Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to conduct a post-mortem examination of a research animal for scientific purposes.
This unit applies to individuals who are required to work with and care for animals used within scientific establishments for scientific purposes and teaching. All work practices must be undertaken in accordance with the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes and the institution's standard operating procedures. It requires the ability to liaise with and report to the institution's Animal Ethics Committee according to institutional requirements.
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 the post-mortem examination | 1.1 Select and prepare the site for the post-mortem 1.2 Identify containment issues and take appropriate action 1.3 Obtain and prepare correct clothing, equipment and resources to be used in the post-mortem examination 1.4 Use appropriate manual lifting techniques to move the animal to be examined to the post-mortem area 1.5 Confirm death of the animal by checking for the absence of any vital signs 1.6 Obtain and collate all relevant preliminary information about the animal to be examined 1.7 Identify abnormal characteristics that may indicate the presence of notifiable and potentially hazardous conditions or diseases and take appropriate action 1.8 Identify WHS hazards associated with the procedure and take appropriate action to protect self and others 1.9 Seek expert assistance as appropriate |
2. Carry out the post-mortem examination | 2.1 Carry out external assessment of the animal and note outward signs of abnormalities or injury 2.2 Dissect animal using appropriate techniques and equipment to avoid cutting into organs or stomach cavity 2.3 Examine nominated organs, tissues and structures 2.4 Take and prepare samples of organs, other tissues and fluid samples where appropriate |
3. Complete the post-mortem examination | 3.1 Dispose of carcass using appropriate equipment according to animal research practices and waste disposal legislation and regulations 3.2 Send correctly labelled and packaged samples for analysis 3.3 Collate records of observations and information about the animal examined, and forward to the relevant persons for analysis and diagnosis 3.4 Clean and disinfect post-mortem area and equipment 3.5 Complete personal biosecurity clean-up |
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 relevant codes of practice |
Get the work done | Develop, implement and monitor post-mortem examination to ensure effectiveness in meeting timelines and work schedules |
Sectors
Animal Technology (ATE)