Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of safely and efficiently transport livestock to a destination within a specified timeframe, and defines the standard required to: ensure documentation and livestock identification is in place; coordinate the transport of livestock; load and unload animals; distribute animals on transport to prevent overcrowding and minimise risk of injury; ensure load is within specifications; review health and condition of livestock after transit.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to transporting livestock and requires some judgement and discretion In placing and checking the welfare of animals.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare for the transport of livestock

1.1. Directions for transport are checked and load is calculated.

1.2. Transport requirements are determined and a suitable carrier is engaged.

1.3. Equipment and resources are identified and livestock are moved to loading facility for transport.

1.4. Livestock are assembled and prepared for transport.

2. Load livestock

2.1. Workplace safety policies and procedures are observed and followed according to Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) and enterprise requirements.

2.2. Documentation is signed by relevant person and required animal identification is in place.

2.3. Prepared livestock are loaded and secured safely and humanely according to animal welfare, OHS and enterprise requirements.

2.4. Existing and potential hazards are identified and managed according to OHS, animal welfare and enterprise requirements.

3. Monitor transport and unload livestock

3.1. Carrier is briefed to ensure livestock are transported with minimal stress and discomfort according to animal welfare requirements.

3.2. Livestock are regularly checked throughout the journey and unloaded for feeding and watering if necessary.

3.3. Livestock are unloaded safely and humanely using appropriate equipment and facilities according to manufacturer's specifications.

3.4. Livestock condition and welfare is monitored post transport and appropriate feed and water requirements are provided according to enterprise requirements.

4. Complete transportation operations

4.1. Vehicle, equipment and facilities are cleaned, maintained and secured according to OHS and enterprise requirements.

4.2. Relevant information is documented according to legislative and enterprise requirements.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• identify hazards and implement safe work procedures
• demonstrate safe and humane handling of livestock according to animal welfare code of practice
• safely, load and unload livestock
• demonstrate safe and environmentally responsible workplace practices
• obtain relevant permits and comply with movement restrictions
• read and comprehend manufacturers specifications, work and maintenance plans, and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
• interpret transport plan requirements
• communicate verbally to advise and anticipate conditions
• maintain records
• use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures
• use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge 

• industry and legislative requirements for the transport of livestock
• animal welfare and OHS legislative requirements
• environmental codes of practice with regard to vehicle operation and livestock transport
• market requirements in relation to the quality and condition of livestock
• sourcing and costing transportation alternatives
• enterprise policies with regard to the use of vehicles and equipment
• relevant documentation requirements and procedures.

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.

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 holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

• ensure documentation and livestock identification is in place
• coordinate the transport of livestock
• load and unload animals
• distribute animals on transport to prevent overcrowding and minimise risk of injury
• maintain load within specifications
• review health and condition of livestock after transit.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Animals to be transported may include:

• sheep
• cattle
• horses
• goats
• alpacas
• pigs.

Unit sector 

Livestock

Co-requisite units 

Competency field