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

Anaesthetic and monitoring equipment cleaning procedures

Application of anaesthetic and monitoring equipment and the contraindications complications and limitations associated with their use

Basic electronic knowledge and electrical safety requirements

Boundaries of responsibilities and ability to refer problems to supervisor anaesthetist or other appropriate health professional

Current range and use of anaesthetic and monitoring equipment

Infection control policy and procedures in relation to anaesthetic and monitoring equipment

Intraoperative client safety concerning the location and movement of equipment

Medical terminology used relevant to the workers role

Occupational health and safety procedures in relation to anaesthetic and monitoring equipment

Principles of measurement eg thermodynamics gas laws fluid dynamics potentiometry and optics

Principles of safe operation of equipment

Relevant anatomy and physiology related to the setup and operation of anaesthetic and monitoring equipment

Safe handling of gases

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Calibrate and maintain equipment to required standard

Communicate with health professionals

Communicate with maintenance engineers

Identify and rectify equipment problems

Provide basic training and skills instruction and assessments

Use appropriate cleaning chemicals

continued

Essential skills contd

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

Comply with organisation policies and procedures including those of OHS and infection control and current standards

Deal with conflict

Follow procedures for timely setup troubleshooting shutdown cleaning and storage of anaesthetic and monitoring equipment

Identify and manage faults and problems with anaesthetic and monitoring equipment

Identify the range and purpose and principle of operation of a range of anaesthetic and monitoring equipment

Monitor work areas for environmental pollution

Recognise hazards related to the use of each item of a range of anaesthetic and monitoring equipment

Take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues

Test reticulated gas supply after supply servicing completed

Undertake routine gas pipeline content tests

Use numeracy skills which may range from the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations recording stock levels and statistical information

Use oral communication skillslanguage competence 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 with a range of internal and external persons

competence in English or a community language depending on client group and organisation requirements

Use problem solving skills required including an ability to use available resources

Use reading and writing skillsliteracy competence required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation at a level of skill that includes reading and documenting technical information and understanding complex policy and procedure manuals

Work with others within a team

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

Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit

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

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Resources essential for assessment include

access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place

simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment

relevant organisation policy guidelines procedures and protocols

Method of assessment

Observation in the work place

Evidence gathered from clinical work environment

Written assignmentsprojects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice

Questioning verbal and written

Role playsimulation

Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting laboratory If successful a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision

Related units

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

Safety checks of equipment may include:

Organisation policies and procedures may refer to:

Anaesthetic equipment must include:

Equipment problems may include:

Documentation of planned maintenance may include:

Staff may include:

Instruction on equipment operation and in-service training on equipment may include: