Elements and Performance Criteria

RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the performance criteria is detailed below.

The range statement provides details of how this competency can be used in the workplaces of the racing industry to conduct steward overseeing of sample collection procedures. Workplaces include greyhound, harness and thoroughbred racecourses, training tracks and administration buildings.

Stewards oversee the conduct of all racing-related activities within the responsibilities and powers described under the rules of racing. The conditions under which this unit is delivered and assessed must take into consideration these powers and responsibilities. These powers and responsibilities are further described in the rules of racing for the relevant racing code. It is strongly recommended that training facilitators and learners refer to these powers and responsibilities as part of the range of conditions for all units covered in the steward specialist area of the Training Package.
Cleanliness, safety and security of the sampling area will include:
animal manure or faeces removed promptly
area must be able to be:
locked
monitored at all times
provision of hand washing amenities and disposable gloves
refrigerator in working order for proper storage of samples
sampling area design allows safe movement of animals and personnel
working surfaces are dust free.
Considerations for animal comfort will include:
air flow
clean animal bedding
dust free environment, including animal bedding
light
size of enclosure to allow animal to move around comfortably
temperature
quiet area to minimise distractions and encourage provision of samples.
Sample collection kits may include:
blood collection bottles
collection bottle seals and labels
disposable gloves
laboratory cards
needles
rinse containers
sharps containers
urine collection bottles.
Collection procedures may include:
escorting animal and handler to swab area
following chain of evidence protocols
preparing swab kit and swab area
recording details
securing swabs and swab area
sending samples to laboratory for analysis.
Collection protocols will include:
conditions under which the sample is gathered, including:
identification of humans or animals to be tested
duration of sample custody
security conditions and manner in which sample is transferred to subsequent custodians
documents or paper trails showing collection, custody, control, transfer and analysis of physical (evidence) sample
each transaction completely documented chronologically
identifiable person always to have physical evidence, from swab staff to detective or steward
jurisprudence concept applying to handling of sample and its integrity.
OHS and safe operating procedures will include:
adhering to responsibilities under OHS legislation and workplace practices
adhering to responsibilities under national and state codes of practice; federal, state and territory legislation; and local government regulations covering animal welfare
adhering to rules of racing and rules of the race venue
considering variables that influence behaviour of greyhounds or horses, such as:
fences and equipment
other persons or animals
vehicles
wind and noise
contributing to development of risk control measures
following safe work practices, including:
use of restraints
handling animals in enclosed spaces
following accident and injury procedures
identifying and reporting unsafe work practices
identifying emergency situations
monitoring animal behaviour
using approved and well-maintained gear and equipment
wearing approved personal protective equipment.

EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:
knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions that are to apply when overseeing sample collection
implementation of procedures and timely techniques for the safe, effective and efficient overseeing of sample collection
working with others to undertake and complete the required procedures that meet required outcomes.
Evidence should be collected over a period of time in a range of racing industry operations contexts and include dealings with an appropriate range of situations.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency must be assessed in a racing workplace that provides access to the required resources. Assessment is to occur under standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints. It is to comply with relevant regulatory requirements or Australian Standards requirements.
Assessment of the practical components of this unit will be by observation of relevant skills.
The following resources must be available:
a range of greyhounds and harness or thoroughbred horses
materials and equipment relevant to assessing candidate's ability to oversee sample collection
race meetings and related facilities, including swabbing
work instructions and related documentation.
Method of assessment
Assessment methods must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Racing Training Package.
The suggested strategies for the assessment of this unit are:
written and/or oral assessment of candidate's required knowledge
observed, documented and firsthand testimonial evidence of candidate's application of practical tasks
case studies to assess the candidate's skills and knowledge of the overall swabbing procedure to ensure continuity and security of evidence.
Evidence is required to be demonstrated over a period of time, therefore where performance is not directly observed any evidence should be authenticated by supervisors or other appropriate persons, at least one of whom should be approved by the State Principal Racing Authority.
This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy and numeracy demands) and the needs of particular target groups (e.g. people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people with a language background other than English, youth and people from low socioeconomic backgrounds).