Elements and Performance Criteria
- Follow procedures for safe practice
- 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 WHS 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
- Collect contaminated items and equipment
- 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
- Sort and process contaminated items and equipment
- 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
- Follow required work flow processes
- Load and operate cleaning appliances safely and efficiently
- 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 WHS 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
- Follow procedures for monitoring the efficiency of cleaning
- 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