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 handle greyhounds. Workplaces include greyhound kennels and racecourses, training tracks and public areas.
Features of a greyhound include:
colour
ear brands
markings
points of the greyhound
sex.
Industry standards may include:
colour variations and specific markings as outlined in the controlling body's registration and marking-up guidelines.
Greyhound behaviour and level of education involves:
assessment of behaviour made prior to handling
communication methods, including:
body signals
verbal
identifying normal and abnormal behaviour traits, including social behaviour and vices
identifying characteristics of relaxed, alert and distressed greyhounds
relating behaviour to level of education and experience of greyhound
understanding senses of a greyhound, including:
eyesight
hearing
smell
taste
touch.
Risks associated with catching greyhounds may include:
bites
gear breakage
greyhound injury
loose greyhound
personal injury:
contracting diseases from greyhound
being knocked over by a loose or excited greyhound.
Controlling risks associated with catching and controlling greyhounds includes:
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 training tracks and public venues
complying with relevant road safety rules
considering variables that influence behaviour of greyhounds, such as:
fences and equipment
lure
other persons or animals
vehicles
wind or noise
contributing to development of risk control measures
following safe operating procedures
holding greyhounds for veterinary and other treatments
identifying and reporting unsafe work practices
identifying emergency situations
practising walking greyhounds in confined environments
reporting defective gear, including:
broken or exposed wire in muzzles
broken stitching
tears or cracks in leather
broken or loose rivets
understanding individual greyhound behaviour
using gear or equipment approved by the regulatory racing body
wearing approved personal protective equipment.
Gear for safely handling greyhounds will include:
collar and slips
leads
muzzles.
Public areas may include:
bridges and roads
kennels
paddocks or parks
racecourses
training tracks.
Safe leading, lifting and holding techniques to control greyhounds may include:
being aware of surroundings and possible causes of distraction
encouraging nervous greyhounds using voice, body language and patting
ensuring collar fits and is tight enough
maintaining appropriate lead tension and length on lead
never leading more than the approved number of greyhounds at the same time
preventing greyhound from getting too far ahead of handler by checking animal to ensure it stays by the handler's side
using own voice and body language to assert control or reassure the greyhound
using leads of suitable length
using safe lifting skills to avoid greyhound and personal injury
using well-maintained and safe gear.

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 identifying and handling greyhounds
implementation of procedures and timely techniques for the safe, effective and efficient catching, leading and controlling of greyhounds
working with others to undertake and complete greyhound handling procedures that meet required outcomes.
Evidence should be collected over a period of time using a range of greyhounds of different ages, sexes and temperaments, and at different stages of preparation in racing kennel and track environments.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency must be assessed in a racing workplace that provides access to the required resources or simulated environment approved by the relevant State Principal Racing Authority. 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 variety of greyhounds that are currently racing
materials and equipment relevant to assessing candidate's ability to identify and handle greyhounds
safe handling areas, such as commercial kennels and racetracks
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
simulation exercises conducted in a State Principal Racing Authority approved simulated environment.
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.
This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role, for example:
RGRCMN201A Follow OHS procedures and observe environmental work practices.
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).