Unit of competency details

Release 

TP Version 

Comments 

1

AHC10v7

Initial release. Supersedes and is not equivalent to AHCLSK403A

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Carry out administration requirements

1.1 Details of the livestock to be exported  are obtained from, and clarified with, the exporter or producer

1.2 Effective communication links are established between all parties to the consignment and any relevant organisations or agencies

1.3 Specific details of the vessel/plane are investigated and verified to attain efficiencies in loading and transit operations

1.4 Required certification, permit and invoicing arrangements are completed according to exporter requirements and relevant legislation

1.5 Nutritional and veterinary requirements are estimated and required quantities are ordered according to exporter directions, established industry standards and load specifications

2. Prepare for livestock to be loaded

2.1 Workplace health and safety policies and procedures are recognised, including selection of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

2.2 Communication lines with all shipboard personnel for the voyage are understood

2.3 Exporter instructions are reviewed according to loading criteria

2.4 Appropriate infrastructure for loading is identified

2.5 Basic risk analysis is performed for loading and any preventative action recommended

2.6 Appropriate on-board loading resources including personnel requirements are identified

2.7 On-board equipment, including the veterinary kit and euthanasia equipment, is checked and deemed satisfactory

3. Load and transport accompany livestock

3.1 Workplace health and safety policies and procedures are observed and followed in line with regulatory and exporter requirements

3.2 Prepared livestock are loaded and secured safely and humanely according to animal welfare, workplace health and safety (WHS), and exporter requirements

3.3 Loading densities and conditions are checked and verified in accordance with the loading plan, government regulations and exporter specifications

3.4 Water and feed provision to livestock is monitored and recorded, and any abnormalities or variance from feed budgets are reported to the appropriate party

3.5 Regular observation of all livestock is carried out to ensure timely and appropriate responses to changes in condition, feed and water intake, or incidence of disease

3.6 Injured or diseased livestock are humanely dealt with according to exporter policy, relevant health and environmental considerations, and in consideration of customer requirements

3.7 Reports are completed according to exporter and shipping company policy and in accurate observation of shipping conditions

4. Complete post-shipment procedure

4.1 Unloading strategies including timing, health checks and documentation are established in consultation with the carriers Chief Officer or Master

4.2 Pen cleaning and other established pre-unloading procedures are completed prior to entering port

4.3 Animals are unloaded safely and humanely using appropriate equipment and facilities in line with manufacturer's specifications

4.4 Specific animal requirements at unloading are identified and supplies are obtained to meet consignment needs

4.5 End of voyage reports and required documentation are completed according to exporter requirements, shipping company policy, government legislation, and customer requirements

4.6 Post-transport checks are undertaken according to exporter and customer requirements, and shipping company policy

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

Required skills

Required skills include:

• identify hazards and implement safe work practices
• quickly and accurately identify signs of ill health and injury, or signs of abnormal or depressed appetite
• competently handle and restrain livestock for observation and treatment as required
• effectively oversee the care of livestock in transit
• humanely handle, treat and feed livestock
• communicate effectively with exporting agents and related agencies, as well as transportation officers and staff
• complete livestock health and medication records clearly, accurately, and in line with established practice for such records
• accurately complete export documentation including daily records of animal observations and conditions
• maintain and store records, reports and log books
• select, fit and use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, develop sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legibly information collected and select and apply procedures to a range of tasks
• use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine and more complex workplace measures and data
• use interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes:

• applicable geography and culture of the importing nation
• health and welfare of all classes of livestock - including pregnant livestock - in transit
• zoonoses applicable to the specific classes and species of livestock
• commonly occurring animal disease and parasitic infestation
• on-board procedures and responsibilities
• quarantine and its implementation both for export and import purposes
• the application of a range of treatments under veterinary supervision
• methods of safe animal handling within the code of practice guidelines
• methods of euthanasing and disposing of livestock
• relevant legislation and regulations relating to waste management, animal health and welfare, and employment of staff and contractors
• invoice, receipt and document requirements at both ends of the transport operation

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:

• handle, treat and feed livestock
• identify signs of ill health and injury, or signs of abnormal or depressed appetite
• handle and restrain livestock for observation and treatment as required
• oversee the care of livestock in transit
• communicate effectively with exporting agents and related agencies, as well as the Master/Captain, officers and seamen on board
• complete export documentation including daily records of animal observations and conditions

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.

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.

Export livestock  may include:

• cattle
• horses
• goats
• sheep