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

Instrument maintenance checklists

Requirements for the monitoring of sterilisation cycles

Safe work practices standard precautions and organisation protocols for the reprocessing and storage of reusable instruments

Safe work practices and standard precautions when handling and disposing of sharps including

destination of different types of sharps after use

reprocessing of sharp instruments

safe handling of local anaesthetic cartridge and needle

transfer of sharps between operator and assistant

The level of reprocessing required for noncritical site instruments semicritical site instruments and critical site instruments

Workflow protocols in the instrument reprocessing area

Workplace procedures for manual cleaning

Workplace procedures for steriliser use

Workplace procedures for using an ultrasonic cleaner andor thermal washerdisinfector

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Consistently use safe handling drying and cleaning protocols

Consistently use correct packing assembly and wrapping procedures for sterilisation and storage

Consistently prepare items for sterilisation

Consistently use safe operation of sterilisation equipment

Consistently interpret data and complete sterilisation records

Consistently use appropriate work health and safety WHS procedures and comply with current Australian and New Zealand Standards

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

Consistently follow safe work practices and apply standard precautions during cleaning and preparation of items for sterilisation

check items for defects after cleaning

select and safely use appropriate cleaning agents

select and wear appropriate personal protective equipment

Consistently dry items before packaging

Consistently maintain workflow protocols in instrument reprocessing area from contaminated to clean to sterile

Consistently operate mechanical cleaners including ultrasonic cleaner and thermal washerdisinfector

Consistently operate the steriliser in a safe and effective manner

Consistently protect sterile items from all vapours aerosols and splashing generated during procedures handwashing instrument washing ultrasonic cleaning and reprocessing

Consistently store packaged items in a clean place away from sources of moisture and contamination

Consistently store unwrapped sterilised items in dedicated clean dry containers that are protected from aerosol contamination

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

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 preferred for assessment of this unit

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment should replicate workplace conditions as far as possible

Simulations must not be used to represent workplace conditions

Method of assessment

Observation in the work place

Evidence of essential knowledge and understanding may be provided by

traditional or online computerbased assessment

written assignmentsprojects

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

Questioning

Staff andor client feedback

Supporting statement of supervisor

Authenticated evidence of relevant work experience andor formalinformal learning

Role play simulation

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

Related units

This unit may be assessed in conjunction with related work health and safety competency units

Safe work practices may include but are not limited to:

Legislative and workplace guidelines may be included in:

Waste may include but is not limited to:

Disposal of waste requirements may include:

Work flow protocols may include:

Preparation of instruments for cleaning may include:

Selection and use of appropriate cleaning agents may include:

Cleaning methods may include:

Monitoring the cleaning process may include:

Critical site instruments may include:

Batch control data may include:

Sterilisers may include:

Operation of the steriliser may include:

Sterilising cycle records may include:

Monitoring of sterilisers may include but is not limited to:

Criteria for release of processed packaged items may include:

Routine cleaning and checking of sterilisers may include but is not limited to: