Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to work in an animal technology facility.
The unit applies to individuals who work under strict supervision as junior or assistant level animal technicians, working with and caring for animals used within an animal technology environment for scientific purposes.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements 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. Work effectively within an animal technology facility | 1.1 Identify role of the animal technology facility within the context of relevant legislative requirements 1.2 Determine roles and relationships between departments or individuals 1.3 Identify relationships with other bodies and agencies 1.4 Use industry terminology related to work procedures, equipment and animal management 1.5 Complete daily routines according to organisational health and safety and environmental requirements and work practices |
2. Work ethically with animals | 2.1 Perform personal work practices to comply with organisational policies, procedures and guidelines 2.2 Interpret and comply with relevant codes, regulations and legislation related to the ethical treatment of animals in workplaces requiring animal technicians 2.3 Comply with biosecurity protocols and organisational procedures to ensure the health and safety of animals and staff |
3. Identify animals | 3.1 Use common and scientific names to identify animals 3.2 Use distinguishing characteristics to identify specific animals 3.4 Accurately record animal identification details in the organisational management system according to organisational procedures |
4. Identify and observe approved euthanasia or humane killing practice in an animal technology facility | 4.1 Identify the reasons for implementing euthanasia and humane killing in an animal laboratory and research context 4.2 Identify appropriate process and species-specific approved methods for euthanasia or humane killing used in the facility 4.3 Observe or assist with approved animal euthanasia or humane killing |
5. Recognise and respond to issues related to working in an animal technology facility | 5.1 Identify situations or incidents related to animal technology work that may contribute to mental health and wellbeing, including compassion fatigue 5.2 Anticipate, recognise and respond to signs indicating mental health issues, including compassion fatigue, in self and others 5.3 Identify coping strategies and tools to maintain mental health issues 5.4 Contribute to team strategies to address challenges relating to animal technology work |
6. Comply with industry-specific health and safety requirements | 6.1 Perform job-specific work practices according to organisational and regulatory health and safety and environmental requirements 6.2 Comply with workplace security procedures 6.3 Communicate clearly and seek assistance from the appropriate person to improve performance and provide guidance 6.4 Identify and report unusual activity and breaches in compliance |
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 | Read and interpret texts, including illustrations and diagrams, to identify common and scientific names for commonly used animals |
Writing | Complete workplace forms accurately and completely to document observations, measurements, treatments and decisions on animal care |
Interact with others | Work collaboratively with own team and researchers within the animal technology facility |
Get the work done | Plan and organise routine daily tasks, identifying possible safety and animal welfare risks |
Sectors
Animal Technology (ATE)