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 stateterritory guidelines for sterilising services

Standards including ASNZS ASNZS and all relevant infection prevention guidelines and ISO Parts and

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 ASNZS and ASNZS 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 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

anaestheticrespiratory 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 assignmentsprojects eg for fundamentals of microbiology and principles of cleaning and disinfection

Interviewing and questioning

Formal appraisal systems

Supporting statement of supervisors

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 andor Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Cleaning equipment may include:

Personal protective equipment may include:

Reusable medical equipment may include:

Cleaning procedures may involve the use of specific chemicals such as:

Separate processing requirements apply to:

Cleaning may involve: