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

Awareness of the safety and environmental aspects of relevant organisation activities

Awareness of workplace procedures including

recordingdocumentation processestechniques

relevant WHS standardslegislation

regulatory requirements

health fundspolicies

codes of practice

Awareness of the range and characteristics of commercially available wheelchairs and how they can be used to meet specified client requirements

Awareness of the relative clinical practical and other advantagesdisadvantages of commercially available wheelchairs

Awareness of wheelchair construction and standards including

terminology

wheelchair test and performance requirements

diagnostic and definitive construction

modification processes

materials

tools and equipment used

Awareness of procedures involved in adjusting off the shelf wheelchairs

Awareness of procedures involved in maintaining and repairing commercially available wheelchairs

Awareness of other practitioners in the field and in related fields including their roles capabilities and limitations

Awareness of safety implications of use of wheelchairs as seats in motor vehicle

Awareness of risks of electrical fires in powered wheelchairs

Knowledge of the organisation policies in relation to the scope of the role of the rehabilitation technician

Knowledge of prevention of electrical overload in powered wheelchair circuitry

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Assess integrity of wheelchair frame and structural components

Communicate effectively with clients and relevant others

Conduct fittings

Evaluate problem solve and address a variety of commercially available wheelchair problems

Fit and modify wheelchairs to meet client requirements

Identify design problems and bring them to the attention of the appropriate person

Identify powered wheelchair control requirements and program the controller accordingly

Maintain records

Make wheelchair adjustments

Measure fundamental angles masses and lengths

Select appropriate materials and techniques

Use hand tools and machinery to undertake adjustments and modification as required

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 procedures and processes including reporting requirements

Communicate effectively with the client to obtain clear and precise information about problems with the wheelchair

Communicate effectively with the client to give clear and precise information about proper use maintenance and function of the wheelchair andor its modifications

Communicate with work colleagues associates and clients including

teamwork

client confidentiality

interpersonal skills

Manage time and workload

Read and make engineering drawings or sketches

Use literacy skills required to fulfil job role in a safe manner

Use numeracy skills required to fulfil job role

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 a period of time and a range of workplace situations

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

Assessment should replicate workplace conditions as far as possible

Simulations may be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

Where for reasons of safety access to equipment and resources and space assessment takes place away from the workplace simulations should be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

Resources essential for assessment include

access to an appropriate workplace where assessment can take place

Method of assessment

Observation in the work place

Written assignmentsprojects

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

Questioning

Role play simulation

Related units

The following units should be undertaken before or in conjunction with this unit

MEMB Terminate and connect electrical wiring

MEM10002B Terminate and connect electrical wiring

MEMB Diagnose and rectify low voltage electrical systems

MEM18030B Diagnose and rectify low voltage electrical systems

MEMB Maintain and overhaul mechanical equipment

MEM18004B Maintain and overhaul mechanical equipment

MEMC Repair and fit engineering components

MEM18006C Repair and fit engineering components

Wheelchairs may include:

Relevant health professional may include:

Selection may include

Modification may include:

Hand tools and machinery may include: