To demonstrate competence for this unit the worker must acquire the essential knowledge and skills described

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

Aetiology of infection

Cleaning and disinfection procedures

Impact of premises layout and workflow on infection control risks

Knowledge of reference documents relating to infection control regulations guidelines Australian standards and organisation policy and procedure relevant to the office practice and the health care workers role

Legal responsibilities in relation to infection control sterilising registration or licensing of business conduct of profession or occupation and maintenance of premises relevant to the office practice and the health care workers role

Principles of risk management in relation to infection control

Procedures and practices that support infection control measures and prevent transmission of infection

Procedures for notification and response to needlestick or sharps injury

Procedures for responding to spills

Sources of infection and means of transmission

Standard and additional precautions as defined by the national health and medical research council NHMRC or other authoritative resource

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Apply contemporary work practices and standards for infection control within work area

Apply standard and additional precautions

Apply cleaning disinfection and sterilising techniques and procedures where appropriate

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 AS and AS where applicable to office practice and health care workers role

Apply cleaning disinfection and sterilizing procedures for instruments equipment and implantable items where appropriate to office practice and health care workers role

Apply risk management principles to infection control risks in particular work area

Apply skin preparation procedures

Apply standard and additional precautions

Correctly and safely use personal protective equipment

Operate steriliser including

calibration and

documentation requirements if appropriate to office practice and health care workers role

loading

monitoring

packaging of items

validation

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

Use aseptic techniques if appropriate to office practice and health care workers role

Use cleaning procedures including selection safe use and storage of cleaning agents

Use correct waste segregation and disposal practices

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 is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of workplace conditions

Assessment of Elements and will not apply to an office practice that is not required to undertake sterilising in accordance with regulations standards and guidelines

A diversity of assessment tasks is essential for holistic assessment

Assessment may be conducted on more than one occasion to cover a variety of situations

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

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Resource requirements include access to

Applicable Regulations standards and Guidelines

Applicable State and Territory Health Laws and Regulations

National Health and Medical Research Council Guidelines for Infection Control

Various state and territory government standards and guidelines

Australian standards in relation to sterilizing sterilizers clinical waste and sharp medical items

Infection Control Guidelines published by applicable professional associations

Policy and procedure manuals of the office practice

Manufacturers recommendations and operating manuals for the office practice steriliser

Duty statements andor job descriptions

Method of assessment

Observation in the workplace is essential

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 playsimulation

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

Office practice settings may include:

Health care workers may include:

Regulations, standards and guidelines may include:

Organisation policy and procedure may relate to:

Workplace infection control risks may include:

Cleaning agents may include:

Personal protective equipment may include:

Waste may include:

Disinfection may be: