Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to carry out organisation containment and exclusion procedures that are designed to exclude pathogenic organisms from entering an aseptic site and to contain organisms in a particular site.
The unit applies to animal technicians who work under broad supervision performing work according to instructions or directed by a supervisor.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
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. Carry out containment and exclusion procedures | 1.1 Select and wear appropriate personal protective equipment for activity 1.2 Decontaminate self, equipment and other relevant items according to organisational procedures before entering a containment or exclusion site 1.3 Test to confirm decontamination has occurred 1.4 Report contact with potential contaminants according to organisational requirements 1.5 Maintain hygiene procedures for all work, including handling animals, feed or other products |
2. Carry out site containment and exclusion procedures | 2.1 Handle and store chemicals and medications according to regulatory requirements and organisational procedures 2.2 Maintain separation of different feed mixes and other products and label appropriately 2.3 Monitor, identify and report site hazards, including cases of pest infestation 2.4 Ensure waste products are disposed of according to environmental requirements and organisational procedures 2.5 Record information relating to work in containment and exclusion sites |
3. Monitor and maintain animal care in a containment and exclusion area | 3.1 Provide for animal health and wellbeing requirements according to industry standards 3.2 Monitor and maintain animal isolation housing areas in accordance with containment and exclusion requirements 3.3 Monitor and record physical health, welfare and behaviour of animals according to organisational procedures 3.4 Carry out regular hygiene, feeding and enrichment procedures according to organisational procedures 3.5 Provide disease or illness treatments |
4. Maintain site containment and exclusion procedures | 4.1 Explain procedures and protocols for restricted access to visitors and/or others 4.2 Decontaminate incoming and outgoing goods according to organisational procedures 4.3 Report breaches of containment and exclusion procedures 4.4 Ensure facility security and access procedures are maintained 4.5 Monitor and check deliveries to site to ensure that organisational procedures are followed and any breaches in containment are identified and reported |
5. Respond to site containment or exclusion breach or problem | 5.1 Identify and report the specific problem and its location 5.2 Secure the problem area 5.3 Clean and disinfect containment and exclusion site and location of breach 5.4 Isolate and monitor animals suspected of being exposed to contaminants for evidence of contamination 5.5 Treat or dispose of all contaminated stock and materials according to organisational procedures 5.6 Follow organisational procedures for decontaminating self and/or assisting others 5.7 Accurately record information about the breach or problem according to organisational procedures 5.8 Report on or provide input to identified gaps in levels or areas of containment and exclusion to improve 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 |
Reading | Extract information about storage requirements from labels and other information sources to ensure safe and contained storage Interpret information in organisational documentation to ensure correct procedures for containment and exclusion are followed |
Writing | Complete workplace forms and report information about containment breaches in a clear and accurate manner |
Oral communication | Confirm and clarify instructions with others using accurate industry terminology |
Navigate the world of work | Recognise significance of procedures and impact of non-compliance on work within the organisation Accept responsibility for adherence to protocols within work role |
Sectors
Animal Technology (ATE)