Elements and Performance Criteria

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

What OHS hazards identification, risk assessment and risk control measures are relevant to this competency standard?
Relevant OHS hazards identification, risk assessment and risk control measures may include:
safe livestock handling systems and procedures, including prevention of zoonotic infection
systems and procedures to protect workers from excessive noise, gases and organic dusts
safe manual handling systems and procedures
safe systems and procedures for storage and handling hazardous substances
safe systems and procedures in maintaining house keeping to reduce manual handling, slip and trip hazards
safe systems and procedures for handling sharps
selection, use and maintenance of relevant personal protective clothing and equipment
use of ladders or gantries, etc. to gain access to lights in roof, or to check stock housed above ground
use of chain tensioners to adjust feed chains.

How might livestock be checked?
Livestock can be checked visually during a floor walk, picking up or handling stock for closer investigation.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in maintaining intensive production growing environments requires evidence that intensive production growing units have been successfully and appropriately maintained according to enterprise requirements.
The skills and knowledge required to intensive production must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include different enterprises, growing systems and animal classes and types.
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 unit are listed below:

temperature/humidity and light requirements of different classes of livestock
light control programs and equipment
temperature/humidity control equipment
ventilation control equipment
feed programs for different classes and types of livestock
hygiene practices and awareness
enterprise and industry codes of practice.

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:

calibrate feed weigh cells
recognise variations from normal in mortality, and behaviour
perform routine hygiene maintenance activities as required by the employer or unit manager, and more frequently on demand
adjust and monitor environmental lighting, temperature/humidity, and air quality.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard

Essential Assessment Information
There is essential information about

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.
Communicating ideas and information
Through discussions with supervisor, fellow workers and advisory groups. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Through recording of shed temperature, humidity and air quality. (1)

Planning and organising activities
Through implementing shed environment control programs and procedures. (3)

Working with others and in teams
Through working with others in handling, moving and treating livestock. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Through calculations of temperature and calibration of shed environment equipment. (1)

Solving problems
Through recognising and reporting variations to management due to disease or equipment malfunctions. (2)

Using technology
Through use of electronic recording equipment. (1)