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.
Preparation of collecting area will include:
collecting and managing records pertaining to individual sample collection processes
communicating with other sample collection officers and swab steward or veterinarian
checking number and verifying contents of swab kits
checking that swab video camera is working
ensuring swab area is clean
ensuring appropriate systems and personnel are in place to monitor key operating areas
preparing paperwork and computer used in sample collection.
Collecting equipment will include:
blood collection bottles
collection bottle seals and labels
disposable gloves
laboratory cards
needles
sharps container
swab kit.
Collection procedures will include:
checking identification of attending witness
identifying greyhounds or horses to be swabbed
escorting animal and handler to swab area
preparing swab kit and swab area
recording swab kit numbers
recording swab details
requesting agent to sign required paperwork
storing swab samples in secured area prior to dispatch to laboratory for analysis
taking blood samples and sealing blood bottles.
Safety of animals , self and others 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
following accident and injury procedures
identifying and reporting unsafe work practices
identifying emergency situations
monitoring animal behaviour
using appropriate handling and restraining techniques
using approved and well-maintained gear
wearing approved personal protective equipment.
Chain of custody of sampling equipment , documentation and sample may include:
conditions under which the sample is gathered, including:
identification of animals to be tested
identification of all personnel
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.

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 collecting blood samples from greyhounds or horses
implementation of procedures and timely techniques for the safe, effective and efficient application of blood sample collection from greyhounds or horses
working with others to undertake and complete procedures that meet required outcomes.
Evidence should be collected over a period of time in a range of workplace-relevant 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 perform blood sample collection duties
safe handling areas such as racetracks, including race meetings, related swabbing facilities, and an Australian racing forensic laboratory
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 study to assess candidate's skills and knowledge associated with the overall procedure to ensure continuity of 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).