ACMATE301
Work within an animal technology facility


Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to work in an animal technology facility.

The unit applies to individuals who work under strict supervision as junior or assistant level animal technicians, working with and caring for animals used within an animal technology environment for scientific purposes.

No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.


Elements and Performance Criteria

Elements

Performance Criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Work effectively within an animal technology facility

1.1 Identify role of the animal technology facility within the context of relevant legislative requirements

1.2 Determine roles and relationships between departments or individuals

1.3 Identify relationships with other bodies and agencies

1.4 Use industry terminology related to work procedures, equipment and animal management

1.5 Complete daily routines according to WHS requirements ad environmentally sensitive work practices

2. Work ethically with animals

2.1 Perform personal work practices to comply with facilities policies, procedures and guidelines

2.2 Interpret and comply with relevant codes of practice, regulations and legislation related to the ethical treatment of animals in animal technology workplaces

2.3 Comply with biosecurity protocols to ensure the safety of animals and staff

3. Identify animals

3.1 Use common and scientific names to identify animals

3.2 Use distinguishing characteristics to identify specific animals

3.3 Provide assistance, according to WHS requirements, in applying identification methods to specific animals within a group

3.4 Accurately record details of animal identification in the organisational management system according to facilities policies and procedures

4. Anticipate, recognise and respond to signs of distress or grief in self

4.1 Identify and document situations or incidents that may result in distress or grief

4.2 Identify and document personal stressors and grief responses

4.3 Identify and use strategies for coping with distress or grief responses

5. Comply with industry specific WHS requirements

5.1 Perform job-specific work practices to comply with WHS guidelines, environmental processes and industry best practice

5.2 Comply with workplace security procedures

5.3 Communicate clearly the need for assistance to improve performance, to the appropriate person

5.4 Identify and report breaches in biological control barriers

Foundation Skills

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.

Skill

Description

Reading

Read and interpret texts, including illustrations and diagrams, to identify common and scientific names for commonly used animals

Writing

Complete workplace forms accurately and completely to document observations, measurements, treatments and decisions on animal care

Learning

Plan and organise routine daily tasks, identifying possible risks and accessing assistance where required


Sectors

Animal Technology (ATE)