Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables explains the range of contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this unit may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment may depend on the work contexts.

What methods of euthanasia are covered by this unit of competency?
Methods of euthanasia may include firearm, captive bolt or lethal injection.
Premedication drugs (e.g. sedation), as well as drugs for euthanasia, are used when appropriate and may include barbiturate overdose techniques by intravenous, intraperitoneal or intracardiac injection.

What equipment and materials may be required to conduct euthanasia?
Firearms, captive bolts, drugs, syringes, needles, scales, clippers, syringe pole for distance injections, restraining devices, disposal units for used or expendable equipment and materials, stainless steel work surfaces are preferred while a rubber matting or similar non-slip surface is necessary.
The use of projectile injection devices is not included in this unit of competency.

What records may need to be kept?
Date, time, operator; animal description (e.g. age, breed / type, sex, colour, coat, size, weight, unique features); microchip search result; and animal history including the interval held, source location, etc.

What are the relevant statutory requirements that might impact on the euthanasia of animals?
Euthanasia of animals will be controlled by:
legislation, including Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Acts, the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes, Wildlife Acts, Fisheries Acts and Quarantine Acts
local government regulations covering the transport and disposal of hazardous wastes
organisational standard operating procedures.

What are the critical aspects of evidence required for this unit of competency as a whole?
The critical requirements that are valuable for this unit of competency as a whole are listed below.

Assessment must confirm one's ability to:

select a suitable method of euthanasia according to the size and number of animals and legislative constraints
select the appropriate equipment and materials according to the method chosen
euthanase animals in a humane, rapid and appropriate manner
check animal to ensure that it is dead
dispose of animal carcasses and biological waste not required for research or post-mortem purposes
decontaminate, clean and store equipment and materials or dispose of them accordingly
maintain records as required
follow instructions.

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this unit in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit of competency are listed below and include:

methods of euthanasia and their suitability for a range of species
equipment and drugs commonly used for euthanasia
standard operating procedures relating to restraining, handling, euthanasing and disposing of animals
standard operating procedures relating to using, storing and transporting the equipment and drugs used when conducting euthanasia of animals
anatomy and physiology of animals commonly euthanased, especially the routes of administration, life signs and aiming points for firearms and captive bolts
boundaries of professional behaviour in dealing with own distress and grief in the workplace
relevant state or territory legislation covering the use of therapeutic and controlled substances.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These skills include the ability to:

handle and restrain animals
monitor animal health and behaviour
clean and decontaminate equipment, materials and facilities
keep records and enter data
follow safe work practices
recognise stress in animals
calculate solutions, dilutions, body weights and dose rates
apply injection methods and techniques
use different euthanasia equipment and materials including captive bolt, firearms and lethal injections.

What are the specific resource implications for this unit of competency?
For valid assessment, one
an appropriate workplace or an environment that reproduces normal work conditions
equipment and resources normally used in the workplace
euthanasia equipment and materials relevant to the method chosen
animals to be euthanased.

What considerations should there be for consistency in performance?
To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.
The skills and knowledge required to

What considerations should there be for context of assessment?
Assessment for this unit of competency is to be largely practical in nature and will be most appropriately assessed in an animal control and regulation workplace or in a situation that reproduces normal work conditions.
There must be access in either situation to the appropriate equipment and / or resources to enable one to demonstrate competency.

Are there other units of competency that could be assessed with this one?
This unit of competency

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 unit of competency. 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.
Communicating ideas and information
By completing relevant records. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
By monitoring animal health and welfare during the procedure. (2)

Planning and organising activities
By completing the euthanasia procedure. (2)

Working with others and in teams
By following workplace procedures in a coordinated way. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
By determining the dosage or concentration of substances required during the procedure. (3)

Solving problems
By monitoring the animal and taking appropriate steps to ensure death occurs without complications. (3)

Using technology
By using relevant equipment throughout the procedure. (2)