Unit of competency details

Release 

TP Version 

Comments 

2

ACM10v3

Range statement updated

Reference to OHS legislation replaced with generic terminology

1

ACM10v2

Initial release

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. Set up mobile hydro-bath

1.1 Location for hydro-bath service and access to power and water are confirmed with client.

1.2 On-site risks  are identified and managed in accordance with workplace health and safety , traffic control and waste disposal regulations.

1.3 Mobile unit and trailer is positioned and secured in a safe and easily accessible area in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

1.4 Appropriate hoses are connected to water supply and drainage systems at the client's residence in accordance with legislative requirements.

1.5 Materials and equipment  are unloaded and prepared ready for provision of hydro-bathing services.

2. Clean and pack up hydro-bath

2.1 Hydro-bath and associated equipment are cleaned  and disinfected in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.

2.2 Waste is disposed of in accordance with relevant legislative requirements.

2.3 Consumables and other equipment are checked and packed into mobile unit.

2.4 Mobile unit is secured and safety check  conducted ready for removal from site.

2.5 Relevant documentation  is completed in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.

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

Required skills include:

Ability to: 

• apply problem-solving skills to use available information and resources and prioritise daily tasks
• employ 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
• follow sequenced written instructions; record accurately and legibly information collected; and select and apply procedures to a range of defined tasks
• maintain the highest standards of hygiene and infection control at all times to reduce the risk of infection and cross-infection
• maintain records and complete relevant workplace documents
• operate and maintain mobile hydro-baths in accordance with manufacturer's instructions
• use literacy skills to read and follow organisation policies and procedures, including workplace health and safety, infection control and waste management procedures
• use oral communication skills/language to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening and asking for clarification
• use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine and more complex workplace measures and data
• use safe manual handling techniques and/or equipment
• use safe waste handling and disposal procedures.

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of: 

• relevant bathing materials and equipment
• relevant legislative and regulatory compliance requirements, including the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council codes of practice, companion animal legislation, local council regulations, microchipping, animal welfare legislation and wildlife regulations
• relevant organisational policies and procedures, including workplace health and safety and emergency procedures, animal welfare requirements, hygiene standards and waste disposal regulations
• relevant recordkeeping systems
• safe work practices
• safety check procedures for mobile unit
• traffic control regulations
• use and maintenance of a range of bathing and rinsing equipment
• workplace hygiene standards, disinfectants, cleaning agents, cleaning techniques and cleaning equipment and materials.

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).

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.