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:

use of thermal and chemical disinfection equipment

using a full range of monitoring processes

Resources essential for assessment include access to:

relevant workplace or appropriately simulated environment where assessment can take place

Australian Standards, government and organisation policies and procedures

disinfection and monitoring equipment and accessories

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

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:

Chemical disinfection, including:

cycle stages and physical parameters that influence disinfection outcomes

different levels of disinfectants including high level disinfectants

factors that impact on disinfection outcomes

range and selection of effective chemical disinfectants based on chemical application, type of reusable medical device and manufacturer instructions

therapeutic goods administration order number 54, specifically re compliance, validation of disinfectant classification (registered or listed), efficacy and disinfectant labelling

therapeutic goods regulations for disinfectants and disinfectant labelling

Conditions and parameters for successful disinfection

Disinfection methods current in use in Australia

Fundamental knowledge of infection control principles as it affects the disinfection work environment

Fundamental knowledge of microbiology as it affects disinfection work

Manufacturer's recommendations and validation of the product

OHS policies, guidelines and symbols and there relevance to working in the disinfection area

Organisation policies and procedures for disinfection

Relevant state/territory guidelines for disinfection of reusable medical devices

Specific monitoring equipment and procedures for thermal and chemical disinfection

Standards for record maintenance

Standards, including AS 2945, AS/NZS 4187 and AS 2711-1993 and GENCA Guidelines

Terminology used in disinfection

Thermal disinfection, including:

cycle stages and physical parameters that influence disinfection outcomes

efficacy of the disinfection process according to the killing effect on microorganisms

factors that impact on disinfection outcomes

lethality of a moist heat process for a range of temperatures

The importance of disinfection in contributing to client safety

The legal responsibilities providers of health care in relation to confidentiality, client rights, duty of care and implications of negligence

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Accurately complete all documentation

Address relevant OHS, infection control and risk management requirements

Apply knowledge of the importance of disinfection as a contribution to client safety

Apply Spauldings classification

Comply with AS 2945 and AS 2711-1993, AS/NZS 4187 and GENCA Guidelines

Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of microbiology as it affects disinfection work

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:

Complete documentation of tests, cycles and items and proof of process

Demonstrate compliance with workplace health and safety requirements such as using personal protective equipment

Follow manufacturer's guidelines in applying chemical disinfection processes

Follow organisation policies and procedures for problem solving in relation to washer decontaminator maintenance and service

Following organisation policies and procedures for problem solving in relation to washer-disinfector maintenance and service

Identify problems with disinfection processes and outcomes

Identify the appropriate temperature for moist heat high level disinfection

Identify the efficacy of disinfection processes according to the killing effect on microorganisms

Monitor thermal and chemical disinfection processes and identify variations from normal

Prepare, operate, load, configure and unload washer-decontaminators

Select an appropriate chemical disinfectant from a range of effective chemical disinfectants

Source information about standards and correct processes for chemical disinfection

Take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues, including appropriate practices to ensure efficient use of resources

Use literacy, numeracy and oral communication skills required to fulfil the position in a safe manner as specified by the health care facility

Use problem solving skills - to use available resources and prioritise workload

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.

Relevant Australian standards may include:

AS 2945

AS 2711-1993

AS/NZS 4187

GENCA Guidelines

Monitoring and accessory equipment may include:

Physical parametric process recorders, including:

print outs

graphics and chart recorders

information technology data systems

Computerised systems, including:

label printers

scanners

workstations

Chemical indicators to test concentration of disinfectant

Microbiological testing of flexible endoscopes

Dryness testing

Process challenge devices

Performance qualification equipment, including:

computerised data loggers

thermocoupling devices

Quality management documentation may include:

Cycle, batch control and load description documentation

Washer-disinfector usage and utilisation

Volume of disinfected items by defined category

Cleaning, monitoring, testing, fault analysis and maintenance of washer-disinfectors and associated equipment

Dispatch/distribution by destination

Non-conformance/non-compliance reporting

Archiving and filing of disinfection records

Validation report

Proof of process