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

This unit will be most appropriately assessed in the workplace under the normal range of workplace conditions

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace

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

Method of assessment

Observation of work activities

Observation of simulation and/or role play

Written tasks

Relevant formal and informal education/training courses

Case studies and scenarios

Interviews/questioning

Resource implications:

Access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place

Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols

Relevant legislation

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

Related units:

This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other mortuary units of competency is encouraged

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:

Appreciation of cultural and religious considerations in relation to bodies

Confidentiality policy and procedure

Documentation requirements

Environmental standards for the operation of a mortuary

Legislative requirements which directly affect the role and practice of the Mortuary Worker

Organisation policy and procedures in relation to the operation of the mortuary

Policy and procedures for the handling and storage of bodies

Stock requirements and procedures

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability 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 problem solving skills, including an ability to use available resources

Deal with conflict

Demonstrate:

cleaning and appropriate use of cleaning chemicals

communication skills for dealing with medical staff, funeral directors, police, coroner's court officers and families

effective liaison with health professionals and other key personnel

effective telephone techniques

inventory control in the mortuary environment

procedures for maintenance of equipment

safe handling of clinical and other wastes

safe manual handling

time management

use of personal and protective equipment

Follow correct checking procedures and complete relevant document in relation to the receipt and release of bodies

Follow procedures for checking identification

Handle decomposing and dismembered bodies

Identify and use effective stress management strategies in response to workplace issues

Maintain a professional approach with key personnel and bereaved families and friends

Maintain cleaning and infection control standards

Maintain security

Prepare bodies for viewing

Use numeracy skills including the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations and recording stock levels

Use oral communication skills required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation, including skills in:

asking questions

providing clear information

listening to and understanding workplace instructions

clarifying workplace instructions when necessary

using effective verbal and non verbal communication skills with a range of internal and external persons

Use reading and writing skills required to fulfil job role in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation at a level of skill that includes reading workplace policy and procedure manuals and documenting administrative and clinical information

Use the organisation's computer and other business technology

Work independently

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.

Checking processesmust include:

Identification of body

Search of body and clothing procedures

Recording of valuables, identification documents and other items found with and on the body

Identification and recording of scars, tattoos and distinctive features

Documentation may include or relate to:

Completion of Mortuary Register (computer or manual)

Legal documents (e.g. death certificates, cremation forms, Coroner's approval)

Record of Release

Overseas burials

Donation to Science documents

Medical Records

Receipts for Medical Records

Organisation documents (e.g. request for hospital autopsy form)

Records of valuables and items found with and on the body

Legal requirements may include:

State/territory laws concerning coroner's matters

Receipt, handling and storage of bodies in a mortuary

Organisation policy and procedures may relate to:

Identification procedures

Safe keeping of valuables

Occupational health and safety

Waste handling and disposal

Manual handling

Cleaning and use of cleaning chemicals

Infection control

Preparation of bodies for viewing

Viewing of bodies by relatives and others

Documentation

Security

Training

Confidentiality

Admission and release of bodies

Storage of deceased persons

Stock requisitions

Stock control

Stocktaking

Authority to incur expenditure

Infection control policy and procedures may relate to:

Standard and additional precautions

Cleaning procedures

Cleaning of surfaces and equipment

Use of cleaning chemicals

Personal protective equipment

Standards of hygiene

Disposal of clinical and other wastes

Equipment may include:

Head rests

Drapes

Sheets

Pillows

Shrouds

Cleaning materials

Personal protective equipment may include:

Face protection

Eye protection

Gown

Apron

Surgical suits

Gloves

Protective footwear

Cultural requirements may relate to:

Religious beliefs and practices in relation to death

Ethnic beliefs/practices in relation to death

Beliefs and practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons in relation to death

Key internal and external personnel may include:

Hospital Medical staff

Relatives

Management

Pathologist

Government medical officer

Other relevant medical practitioners

Coroner/coroner's officers

Nursing staff

Police

Social worker

Medical students

Funeral director/conveyor

Mortuary environment may include:

Autopsy room

Viewing room

Admission Room

Refrigeration

Waiting room

Changes areas and staff room

Wet areas

Autopsy bench and drains

Tables

Floors

Walls

Storage areas

Vehicle delivery/collection bay

Waste may include:

Human tissue

Clinical wastes

General waste

Toxic waste

Security procedures may relate to:

Retained tissue

Specimens

Documents and records

Information concerning the deceased

Photographs

Items found with body

Confidentiality

Entry control

Key control

Physical security

Authorisation of entry