Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to conduct euthanasia or humane killing of research animals using approved methods.
The unit applies to individuals who are required to work with and care for animals used within scientific establishments for scientific purposes and teaching.
All work practices must be undertaken in accordance with legislative requirements, the current Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (the Code), the organisation's standard operating procedures, and protocols, policies and procedures approved by the organisation's Animal Ethics Committee (AEC). Users are advised to check legislative requirements for their jurisdiction.
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 conduct euthanasia or humane killing of research animal | 1.1 Identify, justify and report need for euthanasia or humane killing 1.2 Identify and use AEC approved method appropriate for species and research outcomes 1.3 Prepare equipment and materials for euthanasia or humane killing 1.4 Select location for the euthanasia or humane killing 1.5 Identify hazards associated with euthanasia or humane killing according to health and safety procedures and guidelines |
2. Carry out the euthanasia or humane killing of animals | 2.1 Use personal protective and safety equipment according to health and safety policies and statutory requirements 2.2 Handle and transport equipment according to statutory requirements and industry practices 2.3 Handle and restrain animals to minimise pain, distress and risk of injury to the animals or personnel according to animal welfare, ethical and legal requirements 2.4 Apply approved euthanasia or humane killing method according to the requirements of the task |
3. Complete the euthanasia or humane killing of animals | 3.1 Confirm animal deaths according to approved indicators of death 3.2 Handle and move carcasses that are required for research or post-mortem examination according to organisational experimental and health and safety requirements 3.3 Store or dispose of samples, waste and animal carcasses according to health and safety organisational procedures and legislative requirements 3.4 Decontaminate or clean, and store or dispose of, equipment, materials and drugs 3.5 Update records relating to animals that have been euthanased or humanely killed according to workplace policies and 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 |
Numeracy | Calculate solutions, dilutions, body weights and dose rates |
Oral communication | Listen carefully to instructions from supervisor and ask clarifying questions as required |
Sectors
Animal Technology (ATE)