Elements and Performance Criteria
- Prepare for handling alpacas
- Alpaca handling areas, gates and access routes are identified, prepared and maintained according to enterprise requirements.
- Alpacas are located and identified for handling according to supervisor instructions.
- Behavioural characteristics of alpacas are observed and anticipated, and appropriate handling methods are selected.
- Handling equipment is selected, checked for soundness and prepared for use according to manufacturer and supervisor instructions.
- Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards in the workplace are recognised and reported to supervisor, and action is taken to minimise risks to self and others.
- Hazards to animals are recognised and reported to supervisor, and action is taken to minimise risks to animals.
- Site quarantine and other biosecurity protocols are observed.
- Handle alpacas
- Suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is selected, used and maintained according to OHS requirements.
- Procedures to control and sort alpacas are followed according to OHS and animal welfare requirements.
- Alpacas are classified according to age, sex and husbandry tasks to be performed.
- Restraint procedures are carried out with minimum stress and discomfort to alpacas, and according to OHS and animal welfare requirements.
- Alpacas are transported when required according to animal welfare requirements.
- Alpaca behaviour is continually monitored and anticipated during moving and handling processes to ensure wellbeing of alpacas and safety of handlers.
- Alpaca count is conducted and recorded according to enterprise requirements.
- Environmental impacts of alpaca handling and husbandry tasks are recognised and reported to supervisor.
- Carry out basic alpaca husbandry tasks
- All basic alpaca husbandry is carried out according to enterprise, OHS and animal welfare requirements.
- Unhealthy stock and abnormal conditions and/or behaviour are identified and reported to supervisor.
- Stock is fed and adequate clean water is provided.
- Plants poisonous to alpacas are recognised and reported to supervisor.
- Complete alpaca handling activities
- Alpaca husbandry tasks are completed as instructed, and gates and access routes are prepared for alpacas' departure according to enterprise requirements
- Handling areas and equipment are cleaned and maintained and surplus materials are stored according to OHS and enterprise requirements.
- Handling area maintenance requirements and equipment faults or malfunctions are detailed and reported according to enterprise requirements.
- Alpaca residues and waste are disposed of according to OHS and enterprise environmental practices.
- Relevant information about particular animals and the husbandry tasks performed is recorded and reported according to enterprise requirements.