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

Detailed knowledge of infection control principles as they affect the sterilisation work environment

Detailed knowledge of instruments and associated care and maintenance requirements

Enterprise code of practice

Hazard identification and risk control

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

Purchase requirements of the organisation

Relevant stateterritory guidelines for sterilising services

Standards including ASNZS ASNZS and all relevant infection prevention guidelines especially in relation to the care of reusable medical equipment

Stock redundancy and disposal requirements of the organisation

Storage requirements for reusable medical equipment

The importance of sterilisation technology as a contribution to client safety and the relationship to well maintained reusable medical equipment

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

Therapeutic Goods Administration TGA guidelines for purchase reprocessing and reporting noncompliance

Training and assessment requirements relevant to the care of reusable medical equipment

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Address OHS infection control and manual handling requirements

Apply knowledge of the importance of sterilisation technology as a contribution to client safety

Complete all documentation accurately

Comply with ASNZS and ASNXS for sterilisation purposes especially in relation to the care and maintenance of equipment

Demonstrate consistency of performance over a number of trials

Maintain stock

Undertake care and maintenance of a full range of reusable medical equipment

Undertake training and assessment of sterilisation staff

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 ASNZS and organisation policies and procedures to work practices

Apply ASNZS to organisation policies and procedures

Demonstrate care and maintenance of reusable medical equipment

Demonstrate stock management

Demonstrate training and assessment skills relevant to the care of reusable medical equipment

Maintain stock registers

Maintain training registers

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 the ability to use available resources and prioritise workload

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 possibleAcceptable simulation requires

Simulations may be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
Acceptable simulation requires:

care and maintenance of a full range of reusable medical equipment

appropriate storage environment

training and assessment of the care of reusable medical equipment

Resources essential for assessment include access to

relevant workplace or appropriately simulated environment where assessment can take place

full range of reusable medical equipment

training records

Australian Standards government and organisation policies and procedures

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

Reusable medical equipment may include, but is not limited to:

Items required for packing may include:

Materials required for packaging may include:

Organisation policies may include: