Elements and Performance Criteria
- Conduct preparatory procedures for cleansing and disinfecting deceased bodies.
- Identify and prepare mortuary area and appropriate instruments and equipment according to workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.
- Prepare and use personal protective equipment according to workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.
- Identify and respect any social, cultural and religious requirements.
- Remove wrapping on deceased persons.
- Disinfect body wrappings using appropriate droplet disinfectant according to infection control practices.
- Open outer body wrappings and ensure containment of body fluids.
- Disinfect inner wrappings or clothing using a droplet disinfectant as required and according to infection control practices.
- Remove inner wrapping and ensure containment of body fluids.
- Place a durable modesty cover on genital area if required.
- Cover mouth and nose with cloth soaked in an appropriate disinfectant.
- Place wrappings in an appropriate biowaste container and ensure containment of body fluids.
- Package clothing separately according to given instructions.
- Cleanse oral and nasal cavities.
- Cleanse and inspect body.
- Spray all areas of body with appropriate disinfectant and allow to remain on body surface for five minutes.
- Conduct external head and face inspection.
- Wash, rinse and dry all body surfaces using appropriate washing materials according to workplace policies and procedures.
- Access rectal and vaginal orifices and place disinfectant cloth deep inside using large forceps.
- Shampoo and dry cranium hair using germicidal soaps and shampoos according to workplace policies and procedures.
- Perform face shaves and trim beards and moustaches according to workplace policies and procedures.
- Conduct final inspection of body and note anything unusual for further attention.
- Note and document all jewellery according to workplace policies and procedures and remove if required.
- Relieve rigor mortis in body.
- Clean up tools, equipment and mortuary areas.
- Clean, disinfect or sterilise instruments and equipment according to workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.
- Dispose of waste materials according to workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.
- Store instruments and equipment according to workplace policies and procedures and report faults.
- Clean and disinfect mortuary area according to workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.
- Remove personal protective equipment and process according to workplace policies and procedures and infection control practices.