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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Prepare materials, tools and equipment for animal care work
  2. Undertake animal care work as directed
  3. Handle materials and equipment

Evidence Required

What are the critical aspects of evidence required for this unit of competency as a whole

The critical requirements that are valuable for this unit of competency as a whole are listed below

Assessment must confirm ones ability to

prepare tools equipment and materials for animal care work

undertake animal care work as directed

handle materials and equipment

communicate effectively with supervisors

follow instructions to complete work activities

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this unit in the workplace to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events The knowledge requirements for this unit of competency are listed below and include

safe work practices

animal handling techniques

animal care

tools and equipment

repair and maintenance of animal housing

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria

To achieve the performance criteria some complementary skills are required These skills include

prepare materials tools and equipment

undertake work with animals as directed

handle materials and equipment

literacy skills to read and follow organisational policies and procedures including OHS follow sequenced written instructions and record information accurately and legibly

interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities

oral communication skills language competence required to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning active listening asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor

numeracy skills to complete basic arithmetic calculations and measure volumes

problemsolving skills to use available resources and prioritise daily tasks

What are the specific resource implications for this unit of competency

For valid assessment one must have opportunities to participate in a range of exercises case studies and other real and simulated practical and knowledge assessments that demonstrate the skills and knowledge to participate in supporting animal care work One must also have access to the resources listed below that include

equipment and or resources used in animal care work

animals

supervisors

What considerations should there be for consistency in performance

To ensure consistency in ones performance competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances cases and responsibilities and where possible over a number of assessment activities

The skills and knowledge required to support animal care work must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts and include the ability to deal with unplanned events For example this could include work within different animal care organisations and with different animals

What considerations should there be for context of assessment

Assessment for this unit of competency is to be largely practical in nature and will be most appropriately assessed in a workplace or in a situation that reproduces normal work conditions

There must be access in either situation to the appropriate equipment and or resources to enable one to demonstrate competency

What processes should be applied to this unit of competency

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life which are required in all jobs They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions Some of these are covered by the key competencies although others may be added The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this unit of competency Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where not required perform the process perform and administer the process and perform administer and design the process

How can communication of ideas and information be applied

By discussing information about the job tasks and problems with supervisors

How can information be collected analysed and organised

By locating applying and clarifying when required workplace and supervisors instructions

How are activities planned and organised

By discussing work tasks with supervisors in order to complete them efficiently in a logical sequence and in a timely manner

How can teamwork be applied

By communicating and cooperating with other staff in completing tasks

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied

By counting tallying and estimating as required when carrying out animal care work

How can problemsolving skills be applied

By consulting with supervisors about problems

How can the use of technology be applied

By using tools and equipment

Are there other units of competency that could be assessed with this one

This unit of competency could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function


Range Statement

Range of Variables

The Range of Variables explains the range of contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this unit of competency may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment may depend on the work contexts

What tasks may be included in animal care work?

Assistance with selecting, catching and restraining animals; basic grooming, cleaning and maintenance; caring for and feeding animals; loading and unloading goods and materials; and carrying out routine maintenance on animal housing, including fixtures and fittings.

Which instructions may be relevant?

Instructions may include standard operating procedures, organisational policies and procedures, job specifications, work notes, material safety data sheets, manufacturers' instructions and verbal instructions from managers or supervisors.

Which tools and equipment may be required for work with animals?

Tools and equipment may include ropes, chains, leads, collars, blankets, bridles, headstalls, leads, rugs, soap, brushes and combs.

Which OHS hazards may be associated with animal care work?

Hazards may include exposure to noise, dust, solar radiation, chemicals, hazardous substances, airborne micro-organisms and micro-organisms in soil. They may also relate to sharp hand tools and equipment, manual handling, holes and uneven or slippery surfaces.

What are the PPE requirements associated with animal support?

Personal protective clothing and equipment may include protective footwear, gloves, eye and ear protection, face masks and overalls or industry-specific clothing.

What waste materials may apply?

Packaging, broken components and plastic, metal, and paper-based materials.