Assessor Resource
ACMATE504A
Administer anaesthesia and perform surgery on animals for scientific purposes
Assessment tool
Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024
The unit has been specifically developed for animal technicians working with and caring for animals (all live non-human vertebrates) used within scientific establishments for scientific purposes and teaching. Animal technicians administering anaesthesia and performing basic surgery on animals operate under and must comply with the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes, relevant state/territory legislative requirements as well as protocols, policies and procedures set down by the institution's Animal Ethics Committee (AEC).
In addition to legal and ethical responsibilities, all units of competency in the ACM10 Animal Care and Management Training Package have the requirement for animals to be handled gently and calmly. The individual is required to exhibit appropriate care for animals so that stress and discomfort is minimised.
Note: Scientific purposes refers to 'all those activities that require approval from an Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) and are performed to acquire, develop or demonstrate knowledge of techniques in any scientific discipline, including activities for the purposes of teaching, field trips, environmental studies, research, diagnosis, product testing and the production of biological products'.
This unit of competency covers the process of preparing personnel, equipment, animals and the facility for anaesthesia and surgical procedures for scientific purposes.
Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may apply to this unit. Therefore, it will be necessary to check with the relevant state or territory regulators for current licensing, legislative or regulatory requirements before undertaking this unit.
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