Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to conduct the euthanasing of research animals under supervision.
The unit applies to individuals who are employed as junior or assistant level animal technicians working with and caring for animals used within an animal technology biomedical research or production environment for scientific purposes and teaching purposes where it may be necessary to euthanase individual or groups of animals because of a range of reasons approved by the institution's Animal Ethics Committee (AEC). Individuals work under the supervision of a senior or more experienced staff member and must ensure animals are handled gently and calmly, and must exhibit appropriate care for animals so that stress and discomfort is minimised.
Animal technicians conducting euthanasia operate under and must comply with legislative requirements and the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes, as well as protocols, policies and procedures set down by the institution's AEC.
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. Prepare to conduct euthanasia of research animal | 1.1 Identify, justify and report need for euthanasia 1.2 Ensure method selected for the euthanasia is consistent with the research program approval or protocol 1.3 Prepare euthanasia equipment and materials 1.4 Select location for the euthanasia 1.5 Identify associated euthanasia hazards according to WHS procedures and guidelines 1.6 Review and complete licences and permits required to conduct the euthanasia with the supervisor |
2. Carry out the euthanasia of animals | 2.1 Use personal protective and safety equipment according to WHS policies and statutory requirements 2.2 Handle and transport equipment according to statutory requirements and industry practices` 2.3 Assist with the physical restraining of animals to minimise pain, distress and risk of injury to the animals or personnel and complies with animal welfare, ethical and legal requirements 2.4 Apply euthanasia method according to the requirements of the task and as instructed |
3. Complete the euthanasia of animals | 3.1 Confirm animal deaths 3.2 Handle and move carcasses that are required for research or post-mortem examination according to experimental and WHS requirements 3.3 Dispose of biological waste and animal carcasses that are not required for research or other approved purposes according to WHS procedures and legislative requirements 3.4 Decontaminate or clean, and store or dispose of, equipment and materials 3.5 Update records relating to euthanased animals according to workplace policies and procedures |
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 |
Numeracy | Calculate solutions, dilutions, body weights and dose rates |
Oral communication | Listen carefully to instructions from supervisor and ask clarifying questions as required |
Sectors
Animal Technology (ATE)