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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Elements define the essential outcomes of a unit of competency
2. The Performance Criteria specify the level of performance required to demonstrate achievement of the Element
3. Receive and sort contaminated items
   • Follow procedures for collection and transport of items to the cleaning area as required
   • Sort reusable items and safely dispose of single use reusable medical devices
   • Check for completeness of set and for multi-part items
   • Identify and separate items requiring segregation or specialised processing
   • Identify and respond to priority processing requirements
   • Report faulty and damaged items to designated person
4. Prepare contaminated items for cleaning and disinfection
   • Complete initial pre-cleaning and waste removal processes
   • Prepare specialised items for specific cleaning procedures
   • Select cleaning processes and equipment based on manufacturer’s recommendations and evaluation of item construction and composition
   • Disassemble instruments for cleaning and disinfection according to manufacturer’s guidelines
5. Complete cleaning and thermal disinfection processes
   • Organise workflow using dirty to clean principle
   • Interpret operating instructions for cleaning and drying equipment, and test and prepare for use as per organisation procedures
   • Complete water quality tests as required
   • Select, use and correctly measure chemical products according to safety data sheets
   • Complete required manual cleaning with hot water rinsing and drying
   • Use soaking, flushing and brushing techniques as required for reusable medical devices with particular structures
   • Operate cleaning appliances using safe manual handling techniques
   • Select washer disinfector cycle based on required parameters for specific reusable medical devices
   • Minimise waste during the cleaning and disinfection process
   • Identify faulty or damaged equipment, and report to designated person
6. Check quality of cleaning and thermal disinfection
   • Inspect cleanliness and dryness according to standards and procedures
   • Monitor and document processes, check processes and respond to routine problems
   • Complete and archive quality management documentation according to organisation procedures
   • Identify faults or shortcomings in the cleaning and disinfection process and take action within scope of own work role

Performance Evidence

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 for the sorting, disassembly, cleaning and thermal disinfection of reusable medical devices on at least 3 occasions:

identified and responded to routine process and maintenance problems and variations

addressed relevant work health and safety, infection control and manual task requirements

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Knowledge Evidence

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:

existence and basic requirements of AS/NZS 4187, and its role in the sterilisation workplace

reusable medical devices (RMD) product families and associated cleaning requirements, including detergents and brushes

types and features of cleaning and drying equipment, and their monitoring and maintenance requirements

steps in the cleaning and disinfection work flow process and the reasons for design of work area

water quality testing processes

testing processes for cleaning equipment

key aspects of thermal disinfection, including:

terminology

conditions and parameters for thermal disinfection

lethality of a moist heat process for a range of temperatures

quality indicators for cleaning and disinfection processes

safe work practices in the cleaning area:

manual task risk factors and how to control for them

infection control and Spaulding’s classification

personal protective equipment (PPE)

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