Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to follow organisational containment and exclusion procedures that are designed to exclude pathogenic organisms from entering an aseptic site and to contain organisms in a particular site.
The unit applies to individuals who work in entry level roles as junior or assistant level animal technicians, working under direct supervision of a senior or more experienced staff member.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare to carry out containment and exclusion procedures | 1.1 Treat items requiring decontamination according to organisational policies and procedures 1.2 Carry out decontamination procedures for self and/or required equipment before entering a containment or exclusion site 1.3 Report contact with potential contaminants according to organisational requirements 1.4 Wash hands and change gloves before handling animals, feed or other products 1.5 Dress in appropriate clothing, footwear and personal protective equipment before commencing work, and store street clothing securely away from animals, feed or other products |
2. Follow site containment and exclusion procedures | 2.1 Identify any health and safety hazards and report to supervisor 2.2 Identify and report any cases of pest infestation 2.3 Dispose of all waste products according to organisational policies and procedures |
3. Carry out animal care in a containment and exclusion area | 3.1 Carry out husbandry activities in containment and exclusion area according to organisational procedures and schedules 3.2 Maintain animal isolation housing areas in accordance with containment and exclusion requirements 3.3 Maintain containment practices between cages and/or facilities |
4. Assist in maintaining site containment and exclusion procedures | 4.1 Decontaminate incoming and outgoing goods according to organisational policies and procedures 4.2 Note and report any observed breaches of containment and exclusion procedures, including those relating to deliveries of goods 4.3 Keep gates, doors and containment equipment secure according to procedures 4.4 Maintain accurate records for compliance and traceability 4.5 Check personnel entry to facility areas according to organisational procedures |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Reading | Check information in organisational documents to ensure correct procedures for containment and exclusion are followed |
Writing | Complete workplace forms and report information about containment breaches in a clear and accurate manner |
Oral communication | Ask questions to clarify and confirm instructions |
Sectors
Animal Technology (ATE)