrations proportions ratios molarity and weights and measures conversions

collect prepare and label samples according to postmortem techniques and workplace protocols

evaluate sample suitability and viability in line with project protocols or workplace standards

identify common indicators of the presence of disease and infection processes visually

identify potential hazards to self and others including animals in conducting postmortem examinations and prepare risk management plans

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

prepare and use equipment and materials correctly in accordance with manufacturers specifications

prepare and maintain appropriate records including animal care and ethics register using relevant institutional electronic andor manual systems

use chemicals and cleaning agents in accordance with state or territory legislation and organisational policies and procedures

literacy skills to read interpret and apply facility policies and procedures including OHS infection control containment and exclusion and waste management follow sequenced written instructions record accurately and legibly information collected and select and apply procedures to a range of defined tasks

oral communication skillslanguage to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning active listening asking for clarification and consulting with or seeking advice from research group team members senior or more experienced staff or other relevant persons

numeracy skills to estimate calculate and record routine and more complex workplace measures

problemsolving skills to use available information and resources and prioritise daily tasks

use personal protective clothing and equipment correctly

use safe manual handling techniques andor equipment

use safe waste handling and disposal procedures

Required knowledge

animal biology anatomy and physiology of the range of species in the institutions research program including the position features and appearance of major organs in healthy animals of the species being examined

anatomical and physiological terminology and glossary of terms and nomenclature related to the species being examined

animal care and ethics protocols related to the conduct of postmortems

biosecurity issues for animals and humans relating to the collection of samples from animals

classification system used to categorise animal care and treatment by AECs

industry terminology used to describe and document findings in postmortem

methods and equipment used to collect and prepare tissue and fluid samples for transport to testing area

organisational policies and safe work procedures including OHS and emergency procedures

relevant codes of practice including the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes

relevant state or territory legislation and regulations relating to the practice of veterinary science OHS animal welfare waste disposal and animal research practices

relevant state or territory legislation covering the use of therapeutic and controlled substances

requirements for the correct preparation labeling and packaging of biological and potentially hazardous samples

sequence of actions in conducting a postmortem

specific postmortem cleanup techniques equipment and materials

terminology used to describe findings in post mortem

type of information that can be provided in pathology tests

types of information that has to be reported and recorded in animal care workplaces

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

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

collect and obtain information about animals to be examined

carry out external and internal assessments of animals and take samples and tissues as required in accordance with OHS and organisation policies and procedures

clean and disinfect equipment materials and area upon completion of postmortem examination

handle move and dispose of animal carcasses

prepare a brief for the veterinarian andor supervisor to enable an accurate analysis andor diagnosis of the cause of death andor to provide data required for the research program

The skills and knowledge required to carry out postmortem examination of research animals 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 be assessed in an animal research facility or an environment that reproduces normal work conditions that has a scientific establishment licence and access to an approved AEC

There must also be access to a range of dead research animals and the relevant information materials and documentation to enable one to demonstrate competence

Method of assessment

To ensure consistency in ones performance competency should be demonstrated to industry defined standards on more than two occasions over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances and over a number of assessment activities

The assessment strategy must include practical skills assessment Suggested strategies for this unit are

written andor oral assessment of candidates required knowledge

observed documented and firsthand testimonial evidence of candidates application of practical tasks

simulation exercises that reproduce normal work conditions

thirdparty evidence

workplace documentation eg postmortem brief

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 eg literacy and numeracy demands and the needs of particular target groups eg 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

Considerations for a site suitable for post-mortem may include:

Correct clothing, equipment and resources may include:

Animals that may be included are:

Vitals signs to be checked will include:

Preliminary information that should be collected before conducting the post-mortem examination should include:

Abnormal characteristics to be considered may include:

OHS hazards associated with animal technician procedures include:

Expert assistance that may be needed includes:

Personal biosecurity clean-up may include: