The application of this unit does not cover or allow for administering medications, applying chemicals or using anaesthetics (even under supervision). Some possible work contexts where this unit could apply may include an aquaculture enterprise, a farm, a pet shop or an animal refuge. The unit should be regarded as a fundamental unit for Certificate I pathways into the agri-food industry. It should be applied to a specific animal care project or task which has a defined beginning, middle and end, occurs over an extended period of time, and is reflective of the particular agri-food industry and organisation.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Identify and plan appropriate animal care approach.

1. Workplace approach to working with animals is identified, understood and considered in relation to work activity.

2. Individual responsibility to the contribution of animal care is identified in relation to work activity.

3. Products, services, operations, customers and safe work practices relevant to work activity are researched and identified.

4. Appropriate capture and restraint requirements and equipment are identified where required.

5. Animal care strategy based on workplace requirements and individual responsibility is mapped out and applied to work activity.

Contribute to animal care using an appropriate mix of technical skills.

6. Food preparation equipment is organised according to task needs.

7. Common animal behaviours for the species are recognised and appropriate action is taken.

8. Animals are cared for and fed and watered according to animal welfare standards and health and safety procedures and standards.

9. Tools and equipment are identified and used appropriately.

10. Stock levels are accurately counted where appropriate.

11. Animals are groomed according to enterprise and animal welfare policy, if required.

Work with others and handle unexpected contingencies.

12. Requests that effect work activity and animal care are met courteously, clearly, professionally and efficiently.

13. Assistance with issues relating to animal care is sought from other staff when required and in a timely manner.

14. Key personnel are kept informed of progress of animal care activity and provided with clear explanations regarding issues in regards to animal care.

15. Physical and behavioural hazards from the environment and animalsare identified and reported.

Reflect on animal care procedures.

16. Personal performance in relation to working with animals is considered and analysed.

17. Possible improvements to personal contribution to working with animals are identified and applied to work activity.

18. Possible improvements to animal care procedures are considered and discussed with key personnel.

Required skills

Required skills:

adapt and modify activities depending on differing workplace contexts and environment

apply animal-observation skills

apply relevant industrial or legislative requirements

identify and use equipment, tools and other technology required to complete workplace tasks

follow relevant OHS and environmental protection procedures and requirements

identify species using common names

interpret and follow a designated work plan or set of instructions for a job

keep required records of workplace activities

plan a daily routine to complete required workplace tasks

recognise and adapt appropriately to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interaction with staff and others

recognise limitations, ask for help and seek clarification or information about work requirements and procedures

demonstrate appropriate initiative to deal with problems or refer them where appropriate to relevant person, and complete tasks

apply time-management skills

use appropriate techniques to solve or report problems identified when completing work tasks

use basic interpersonal and communication skills, such as listening, questioning and receiving feedback

use literacy skills in the workplace

use routine capture and restraint procedures

work cooperatively and collaboratively with others to complete tasks

work with animals in an ethical manner.

Required knowledge:

basic principles of animal ethics and welfare

codes of practice relating to work requirements

diseases and pests, disease prevention and routine health care

feeding and watering procedures

hazards in the workplace

health and safety requirements relating to care of animals

quarantine requirements

terminology relevant to animal care

types of chemicals and their use in animal care.

Required knowledge

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessment must confirm appropriate knowledge and skills demonstrated over a period of time, in a range of contexts and to a consistent standard. Evidence must demonstrate the individual's ability and understanding to:

apply relevant ethical practices and codes of practice in the course of work activities

communicate effectively in the course of work activities

communicate effectively with others as required when following safety procedures

complete work activities in collaboration with others according to instructions, procedures and applicable regulations

follow workplace procedures for hazard identification and risk control

plan own work activities to meet workplace outcomes

recognise and adapt appropriately to cultural differences in the workplace

report and rectify workplace problems according to workplace procedures

complete work activities with required attention to detail and without damage to goods, equipment or personnel

use relevant personal protective clothing and equipment.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment can be carried out by a using a range of simulated or actual workplace activities that demonstrate the skills and knowledge to adapt to workplace requirements. This unit of competency should be part of a holistic assessment involving other units which make up the job function. A variety of assessment methods is recommended and may include:

written or oral questions

observation of work activities, which can be in a workplace or simulated workplace

evaluation of products or output created through work

logbook of work activities undertaken over a period of time

third-party report, for example from a supervisor.

Where a simulated environment is used for assessment it must be reflective of a workplace environment.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the Performance Criteria, is detailed below. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Animals may include:

birds

domestic animals

farm and rural animals

fish and sea animals

mammals and land animals

sporting animals, such as greyhounds and horses

wild animals

zoo animals.

Animal capture and restraint procedures must be carried out in a humane way. Capture techniques may depend on animal characteristics such as:

aggressive nature

stress response

defence mechanisms

physiological makeup.

Capture can involve the following equipment:

anaesthetic agents

bags

catch poles

nets

ropes

visual barriers.

Restraint requirementsand equipment can include:

electric fencing systems

security systems

wire mesh systems

wire strand systems.

Food preparationequipment could require:

cleaning

collecting and putting away

disinfecting

gathering

sterilising.

Feeding and watering animals in the context of animal welfare standards may involve considering:

instructions and dietary charts for food preparation

monitoring water supply for appropriate quantity, quality and safety

animal welfare policies

portions and distribution.

Health and safety procedures and standards may relate to:

protocols, including hazard identification

handling of biological wastes

handling of chemicals

use of personal protective equipment.

Tools and equipment may include:

blankets

bridles

brushes

chains

collars

combs

headstalls

leads

ropes

rugs

soaps.

Animal grooming can involve:

bathing, including massaging, and selecting and using an appropriate shampoo and conditioner

brushing

cleaning anal glands

clipping, including coat clipping

coat-reduction techniques

combing

cutting

de-matting

drying

cleaning ear and eye area

nail trimming

plucking

pre-bathing procedures, including wetting the animal using appropriate water temperature

rinsing animal

scrubbing

shaving and pattern trimming

styling

teeth cleaning

thinning.

Assistance may be needed and requested when:

carrying out familiar tasks relating to rearing young animals

carrying out a new task

dealing with an emergency

handling more than one animal at a time

handling stressed animals

rearing young animals.

Key personnel may include:

animal health specialists

animal trainers

management

OHS personnel

other persons authorised or nominated by the organisation

security staff

supervisors

team leaders

other workplace personnel.

Physical and behavioural hazards

may include:

chemicals and other harmful substances

dangerous floor surfaces

exposure to dust

exposure to noise

extremes in weather conditions

inappropriate lifting practices

incorrect manual-handling practices

micro-organisms in the air or soil

sharp instruments, knives and equipment

signs indicating mating

signs of animal aggression, such as showing teeth

signs of animal combat

signs of animal illness, such as dehydration

unsuitable lighting levels

untidy work conditions

inappropriate waste management and disposal.

Unit Sector

No sector assigned

This unit contains employability skills.