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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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included. |
Considerations for a site suitable for post-mortem may include: | a suitable laboratorya post-mortem site that:can be cleaned both before and after the examinationis located away from other animals to avoid stress to live animalsblood and fluids not being able to contaminate surrounding areas or facilities. |
Correct clothing, equipment and resources may include: | an autopsy kit containing:a knifea steel or sharpening stonebucket, scrubbing brush and disinfectantplastic bags or containers to collect specimensplastic or rubber disposable glovesscissors and forceps or tweezersswabsclothing:surgical gowns, caps, masks, boots and glovesother equipment:optical aidspen and notebookwheelbarrow or trolley for disposal of the carcass. |
Animals that may be included are: | on most occasions the animal species will be common laboratory animals:guinea pigsmicerabbitsratson some occasions animal species may include:amphibians, fish and reptilesdogs and catsfishinvertebrateslivestock (e.g. sheep, cattle and pigs)native wildlife (e.g. marsupials and birds)primatespoultry. |
Vitals signs to be checked will include: | pulse, respiration and papillary light reflex. |
Preliminary information that should be collected before conducting the post-mortem examination should include: | date of death or the date animal was found deadidentification number and age of animallocation of animal (e.g. pen, shed or paddock number)weightbody conditionprevious health problemsperiod of ill health if any (e.g. when first noted as being sick or off feed)health of other animals in the same institutionspecific information relating to the experimental programother details required by the AEC and institutional policies and procedures. |
Abnormal characteristics to be considered may include: | abnormal characteristics might be anything that cannot be diagnosed or explained from previous experiencewhere abnormal characteristics appear to be present, they should be referred immediately to a veterinary laboratory. |
OHS hazards associated with animal technician procedures include: | animal bites, kicks or scratchesbiological hazardous waste and sharps disposalhandling of anaesthetic agents, chemicals and scavenging systemsgas leakageinhalation of aerosol particlesintraocular contaminationmanual handling, including carrying, lifting and shiftingneedle pricks and cuts from other sharpsrelease of infective agents (animal and human)zoonoses. |
Expert assistance that may be needed includes: | a veterinarian where unusual symptoms are detected:the presence of notifiable and potentially hazardous conditions or diseases, such as anthrax or other zoonoseslarge or small organsexcessive fluid and swellings. |
Personal biosecurity clean-up may include: | clothing changed and placed in appropriate bin for launderingdisposable gloves are disinfected before being disposedfootwear disinfected if appropriatehands thoroughly washed and dried. |