Elements and Performance Criteria

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.
Risks in capturing, handling and mobile bathing of animals at various on-site venues may include:
aggressive animal behaviour
escape of animals and subsequent threat to safety of humans and other animals
disposal of waste on-site
heat stress and reaction to dryer/dryer stress
potential anxiety of animal when being handled by strangers
potential injuries to humans during capturing, handling and bathing processes
potential stress and injury to animals during handling, bathing and drying
location hazards, such as unsafe footing inadequate shelter and exposure to other distractions
potential interference from owner or representative that could impact on operator and animal safety
potential need for animal handling assistance that may only be available from an owner or representative with inadequate training or experience
reaction to washing and grooming chemicals
road worthiness of vehicle and mobile hydro-bath
safety of on-site power and water sources
security of venue:
animal safe fencing in good repair
collection and storage of fee for service
personal safety if working alone
restriction of access to immediate area by general public and other animals
unfamiliarity of animal to washing equipment and processes
venue access for mobile hydro-bath.
Workplace health and safety risks when handling animals may include:
animal bites, kicks, scratches and crush injuries
biological hazardous waste and sharps disposal
handling of chemicals and medicines
gas leakage
inhalation of aerosol particles
intraocular contamination
manual handling including carrying, lifting and shifting
needle pricks and cuts from other sharps
release of infective agents (animal and human)
slippery or uneven work surfaces
zoonoses.
Materials and equipment may include:
brushes, combs, sprayers, polishing pads and towels
detangling lotion
coat dryers
grooming stands
restraining equipment (e.g. collars, leads, muzzles and harnesses)
wash tubs and hydro-baths
shampoo and other coat cleaning products.
Hydro-bath and equipment cleaning may include:
checking equipment for damage and wear and tear
disinfecting equipment using approved chemicals and processes
drying, lubricating and protecting parts as required
pumping out grey water into approved waste water system
removing hair and debris from waste traps and filters.
Safety check procedures for mobile unit may include:
tow vehicle:
tow ball
trailer connectors and fittings
brakes
tyre condition and pressure
hydro-bath trailer:
electrics and indicator lights (12 volt)
electrics that run off mains power (240 volt) including test and tag
electrical safety switch
coupling
frame and wheel bearings
power leads, water hoses and other connections to be used on-site
trailer brake and chains
water and waste tanks
tyre condition and pressure
stowage of materials and equipment:
chemicals, equipment and materials stocktake completed and items secured to prevent theft in transit
equipment and materials stowed to prevent dislodging during transport to site.
Documentation may include:
diary of appointments, descriptions of animals to be bathed and actual work carried out
equipment and supplies records
invoice book
incident reports
time logs for work completed
vehicle log book.

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.
Overview of assessment

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. Assessors should ensure that candidates can:
effectively maintain and operate a mobile hydro-bath facility
identify risks related to workplace health and safety, traffic control and animal welfare and implement minimisation strategies
comply with hygiene standards and infection control protocols
maintain accurate records.
The skills and knowledge required to manage the operation of a mobile hydro-bathing facility must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts and include the ability to deal with unplanned events.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment of this Unit is to be practical in nature and will most appropriately be assessed in companion animal organisations that offer mobile hydro-bathing services or in a situation that reproduces normal work conditions.
There must be access to a range of companion animal breeds, a mobile hydro-bathing unit as well as relevant information, equipment and/or resources to enable one to demonstrate competence.
Method of assessment
To ensure consistency of performance, competency should be demonstrated, to industry defined standards, on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and over a number of assessment activities.
The assessment strategies must include practical skills assessment. Suggested strategies for this Unit are:
written and/or oral assessment of candidate's required knowledge
observed, documented and first-hand testimonial evidence of candidate's application of practical tasks
simulation exercises that reproduce normal work conditions
third-party evidence
workplace documentation
portfolio.
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).