Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to safely handle companion animals and maintain clean and hygienic conditions for effective infection control in a range of environments where companion animals are cared for on a temporary basis. The unit focuses on dogs and cats. It may cover other companion animals such as birds, fish, rabbits and reptiles.
The unit applies to individuals who are employed and/or volunteer in providing services that cater for companion animals such as shelters, catteries/kennels and day care facilities, and grooming/walking businesses. They work in known contexts dealing with routine tasks and a range of predictable problems.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements 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. Confirm infection control guidelines | 1.1 Check workplace requirements for infection control and biosecurity related to own role 1.2 Identify key personnel within the organisation with responsibility for infection control and biosecurity 1.3 Identify common risks relating to infectious and zoonotic diseases relevant to companion animals 1.4 Check workplace procedures for minimising risk of contracting diseases from companion animals |
2. Maintain personal safety and hygiene when handling companion animals | 2.1 Wash and sanitise hands according to workplace guidelines 2.2 Check own skin for cuts and abrasions and protect according to workplace guidelines 2.3 Select and fit appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) according to the task requirements and workplace procedures |
3. Handle companion animals safely | 3.1 Observe animal behaviour before approaching or handling to check for risks to safety of self, and other people or animals 3.2 Use appropriate techniques, equipment and PPE to safely handle and control the companion animal to avoid being bitten or scratched 3.3 Handle animals calmly and safely according to workplace guidelines and animal welfare principles |
4. Monitor companion animals for signs of disease | 4.1 Recognise signs of common diseases affecting companion animals handled in the workplace 4.2 Report suspected cases of disease or illness to appropriate person 4.3 Follow instructions or guidelines for controlling access to infected animals 4.4 Update infection control records according to workplace procedures |
5. Maintain clean and hygienic animal environments | 5.1 Check procedures for cleaning and disinfecting animal environments 5.2 Select and prepare appropriate cleaning products, disinfectants and cleaning equipment for cleaning task 5.3 Clean animal environment and replace companion animal bedding according to workplace practices 5.4 Ensure companion animal environments, feed and water are free of contaminants 5.5 Dispose of waste according to workplace infection control and environmental practices, and local government requirements |
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 | Interpret information about products such as disinfectants, cleaning agents, cleaning techniques and cleaning equipment Locate key information in workplace guidelines |
Writing | Record workplace information using accurate terminology and in required format |
Oral communication | Use active listening and questioning techniques to obtain and give clear information to others |
Numeracy | Identify and interpret numerical information found on cleaning product labels and instructions, including quantity, temperature, mixing ratio, application rate and withholding time Measure and calculate area, weight and volumes |
Navigate the world of work | Recognise the importance of infection control and biosecurity and associated responsibilities of own role and work |
Get the work done | Assemble resources and sequence activities relating to companion animal infection control to achieve positive outcomes |
Sectors
Infection control (INF)