Elements and Performance Criteria

Range of Variables
The Range of Variables explains the range of contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment may depend on the work situations available
What type of facilities and equipment may be included?
Depending on the type of animals being loaded and unloaded, facilities may include yards, pens, fixed and portable loading ramps, cages, prods and dogs.
What existing and potential hazards may be identified?
Animal movement and handling, solar radiation, dust, uneven work surfaces, gates, moving trucks and other vehicles.
What personal protective clothing and equipment may be relevant to this standard?
This may include boots, overalls, gloves, protective eyewear, hearing protection, dust mask and sun protection (sun hat, sunscreen).
What animals are covered by this standard?
Animals covered by this standard include cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses and poultry.
What safe working methods may be relevant to this standard?
Safe systems and procedures for:
animal handling including zoonoses control (such as Q Fever)
hazard and risk control
manual handling
outdoor work including protection from solar radiation, dust and noise
the appropriate use and maintenance of personal protective equipment.
What identification systems are used?
Identification may include tail tags or other means of identification of animals.
For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment refer to the Sector Booklet.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in this standard requires evidence of the ability, under supervision, to safely and humanely load and unload animals in a calm and controlled manner. It requires the ability to anticipate animal behaviour, and provide and maintain appropriate animal health and nutritional requirements. Evidence must also be demonstrated in the employment of safe workplace and positive environmental practices.
The skills and knowledge required to load and unload animals must be transferable to another work environment. For example this may include different types of animals in different yards loaded onto and unloaded from different types of transport.

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?
Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:
animal handling and movement methods and techniques
animal basic health and nutritional requirements
animal herding/flocking behaviour
animal welfare codes of practice
working dogs' uses and techniques (where appropriate)
relevant OHS and animal welfare legislative requirements.


What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?
To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:
provide due care and handle animals safely and humanely
prepare equipment and working dogs (when used) for handling animals
monitor animal behaviour and recognise irregularities
read and interpret muster plans and maps
calculate animal numbers and assess and calculate feed and water requirements.




What processes should be applied to this competency standard?
There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
1. How can communication of ideas and information (1) be applied?
Identified hazards or problems encountered during loading and unloading may be communicated to the supervisor or transport operator.
2. How can information be collected, analysed and organised (1)?
Stock counts can be reconciled with cartage notes.
3. How are activities planned and organised (1)?
Loading and unloading may be planned and organised with others according to workplace procedures.
4. How can team work (1) be applied?
Team work may be applied in the communication of methods and procedures to control animals during loading and unloading.
5. How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (1) be applied?
Mathematics may be applied in the calculation of animals during loading and unloading.
6. How can problem-solving skills (1) be applied?
Contingencies in the event of adverse weather conditions or uncontrolled animals movement may be planned and prepared to minimise disruption to work schedules.
7. How can the use of technology (1) be applied?
To communicate, calculate and record animal numbers.




Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.

There is essential information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance and where and how it may be assessed, in the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package. All users of these competency standards must have access to the Assessment Guidelines. Further advice may also be sought from the relevant sector booklet.