Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to perform a range of techniques to collect and preserve animals and plant material for both public and scientific research display. Personnel are required to assist clients to clarify their display requirements, select the most appropriate collection and preservation procedures and display configuration and then assemble and conserve the display items. The unit does not cover techniques and procedures for handling vertebrates that are subject to national and state/territory animal care and ethics regulations.
This unit applies to technical assistants and technical officers in research and teaching institutions, museums, herbariums, commercial taxidermy, forestry, zoos and fauna park industry sectors. This unit of competency is relevant to technicians who may work individually or as part of a team. The workplace will need to equip its personnel with relevant animal handling skills should they be required.
No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1 | Confirm the requirements of the display and plan the work | 1.1 | Clarify the purpose and design of the display in consultation with other staff |
1.2 | Determine suitable methods of collection, preservation and display in order to meet the display requirements | ||
2 | Work safely according to the legal and regulatory framework | 2.1 | Ensure work practices and personal actions conform to all relevant legislation, regulations, codes and guidelines |
2.2 | Identify hazards and workplace safety procedures associated with the specimens, samples, collection and preservation methods, reagents and equipment | ||
2.3 | Select, fit and use personal protective equipment (PPE) | ||
2.4 | Address hazards and incidents as they arise | ||
2.5 | Ensure the safe disposal of biohazardous materials and other waste | ||
3 | Collect plants and animal material | 3.1 | Assemble equipment required for collection and preservation |
3.2 | Collect specimens to meet display requirements | ||
3.3 | Check identification of specimens and assess their suitability for the display | ||
3.4 | Label specimens and accurately record data to ensure traceability of specimen from the source through to the final display | ||
3.5 | Store specimens during transportation to ensure it retains the required characteristics | ||
4 | Preserve plant and animal material | 4.1 | Confirm the identification of specimens and suitability for the purpose |
4.2 | Examine the specimens and record data | ||
4.3 | Take samples from the specimens and prepare them for preservation | ||
4.4 | Preserve the specimens using workplace procedures | ||
5 | Display plant and animal material | 5.1 | Ensure the specimen is conserved to minimise deterioration |
5.2 | Place the preserved specimen in the display to meet the display plan and security requirements | ||
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Competency Field
Testing