Assessor Resource

HLTSTE003
Sterilise loads

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to follow correct procedures to select and operate sterilisation equipment, interpret steriliser function and parameters in the provision of sterilised reusable medical devices, appropriately load items for sterilisation, and to release sterilised items for distribution. This competency unit does not deal with ethylene oxide sterilisation.

This unit applies to individuals working under general supervision and within established procedures in a range of health service organisations, including hospitals and specialist sterilisation facilities.

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements define the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance required to demonstrate achievement of the element

1. Prepare sterilisation equipment

1.1 Clean and check steriliser, and accessory equipment according to manufacturer’s recommendations

1.2 Conduct, interpret and record performance test cycles

1.3 Interpret and accurately document results from physical and chemical tests

2. Load steriliser

2.1 Select sterilisation method according to reusable medical devices (RMD) manufacturer requirements

2.2 Assign appropriate cycle and batch control number and complete documentation correctly

2.3 Check packaging, sealing and labelling for compatibility with organisation policies and procedures

2.4 Check load content and configuration for compliance with annual steriliser performance qualification

2.5 Load steriliser to ensure sterilant contact and according to manufacturer’s recommendations

2.6 Add additional test items such as biological indicator or process challenge device according to organisation protocol

3. Operate steriliser

3.1 Check steriliser function for sterilant availability

3.2 Check function of physical process recording accessories

3.3 Select appropriate cycle in accordance with organisation policies and procedures

3.4 Identify, report and action faults according to manufacturer’s recommendations and organisation policies and procedures

4. Unload and release sterilised loads

4.1 Check and interpret sterilisation cycle parameters and chemical monitors, and record results on completion of cycle

4.2 Remove sterilised load immediately on completion of cycle

4.3 Remove compromised items, dismantle for reprocessing and record details

4.4 Unload cooled load using appropriate handling techniques

4.5 Complete documentation of the sterilising cycle for parametric release

4.6 Complete documentation of the sterilising cycle for parametric release

4.7 Check and document additional load release tests

4.8 If used, incubate and check results of biological indicators

5. Comply with quality management requirements

5.1 Adhere to operational monitoring and testing, performance qualification and maintenance of sterilisers and associated equipment

5.2 Comply with documentation requirements for sterilising cycles, batch control and load release control

5.3 Report and document all steriliser faults/malfunction and load non-conformance/non-compliance

5.4 Store and archive documentation in accordance with organisation policies and procedures

The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:

followed established procedures, work processes and national standards to prepare, operate, load and unload sterilisers and release the sterilised loads on at least three occasions, including:

correctly interpreting test results

accurately completing all documentation for cycles, tests and load content, including specialised items

addressing relevant work health and safety, infection control and manual handling requirements

identifying and responding to routine problems within delegated authority

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:

terminology used in sterilising and methods of sterilisation used in Australia

environmental conditions required for efficient functioning of a sterilisation area, including:

quarantine protocols

conditions and parameters for successful sterilisation

cleaning protocols and special requirements for sterilisers, trolleys and carriages

features of sterilisation process that influence sterilisation outcomes, including:

cycle stages and physical parameters that determine sterilisation outcomes

differences between methods of low temperature sterilisation processes including hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid

the biocidal action of chemical sterilants and impact on sterilisation outcomes

monitoring equipment and procedures

features of steam sterilisation that influence sterilisation outcomes, including:

cycle stages and physical parameters that influence sterilisation outcomes

principles of steam generation and steam quality that impact on sterilisation outcomes

significant mechanical components of steam sterilisers

the biocidal action of steam under pressure and the impact on sterilisation outcomes

monitoring equipment and procedures

performance testing:

air removal test

process challenge device

leak rate test

physical, chemical and biological monitoring devices

requirements of quality assurance documentation, including release processes

safe work practices in the sterilisation work area:

manual task risk factors and how to control for them

infection control

personal hygiene

Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that reflects workplace conditions. The following conditions must be met for this unit:

use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:

steam sterilisers

reusable medical devices

personal protective equipment

quality assurance print outs and documentation

workplace procedures to be followed

modelling of industry operating conditions, including:

speed and timing requirements for the sterilisation process

presence of situations requiring problem solving

Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements define the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance required to demonstrate achievement of the element

1. Prepare sterilisation equipment

1.1 Clean and check steriliser, and accessory equipment according to manufacturer’s recommendations

1.2 Conduct, interpret and record performance test cycles

1.3 Interpret and accurately document results from physical and chemical tests

2. Load steriliser

2.1 Select sterilisation method according to reusable medical devices (RMD) manufacturer requirements

2.2 Assign appropriate cycle and batch control number and complete documentation correctly

2.3 Check packaging, sealing and labelling for compatibility with organisation policies and procedures

2.4 Check load content and configuration for compliance with annual steriliser performance qualification

2.5 Load steriliser to ensure sterilant contact and according to manufacturer’s recommendations

2.6 Add additional test items such as biological indicator or process challenge device according to organisation protocol

3. Operate steriliser

3.1 Check steriliser function for sterilant availability

3.2 Check function of physical process recording accessories

3.3 Select appropriate cycle in accordance with organisation policies and procedures

3.4 Identify, report and action faults according to manufacturer’s recommendations and organisation policies and procedures

4. Unload and release sterilised loads

4.1 Check and interpret sterilisation cycle parameters and chemical monitors, and record results on completion of cycle

4.2 Remove sterilised load immediately on completion of cycle

4.3 Remove compromised items, dismantle for reprocessing and record details

4.4 Unload cooled load using appropriate handling techniques

4.5 Complete documentation of the sterilising cycle for parametric release

4.6 Complete documentation of the sterilising cycle for parametric release

4.7 Check and document additional load release tests

4.8 If used, incubate and check results of biological indicators

5. Comply with quality management requirements

5.1 Adhere to operational monitoring and testing, performance qualification and maintenance of sterilisers and associated equipment

5.2 Comply with documentation requirements for sterilising cycles, batch control and load release control

5.3 Report and document all steriliser faults/malfunction and load non-conformance/non-compliance

5.4 Store and archive documentation in accordance with organisation policies and procedures

The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:

followed established procedures, work processes and national standards to prepare, operate, load and unload sterilisers and release the sterilised loads on at least three occasions, including:

correctly interpreting test results

accurately completing all documentation for cycles, tests and load content, including specialised items

addressing relevant work health and safety, infection control and manual handling requirements

identifying and responding to routine problems within delegated authority

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:

terminology used in sterilising and methods of sterilisation used in Australia

environmental conditions required for efficient functioning of a sterilisation area, including:

quarantine protocols

conditions and parameters for successful sterilisation

cleaning protocols and special requirements for sterilisers, trolleys and carriages

features of sterilisation process that influence sterilisation outcomes, including:

cycle stages and physical parameters that determine sterilisation outcomes

differences between methods of low temperature sterilisation processes including hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid

the biocidal action of chemical sterilants and impact on sterilisation outcomes

monitoring equipment and procedures

features of steam sterilisation that influence sterilisation outcomes, including:

cycle stages and physical parameters that influence sterilisation outcomes

principles of steam generation and steam quality that impact on sterilisation outcomes

significant mechanical components of steam sterilisers

the biocidal action of steam under pressure and the impact on sterilisation outcomes

monitoring equipment and procedures

performance testing:

air removal test

process challenge device

leak rate test

physical, chemical and biological monitoring devices

requirements of quality assurance documentation, including release processes

safe work practices in the sterilisation work area:

manual task risk factors and how to control for them

infection control

personal hygiene

Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that reflects workplace conditions. The following conditions must be met for this unit:

use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:

steam sterilisers

reusable medical devices

personal protective equipment

quality assurance print outs and documentation

workplace procedures to be followed

modelling of industry operating conditions, including:

speed and timing requirements for the sterilisation process

presence of situations requiring problem solving

Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
 
Clean and check steriliser, and accessory equipment according to manufacturer’s recommendations 
Conduct, interpret and record performance test cycles 
Interpret and accurately document results from physical and chemical tests 
Select sterilisation method according to reusable medical devices (RMD) manufacturer requirements 
Assign appropriate cycle and batch control number and complete documentation correctly 
Check packaging, sealing and labelling for compatibility with organisation policies and procedures 
Check load content and configuration for compliance with annual steriliser performance qualification 
Load steriliser to ensure sterilant contact and according to manufacturer’s recommendations 
Add additional test items such as biological indicator or process challenge device according to organisation protocol 
Check steriliser function for sterilant availability 
Check function of physical process recording accessories 
Select appropriate cycle in accordance with organisation policies and procedures 
Identify, report and action faults according to manufacturer’s recommendations and organisation policies and procedures 
Check and interpret sterilisation cycle parameters and chemical monitors, and record results on completion of cycle 
Remove sterilised load immediately on completion of cycle 
Remove compromised items, dismantle for reprocessing and record details 
Unload cooled load using appropriate handling techniques 
Complete documentation of the sterilising cycle for parametric release 
Check and document additional load release tests 
If used, incubate and check results of biological indicators 
Adhere to operational monitoring and testing, performance qualification and maintenance of sterilisers and associated equipment 
Comply with documentation requirements for sterilising cycles, batch control and load release control 
Report and document all steriliser faults/malfunction and load non-conformance/non-compliance 
Store and archive documentation in accordance with organisation policies and procedures 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

HLTSTE003 - Sterilise loads
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

HLTSTE003 - Sterilise loads

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: