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 personal protective equipment may be relevant to this standard?
This may include boots, overalls, gloves, protective eyewear, hearing protection, respirator or face mask, and sun protection (sun hat, sunscreen).

What checks might be included in the procedures for determining ill health?
Included may be the checking of nasal passages, vaginal or rectal discharge, rectal temperature, coughing, abnormal skin conditions, changes to pulse, respiration changes or abnormal behaviour that may reflect on the health of animals.

What organisation work procedures may apply to this standard?
They will be based on sound agricultural principles and practices and may include supervisors oral or written instructions, livestock production program, organisation standard operating procedures, specifications, routine maintenance schedules, work notes, product labels and Material Safety Data Sheets, manufacturers' service specifications and operators manuals, waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines, and OHS procedures.

What actions could be taken to eliminate or minimise the OHS risk?
Relevant OHS hazards identification, risk assessment and risk control measures include safe work systems and procedures for:
reducing injuries from livestock, which will include using calming and positive actions to avoid alarming stock
manual handling systems and procedures
preventing infection from injured/sick stock
systems and procedures for outdoor work, including protection from solar radiation
selecting, using and maintaining relevant personal protective equipment
clear communication between workers, especially when working together within a close proximity.
All treatment routines for livestock must be carried out in line with the provisions of the Workplace Health and Safety Acts and relevant animal codes of welfare.

What personal protective equipment may be relevant to this standard?
This may include boots, overalls, gloves, protective eyewear, hearing protection, respirator or face mask, and sun protection (sun hat, sunscreen).

What checks might be included in the procedures for determining ill health?
Included may be the checking of nasal passages, vaginal or rectal discharge, rectal temperature, coughing, abnormal skin conditions, changes to pulse, respiration changes or abnormal behaviour that may reflect on the health of animals.

What organisation work procedures may apply to this standard?
They will be based on sound agricultural principles and practices and may include supervisors oral or written instructions, livestock production program, organisation standard operating procedures, specifications, routine maintenance schedules, work notes, product labels and Material Safety Data Sheets, manufacturers' service specifications and operators manuals, waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines, and OHS procedures.

What actions could be taken to eliminate or minimise the OHS risk?
Relevant OHS hazards identification, risk assessment and risk control measures include safe work systems and procedures for:
reducing injuries from livestock, which will include using calming and positive actions to avoid alarming stock
manual handling systems and procedures
preventing infection from injured/sick stock
systems and procedures for outdoor work, including protection from solar radiation
selecting, using and maintaining relevant personal protective equipment
clear communication between workers, especially when working together within a close proximity.
All treatment routines for livestock must be carried out in line with the provisions of the Workplace Health and Safety Acts and relevant animal codes of welfare.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in carrying out regular livestock observation requires evidence that ill health or injury does not go unchecked and is tended according to enterprise guidelines.
The skills and knowledge required to carry out regular livestock observation must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, across a range of livestock breeds, ages, types and enterprise procedures.
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 competency standard are listed below:

the range of ailments that may occur or affect livestock
the application of a range of basic treatments under veterinary supervision
the behaviour of the relevant species
environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the enterprise
the organisations livestock production and management plans
sound management practices and processes to minimise noise, odours and debris
relevant legislation and regulations relating to waste and environment management, animal health and welfare, and employment of staff and contractors.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

handle livestock
identify signs of ill health or injury or signs of injury or abnormality
observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards.

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

Essential Assessment Information
There is essential information about

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 competency standard are listed below:

the range of ailments that may occur or affect livestock
the application of a range of basic treatments under veterinary supervision
the behaviour of the relevant species
environmental controls and codes of practice applicable to the enterprise
the organisations livestock production and management plans
sound management practices and processes to minimise noise, odours and debris
relevant legislation and regulations relating to waste and environment management, animal health and welfare, and employment of staff and contractors.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

handle livestock
identify signs of ill health or injury or signs of injury or abnormality
observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards.

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
In working with others in the enterprise including animal health practitioners, and in determining the requirements of regular health routines. (2)

Communicating ideas and information
In working with others in the enterprise including animal health practitioners, and in determining the requirements of regular health routines. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
By making daily observations of livestock in order to identify changes in health, energy, or reactions to diet. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
By making daily observations of livestock in order to identify changes in health, energy, or reactions to diet. (2)

Planning and organising activities
When making requests of animal health practitioners to attend ill or injured livestock. (1)

Planning and organising activities
When making requests of animal health practitioners to attend ill or injured livestock. (1)

Working with others and in teams
In working alongside others in the enterprise to achieve collective goals. (2)

Working with others and in teams
In working alongside others in the enterprise to achieve collective goals. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
In calculating quantities for feed ingredients or medications. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
In calculating quantities for feed ingredients or medications. (1)

Solving problems
When dealing with as yet undiagnosed problems in livestock. (2)

Solving problems
When dealing with as yet undiagnosed problems in livestock. (2)

Using technology
When calculating quantities and times, when communicating with co-workers and supervisors, and in monitoring livestock health. (1)

Using technology
When calculating quantities and times, when communicating with co-workers and supervisors, and in monitoring livestock health. (1)