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.

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 all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:

knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions that are to apply when transporting greyhounds

implementation of procedures and timely techniques for the safe, effective and efficient transport of greyhounds

working with others to undertake and complete greyhound transportation procedures that meet required outcomes.

Evidence should be collected over a period of time using a range of greyhounds of different ages, sexes and temperaments, and at different stages of preparation in racing kennel and track environments.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency must be assessed in a racing workplace that provides access to the required resources or simulated environment approved by the relevant State Principal Racing Authority. Assessment is to occur under standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints. It is to comply with relevant regulatory requirements or Australian Standards requirements.

Assessment of the practical components of this unit will be by observation of relevant skills.

The following resources must be available:

a variety of greyhounds

materials and equipment, including transport vehicles relevant to assessing candidate's ability to transport greyhounds

safe handling areas, such as commercial kennels and racetracks

work instructions and related documentation.

Method of assessment

Assessment methods must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Racing Training Package.

The suggested strategies for the assessment of this unit are:

written and/or oral assessment of candidate's required knowledge

observed, documented and firsthand testimonial evidence of candidate's application of practical tasks

simulation exercises conducted in a State Principal Racing Authority approved simulated environment.

Evidence is required to be demonstrated over a period of time, therefore where performance is not directly observed any evidence should be authenticated by supervisors or other appropriate persons.

This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy and numeracy demands) and the needs of particular target groups (e.g. people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people with a language background other than English, youth and people from low socioeconomic backgrounds).

Required skills

applying safe handling and work practices when dealing with greyhounds

checking and cleaning vehicles, trailers or trucks

communicating with employer, supervisor, co-workers and others using assertive communication techniques to gather and relay information related to greyhound handling and transportation activities

completing duties in accordance with safe operating procedures and nominated time frame

evaluating risks associated with transporting greyhounds

following instructions

identifying greyhound behaviour problems

identifying symptoms and signs of greyhound illness, injury or distress

identifying and correctly using different items of handling gear

reading and interpreting workplace documentation, including relevant rules of racing

relating to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with varying physical and mental abilities

reporting problems promptly.

Required knowledge

basic industry terminology related to handling greyhounds

communication procedures, including reporting lines within kennel and wider racing industry

common greyhound behaviour, social traits and vices

illness or injury to greyhounds

methods of checking greyhound physical condition during and after transport

purpose of using different items of handling gear and appropriate personal protective equipment

racing industry animal welfare requirements

racing industry safety requirements, including safe operating procedures

relevant rules of racing

relevant road safety rules.

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.

The range statement provides details of how this competency can be used in the workplaces of the racing industry to transport greyhounds. Workplaces include greyhound kennels and racecourses, training tracks and public areas.

Basic vehicle and trailer safety check may include:

assessment of risks and hazards to people and greyhounds

trailer:

brake lights and indicators

floor

hitch and chain

interior lighting

ventilation

vehicle:

brakes

jack and wheel brace

lights and indicators

tow bar and ball

tyres.

Equipment for transporting greyhounds may include:

appropriate bedding

collar and lead

first aid kit

food and water

muzzle

pooper scooper

rug.

Checking and preparing greyhounds for transport may include:

establishing special requirements for a particular greyhound

greyhound is assessed for signs and symptoms of illness or injury.

Transport may include:

cars

station wagons

trailers

vans or trucks.

Indicators of illness or injury may include:

dehydration

diarrhoea

elevated temperature (overheating)

excessive panting

head, leg or body wounds

listlessness

swelling in limbs.

Caring for greyhounds may include:

adhering to responsibilities under OHS legislation and workplace practices

adhering to responsibilities under national and state codes of practice; federal, state and territory legislation; and local government regulations covering animal welfare

considering variables that influence behaviour of greyhounds, such as:

fences and equipment

other persons or animals

vehicles

wind or noise

cooling down greyhounds according to weather conditions

feeding and watering as directed

identifying and reporting unsafe work practices

identifying emergency situations, including:

gear breakage

greyhound getting loose

providing appropriate rest stops during transportation

rugging as appropriate

treating illness or injury as directed

understanding individual greyhound behaviour.

Checking and cleaning vehicle and trailer may include:

removing faeces to correct area

removing, cleaning and storing gear and equipment

cleaning matting or removing if wet

locking vehicle and trailer.