The application of knowledge and skills described in this competency unit could take place in a range of health settings, including hospitals and specialist sterilisation facilities. The application of knowledge and skills takes place around standards, guidelines, policies and procedures and under the supervision of a qualified person

Functions at this level require a broad overview of microbiology and disinfection in relation to AS/NSZ 4187-2003

Pre-requisite unit

This unit must be assessed after successful achievement of pre-requisite:

HLTIN301C Comply with infection control policies and procedures

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Follow procedures for safe practice

1.1 Use cleaning procedures that comply with AS/NZS 4187 and AS/NZS 4815 guidelines, manufacturers recommendations and organisation policies and procedures

1.2 Identify the need for and use standard precautions

1.3 Identify and use appropriate personal protection

1.4 Identify and comply with relevant organisation OHS policies and procedures

1.5 Identify infection risks and implement an appropriate response (or report to designated personnel) in accordance with the policies and procedures of the organisation

1.6 Identify different methods for safe handling of sharp instruments and improperly disposed sharps such as needles, scalpel blades etc.

1.7 Identify the protocol for care following exposure to blood or other body fluids of the organisation

1.8 Manage spills of blood and body fluids in line with organisation policies and procedures

2. Collect contaminated items and equipment

2.1 Prepare and stock designated collection equipment eg trolleys, containers, case carts

2.2 Follow the designated route and timetable for collecting contaminated items and equipment

2.3 Confine and contain contaminated items prior to transport

2.4 Comply with transport protocols, ie contaminated goods are not left unattended en route

2.5 Transport used items and equipment to the cleaning area according to cleaning are according to organisation policies and procedures

2.6 Appropriately clean, dry and store collection equipment after each use

3. Sort and process contaminated items and equipment

3.1 Identify and sort items in accordance with AS/NZS 4187 and AS/NZS 4815 and organisation policies and procedures

3.2 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

3.3 Report disposable sharps and ensure their removal and disposal according to organisation policies and procedures

3.4 Remove and dispose of waste at point of use, and report any variance in accordance with regulatory and policy requirements

3.5 Prepare specialised items for specific cleaning procedures

3.6 Identify and give priority to specific items requiring priority processing

3.7 Segregate and process delicate items in accordance with organisation policies and procedures

3.8 Identify faulty and damaged items and report to designated person

3.9 Lubricate instruments in accordance with AS/NZS 4187 and AS/NZS 4815 and organisation policies and procedures

3.10 Dry items in accordance with AS/NZS 4187and AS/NZS 4815 and organisation policies and procedures

4. Follow required work flow processes

4.1 Work flows in one direction only, from dirty to clean

4.2 Designated work areas are segregated and clearly identified

4.3 Perform all tasks in the designated area

4.4 Identify and report interruptions to work flow according to organisation requirements

5. Load and operate cleaning appliances safely and efficiently

5.1 Clean and stock cleaning equipment and environment in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and organisation policies and procedures

5.2 Test, check and prepare all equipment for use in accordance with relevant standards, manufacturers' recommendations and organisation policies and procedures

5.3 Identify, select, store and use chemical products according to manufacturer's instructions and OHS guidelines, with reference to material safety data sheets visible for all chemicals in use

5.4 Use appropriate manual handling techniques when operating cleaning appliances

5.5 Identify faulty/damaged cleaning equipment, including detergent dispensing systems and report to the designated authority for repair

5.6 Check processed items for cleanliness, dryness and need for reprocessing if necessary

6. Follow procedures for monitoring the efficiency of cleaning

6.1 Complete monitoring and/or test procedures, eg water quality, detergent residue, chemical, soil removal efficacy, in accordance with standards and organisation policies and procedures

6.2 Ensure processes take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues

6.3 Monitor and document physical parameter, eg time, temperature, concentration in accordance with standards and organisation policies and procedures

6.4 Interpret and report any variance of procedures and physical parameter to the designated person

6.5 Complete and archive quality management documentation in accordance with standards and organisation policies and procedures

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 state/territory guidelines for sterilising services

Standards, including AS/NZS 4187, AS/NZS 4815 and all relevant infection prevention guidelines and ISO 155883 Parts 1 and 2

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 AS/NZS 4187 and AS/NZS 4815 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

anaesthetic/respiratory 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 assignments/projects, eg for fundamentals of microbiology and principles of cleaning and disinfection

Interviewing and questioning

Formal appraisal systems

Supporting statement of supervisor(s)

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 and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

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.

Cleaning equipment may include:

Collection equipment

Batch-type washer/disinfectors

Rack conveyor washers/tunnel washer

Load retaining devices

Ultrasonic cleaners

Manual cleaning sinks, hand washing sink, hot and cold running water supply

Cleaning accessories, including brushes, non-linting cloths, syringes

High pressure water equipment

Drying cabinets

Compressed air gun

Personal protective equipment may include:

Gloves

Aprons

Goggles

Face shields

Masks

Gowns

Ear muffs

Shoe covers

Hair cover

Reusable medical equipment may include:

Surgical and medical instrumentation and equipment

Anaesthetic/respiratory equipment

Hollow ware

Specialist surgical instruments, such as:

flexible and rigid endoscopic equipment

insulated instruments

laparoscopic instruments

microscopic instruments

handpieces

power tools

fibre optic equipment

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

Detergents

Enzymatic cleaners

Rinse aid

Stain remover

Separate processing requirements apply to:

Initial cleaning

Definitive cleaning, including:,

mechanical

ultrasonic and manual cleaning

anaesthetic/respiratory

Cleaning may involve:

Disassembly

Solutions including:

soaking

enzymatic

lubrication

stainless steel stain remover

Brushing of lumen/cannulated items

Non-immersible items

Complex specialised instrumentation

Leak testing of flexible endoscope

Mechanical lubrication

This unit contains Employability Skills