This unit requires the application of judgment and discretion, and is likely to be carried out independently within own area of responsibility.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for euthanasia

1.1. Criteria for decision to destroy livestock conform to enterprise euthanasia action plan and approval of supervisor where required.

1.2. Method selected to destroy livestock conforms to enterprise euthanasia action plan.

1.3. Equipment and materials required to complete the euthanasia are prepared.

1.4. Hazards associated with the euthanasia are identified in accordance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards.

1.5. Environmental and public safety risks associated with the euthanasia are identified in accordance with statutory and local authority requirements.

1.6. Licences and permits required to complete euthanasia are obtained where necessary.

1.7. Equipment and materials for euthanasia are checked and prepared in accordance with statutory requirements and industry practice.

2. Carry out euthanasia of animal

2.1. Personal protective and safety equipment is used in accordance with OHS standards and statutory requirements.

2.2. Equipment is handled and transported safely at all times in accordance with statutory requirements and industry practices.

2.3. Animal is physically restrained in a way that minimises pain and distress.

2.4. Animal is killed in a quick and painless way in accordance with animal welfare regulations and statutory requirements.

2.5. Animal is checked to ensure it is dead.

2.6. Animals that have not been killed immediately are destroyed in a humane manner in accordance with animal welfare regulations and statutory requirements.

2.7. Carcasses that are required for research or commercial use are handled as required, in accordance with the animal management strategy and action plan.

2.8. Animal carcasses that are not required for research or other purposes are disposed of as required, in accordance with statutory requirements and industry practice.

3. Clean and store equipment and materials

3.1. Carcasses for research or commercial use are cleaned and stored in accordance with relevant policies and procedures and industry practice.

3.2. Equipment and materials are cleaned and stored in accordance with relevant standards and policies.

3.3. Job completion is reported or recorded in accordance with relevant policies and procedures.

Required skills

apply animal welfare requirements and OHS procedures

prepare for euthanasia

carry out euthanasia of animal

clean and store equipment and materials.

dispose of animals in line with environmental policies

use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legible information collected and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

OHS regulations and safe practice in euthanasing animals

statutory legislation and requirements related to euthanasing livestock

enterprise euthanasia action plans

animal handling and behaviour

anatomy and physical features of the animal

animal welfare legislation, code of practice and enterprise requirements

where firearms are used, procedures appropriate to the firearms safety and handling.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

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

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

prepare for euthanasia

carry out euthanasia of animal using method that minimises pain and distress

dispose of carcass

clean and store equipment and materials.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Reasons for euthanasing may include:

irreparable fracture limbs causing severe trauma

loss of production

poor quality of life

inability to stand or walk

diagnostic reasons such as potential to cause human disease

debilitating or toxic condition (cost of treatment prohibitive and poor prognosis).

Unit sector

Livestock

This unit contains employability skills.