The application of this unit in the workplace includes applying knowledge of vector biology to identify vector types, location and life cycle; drawing conclusions on the risk of vector borne disease; and identifying counter measures to minimise the risk of disease to organisational participants. This unit of competency is applicable to preventive medicine personnel. This function is limited to the performance of tasks in accordance with organisational policies and procedures. | |
Not applicable.
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Collect and review data in preparation for surveillance activities | 1.1 Historical data is analysed to develop an understanding of known facts about the surveillance area and vectors 1.2 Climate and topography of surveillance area is reviewed to identify key locations of interest and optimal time to perform surveillance 1.3 Blood and/or mosquito samples are analysed using rapid test kits to identify the potential prevalence of vector borne diseases in surveillance area |
2. Perform surveillance of vectors | 2.1 Vector collection techniques are used to gather surveillance data 2.2 Surveillance equipment is used in accordance with operating instructions 2.3 Collected vectors are sorted and identified to enable further classification 2.4 Collected vectors are preserved for storage and transport |
3. Interpret and report data gathered from vector borne disease surveillance | 3.1 Surveillance data is interpreted to classify vectors to consider the risk of vector borne disease to personnel 3.2 Risk of vector borne disease occurrence is determined to aid environmental health planning and health promotion 3.3 Surveillance report is drafted and presented to relevant persons including recommendations on counter measures, to reduce the risk of vector borne disease to personnel |
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. |
Required Skills |
gather research material from available sources interpret surveillance data to draw conclusions manipulate vectors with high level of dexterity and hand/eye coordination prioritise tasking set up, operate and disassemble surveillance equipment work safely |
Required Knowledge |
aetiology of disease relevant to vector borne diseases best use of available resources causes of manpower wastage documentation processes relevant to own workplace health surveillance system operating procedures for surveillance equipment organisational policies and procedures preservation techniques for vectors time management strategies to set priorities vector biology vector borne diseases of interest to the ADF |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | Assessment must confirm the ability to: collect vectors accurately identify vectors demonstrate a knowledge of vector biology. Consistency in performance Competency should be demonstrated over a minimum of two assessment occasions. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Context of assessment Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace situation. This may be in an urban or a field setting. Specific resources for assessment Access is required to: surveillance equipment suitable environment/setting to collect vectors. |
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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below. | |
Historical data may include | Health intelligence reports Government reports on health statistics Scientific reports on health statistics |
Vectors may include | Cockroaches Fleas House flies Lice Mites Mosquitoes Phlebotomines (sandflies) Ticks |
Vector borne diseases may include | Barmah Forest Fever Epidemic typhus Filariasis Japanese encephalitis Leishmaniasis Leptospirosis Malaria Murray Valley Encephalitis Plague Relapsing fever Ross River Fever Sandfly fever Schistosomiasis Typhus Yellow fever |
Vector collection techniques may include | Human landing biting collection Larval collection Light trap carbon dioxide collection Sticky trap collection Truck catch collection |
Surveillance equipment may include | Ladle Light trap Microscope Mounting set adult Mounting set larvae Pipette Sticky trap |
Preserving collected vectors may include | Alcohol Pinned adults Refrigeration Slide mounted larvae |
Surveillance data may include | Breeding habits Disease and health implications Distribution Life cycle Location Resting habits Vector types |
Relevant persons may include | Activity commander Environmental health officer Team leader Technical supervisor |
Counter measures may include | Avoiding known areas where vectors occur Education Impregnating clothing and bed nets with chemical protective barrier (Permethrin impregnation) Selecting appropriate camp site Sleeping under bed nets Using protective clothing Using repellents, insecticides Wearing long sleeves, trousers, head nets, covered footwear |
Not applicable.
This unit contains employability skills. | |
Pre-requisite Unit/s | Nil |
Not applicable.