Application
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to provide basic care of quiet, well-handled animals under supervision.
It covers understanding potential hazards and associated risks when working with and around animals.
This is an introductory unit for individuals with little or no experience working with animals in commercial or professional animal care settings, and who undertake defined routine activities under direct supervision.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to 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 work with animals | 1.1 Confirm the activity to be undertaken with supervisor, including identifying potential WHS hazards and welfare needs of the animal 1.2 Take steps to control risks as directed 1.3 Confirm tools and equipment to be used with supervisor 1.4 Select appropriate personal protective equipment and ensure correct fit 1.5 Apply safe work practices according to workplace policies and procedures |
2. Maintain a clean workplace | 2.1 Clean animal housing, floors, benches and other flat areas according to WHS and organisational policies and procedures 2.2 Dispose of waste and soiled bedding according to workplace policies and procedures |
3. Assist in feeding animals | 3.1 Identify food stuffs, and categorise for specific animal dietary needs 3.2 Report food stuffs that are contaminated or of unsuitable quality 3.3 Prepare equipment used in food preparation and distribution 3.4 Provide assistance to experienced staff in the preparation and distribution of meals 3.5 Clean and store equipment and materials according to workplace policies and procedures |
4. Report basic animal behaviour and health status | 4.1 Identify characteristics of animal behaviour 4.2 Identify signs of healthy, sick or distressed animals 4.3 Report signs of out-of-character behaviour and poor health to supervisor |
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 |
Writing | Document basic workplace information related to the daily care of animals |
Oral communication | Listen to, and clarify, instructions Report inconsistencies and issues with animal food, health, hygiene and safety to supervisor |
Sectors
General Animal Studies (GAS)