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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Enclosures and exhibits may include:
defined spaces where animals are kept and includes both:
exhibit public viewing areas
off-exhibit holding spaces
enclosures and exhibits may be for:
existing species
new single species
multi-species.
Safe work practices include:
applying appropriate manual handling techniques when packaging and handling loads, including animals and equipment
hazard identification and risk minimisation:
handling, use, storage, transport and disposal of chemicals
handling and disposal of biological wastes
following personal and workplace hygiene procedures
using infection control procedures to minimise risks associated with:
zoonoses
release of infective agents (both animal and human)
chemical spillage
gas leakages
using machinery and equipment in accordance with manufacturers' instructions
using personal protective equipment and clothing:
animal handling gauntlets
appropriate footwear
ear muffs/plugs
protective masks
safety gloves
safety goggles and glasses
sun hat and sunscreen lotion.
Enclosure and exhibit security may include:
checking for pests within animal housing or enclosures
checking there are no unauthorised people in animal enclosures
checking that locks and slides are in good working order
ensuring animals are safe and secure in their housing
identifying any animal housing faults that may result in escape
maintaining structures in good order.
OHS risks when working with animals may include:
animal bites, envenomation, kicks, scratches and crush injuries
biological hazardous waste and sharps disposal
handling of chemicals and medicines
inhalation of aerosol particles
intraocular contamination
manual handling, including carrying, lifting and shifting
needle pricks and cuts from other sharps
release of infective agents (animal and human)
slippery or uneven work surfaces
zoonoses.
Animal welfare requirements include:
adequate housing, nutrition and stock levels
compliance to appropriate state or territory legislation and regulations and international conventions
enrichment opportunities
the absence of pests and vermin
the compatibility of species and breeds.
Animal care strategies may include:
artificial rearing
breeding
enrichment
handling, restraining and transporting.
Pests may include:
cockroaches, spiders, ants and flying insects
predators and parasites
rats and mice.
Development and renovation proposals may include:
availability of animals
cover requirements
enjoyment and education
environmental and social enrichment
immersion techniques
institution conservation policy and collection plan
keeper access and safety
safety and security
solitary and social animals
space allocation between public and non-public areas
sound and touch
visitor intrusion.

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.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competence 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. Assessors should ensure that candidates can:
manage the operations of enclosures and exhibits
supervise enclosure and exhibit staff
submit development or renovations proposals to management
implement plans for the commissioning of new or renovated enclosures or exhibits
maintain accurate records.

The skills and knowledge required to manage enclosures and exhibits must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts and include the ability to deal with unplanned events.

Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment of this unit is to be practical in nature and will be most appropriately assessed in a captive animal workplace. Workplaces may include small or large captive animal facilities, traditional or open-range type facilities and mobile or theme park environments.

There must be access to the appropriate equipment and/or resources to enable one to demonstrate competence.

Method of assessment
To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated, to industry defined standards, on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.

The assessment strategy must include practical skills assessment. Suggested strategies for this unit are:
written and/or oral assessment of candidate's required knowledge
observed, documented and first-hand testimonial evidence of candidate's application of practical tasks
simulation exercises that reproduce normal work conditions
third-party evidence
workplace documentation
portfolio.

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).