The application of knowledge and skills described in this competency unit could take place in a range of health settings, including hospitals and specialist sterilisation facilities. The application of knowledge and skills takes place around standards, guidelines, policies and procedures and under the supervision of a qualified person
Functions at this level require a broad overview of microbiology and disinfection in relation to AS/NSZ 4187-2003
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to follow the correct procedures for handling reusable medical equipment including, collection of soiled items, identification, inspection, cleaning operation, and the monitoring and maintenance of associated cleaning equipment
The range of functions is prescribed around known standards, guidelines, policies and procedures, under the supervision of a qualified person
You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)
Prerequisites
Pre-requisite unit
This unit must be assessed after successful achievement of pre-requisite:
HLTIN301C Comply with infection control policies and procedures
Employability Skills
This unit contains Employability Skills
Evidence Required
List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
Context of and specific resources for assessment:
Assessment should replicate workplace conditions as far as possible.
Simulations may be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible. Acceptable simulation requires cleaning of a full range of reusable devices:
surgical and medical instrumentation and equipment
anaesthetic/respiratory equipment
hollow ware
specialist surgical instruments
Use of operational cleaning and drying equipment
Resources essential for assessment include:
access to relevant workplace or appropriately simulated environment where assessment can take place
access to Australian standards, government and organisation policies and procedures
cleaning equipment operation manuals
Method of assessment
Observation in the work place (if possible)
Written assignments/projects, eg for fundamentals of microbiology and principles of cleaning and disinfection
Interviewing and questioning
Formal appraisal systems
Supporting statement of supervisor(s)
Authenticated evidence of relevant work experience and formal learning
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Submission Requirements
List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here
Assessment task 1: [title] Due date:
(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)
Assessment Tasks
Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.
Essential knowledge:
The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role
This includes knowledge of:
Basic principles and practices of cleaning and disinfection, including thermal and chemical disinfection
Enterprise code of practice
Fundamental knowledge of infection control principles as it affects the sterilisation work environment
Fundamental knowledge of microorganisms as it affects the sterilisation work environment, including protists, viruses and prions and their relationship to disease
General categories of instruments and associated cleaning requirements
Hazard identification and risk control
Manual handling requirements for cleaning reusable medical devices
Monitoring and maintenance requirements of cleaning and drying equipment
OHS policies, guidelines and symbols and there relevance to working in the sterilisation area
Relevant state/territory guidelines for sterilising services
Standards, including AS/NZS 4187, AS/NZS 4815 and all relevant infection prevention guidelines and ISO 155883 Parts 1 and 2
The importance of sterilisation technology as a contribution to client safety
The legal responsibilities of health care providers in relation to confidentiality, client rights, duty of care and implications of negligence
The work flow process and the reasons for design of work area
Use of chemicals in the cleaning process, including knowledge of detergency action
Essential skills:
It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:
Address relevant OHS, infection control and manual handling requirements
Apply fundamental knowledge of microbiology as it affects the sterilisation work environment, and as detailed in Required Skills and Knowledge
Apply knowledge of the importance of cleaning as a contribution to client safety
Comply with AS/NZS 4187 and AS/NZS 4815 for sterilisation purposes
Demonstrate consistency of performance over a number of trials
Ensure documentation is complete and accurate
In addition, the candidate must be able to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role
This includes the ability to:
Apply cleaning processes
Apply problem solving skills - to use available resources and prioritise workload
Collect, sort and process contaminated items and equipment
Follow organisation policies and procedures
Operate machines and equipment
Select and use personal protection equipment
Use literacy, numeracy and oral communication skills required to fulfil the position in a safe manner as specified by the health care facility
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any 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.
Cleaning equipment may include:
Collection equipment
Batch-type washer/disinfectors
Rack conveyor washers/tunnel washer
Load retaining devices
Ultrasonic cleaners
Manual cleaning sinks, hand washing sink, hot and cold running water supply
Cleaning accessories, including brushes, non-linting cloths, syringes
High pressure water equipment
Drying cabinets
Compressed air gun
Personal protective equipment may include:
Gloves
Aprons
Goggles
Face shields
Masks
Gowns
Ear muffs
Shoe covers
Hair cover
Reusable medical equipment may include:
Surgical and medical instrumentation and equipment
Anaesthetic/respiratory equipment
Hollow ware
Specialist surgical instruments, such as:
flexible and rigid endoscopic equipment
insulated instruments
laparoscopic instruments
microscopic instruments
handpieces
power tools
fibre optic equipment
Cleaning procedures may involve the use of specific chemicals such as:
Detergents
Enzymatic cleaners
Rinse aid
Stain remover
Separate processing requirements apply to:
Initial cleaning
Definitive cleaning, including:,
mechanical
ultrasonic and manual cleaning
anaesthetic/respiratory
Cleaning may involve:
Disassembly
Solutions including:
soaking
enzymatic
lubrication
stainless steel stain remover
Brushing of lumen/cannulated items
Non-immersible items
Complex specialised instrumentation
Leak testing of flexible endoscope
Mechanical lubrication
Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.
Observation Checklist
Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice
Yes
No
Comments/feedback
Use cleaning procedures that comply with AS/NZS 4187 and AS/NZS 4815 guidelines, manufacturers recommendations and organisation policies and procedures
Identify the need for and use standard precautions
Identify and use appropriate personal protection
Identify and comply with relevant organisation OHS policies and procedures
Identify infection risks and implement an appropriate response (or report to designated personnel) in accordance with the policies and procedures of the organisation
Identify different methods for safe handling of sharp instruments and improperly disposed sharps such as needles, scalpel blades etc.
Identify the protocol for care following exposure to blood or other body fluids of the organisation
Manage spills of blood and body fluids in line with organisation policies and procedures
Prepare and stock designated collection equipment eg trolleys, containers, case carts
Follow the designated route and timetable for collecting contaminated items and equipment
Confine and contain contaminated items prior to transport
Comply with transport protocols, ie contaminated goods are not left unattended en route
Transport used items and equipment to the cleaning area according to cleaning are according to organisation policies and procedures
Appropriately clean, dry and store collection equipment after each use
Identify and sort items in accordance with AS/NZS 4187 and AS/NZS 4815 and organisation policies and procedures
Prepare and clean items, eg initial and manual mechanical procedures, in accordance with AS/NZS 4187 and AS/NZS 4815 and organisation policies and procedures
Report disposable sharps and ensure their removal and disposal according to organisation policies and procedures
Remove and dispose of waste at point of use, and report any variance in accordance with regulatory and policy requirements
Prepare specialised items for specific cleaning procedures
Identify and give priority to specific items requiring priority processing
Segregate and process delicate items in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
Identify faulty and damaged items and report to designated person
Lubricate instruments in accordance with AS/NZS 4187 and AS/NZS 4815 and organisation policies and procedures
Dry items in accordance with AS/NZS 4187and AS/NZS 4815 and organisation policies and procedures
Work flows in one direction only, from dirty to clean
Designated work areas are segregated and clearly identified
Perform all tasks in the designated area
Identify and report interruptions to work flow according to organisation requirements
Clean and stock cleaning equipment and environment in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and organisation policies and procedures
Test, check and prepare all equipment for use in accordance with relevant standards, manufacturers' recommendations and organisation policies and procedures
Identify, select, store and use chemical products according to manufacturer's instructions and OHS guidelines, with reference to material safety data sheets visible for all chemicals in use
Use appropriate manual handling techniques when operating cleaning appliances
Identify faulty/damaged cleaning equipment, including detergent dispensing systems and report to the designated authority for repair
Check processed items for cleanliness, dryness and need for reprocessing if necessary
Complete monitoring and/or test procedures, eg water quality, detergent residue, chemical, soil removal efficacy, in accordance with standards and organisation policies and procedures
Ensure processes take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues
Monitor and document physical parameter, eg time, temperature, concentration in accordance with standards and organisation policies and procedures
Interpret and report any variance of procedures and physical parameter to the designated person
Complete and archive quality management documentation in accordance with standards and organisation policies and procedures
Forms
Assessment Cover Sheet
HLTSTE301C - Clean reusable medical equipment
Assessment task 1: [title]
Student name:
Student ID:
I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.
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Result: Competent Not yet competent
Feedback to student
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Assessment Record Sheet
HLTSTE301C - Clean reusable medical equipment
Student name:
Student ID:
Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent
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Feedback to student:
Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent