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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Follow procedures for the purchase of washer-disinfectors, batch and conveyor
   • Source standards for mechanical washer-disinfectors
   • Determine the type of mechanical cleaning equipment required, utilising the facility work load and types of surgery performed
   • Source local regulations and water quality information for mechanical washer-disinfector use
   • Inspect the site prior to installation for correct plumbing, ventilation and floor levels
2. Complete commissioning
   • Prior to use, determine the criteria for installation, operational and performance qualification of mechanical cleaning equipment in conjunction with manufacturer and or qualified delegated agent and relevant standards
   • Ensure criteria determined include the quality of water hardness and verification of cleaning efficiency
   • Ensure documentation for installation qualification is completed by the designated personnel
   • Ensure documentation for operational qualification are completed by designated personnel
   • Ensure performance qualification is completed and documented
3. Continually monitor compliance
   • Complete a risk analysis to determine the type of continual monitoring to be done to ensure annual PQ results and parameters are achieved
   • Develop a monitoring program to ensure annual PQ results and parameters are achieved
   • Complete a program for annual performance qualification
   • Complete a program for troubleshooting non-compliance
   • Apply knowledge of the independent monitoring required for washer-disinfector to ensure accuracy of gauges, sensors and signal processors
4. Verify effectiveness of the cleaning process
   • Apply knowledge of the rationale for testing effectiveness of the cleaning process and determining acceptability of test results
   • Apply appropriate tests to determine effectiveness of the cleaning process and document the results
   • Take appropriate trouble shooting action where test results are outside acceptable range
   • Apply bio-chemical markers in determining the effectiveness of the cleaning process
5. Monitor printouts
   • Identify the range of programs and cycle parameter for different types of washer-disinfectors
   • Determine documentation required for printouts, in compliance with standards
   • Determine corrective actions to be taken should deviations occur outside of the verified cycle parameters
6. Monitor chemical dosing systems
   • Select chemicals in accordance with instructions from manufacturer of mechanical cleaning equipment
   • Determine chemical dosing levels in line with instructions from supplier of chemicals, equipment manufacturer and the quality of water hardness
   • Correctly apply appropriate methods for chemical dosing
   • Use appropriate testing methods to determine the correct dosing for mechanical cleaning chemicals
7. Monitor quality of metal instrument surface
   • Check washer-disinfector loading for the risk of galvanic action on dissimilar metals
   • Take appropriate corrective action as required

Required Skills

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 Application of biochemical markers in determining the effectiveness of the cleaning process Criteria for installation operational and performance qualification of mechanical cleaning equipment Documentation required for printouts in compliance with standards Documentation requirements for installation and operational qualification Independent monitoring requirements to ensure accuracy of washerdisinfector gauges sensors and signal processors local regulations and water quality information for mechanical washerdisinfector use Range of programs and cycle parameter for different types of washerdisinfectors Relevant stateterritory guidelines for sterilising services Standards including ASNZS ASNZS AS and all relevant infection prevention guidelines Testing effectiveness of the cleaning process including test soils residual protein testing test for chemical residual

Essential skills It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to Comply with ASNZS and AS for sterilisation purposes Ensure documentation is complete and accurate Maintain workflow processes 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 Analyse workplace information to determine mechanical cleaning equipment requirements Apply cleaning processes Apply problem solving skills to use available resources and prioritise workload and troubleshoot eg re noncompliance Collect sort and process contaminated items and equipment Complete annual performance qualification program Follow organisation policies and procedures Monitor printouts and take corrective action to address deviations outside verified cycle parameters Monitor quality of metal instrument surface and take corrective action as required Operate machines and equipment Select and use personal protection equipment Source and apply information and methods and testing for chemical dosing Source and interpret information and standards relating to cleaning equipment Source and interpret local regulations and water quality information Take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues including appropriate practices to ensure efficient use of resources Test effectiveness of the cleaning process and determine acceptability of test results Undertake risk analysis Use literacy numeracy and oral communication skills required to fulfil the position in a safe manner as specified by the health care facility

Evidence Required

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 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 Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
Context of and specific resources for assessment	Assessment must be in workplace and under conditions Resources essential for assessment include access to relevant workplace monitoring and tracking systems manufacturers guidelines training records Australian Standards government and organisation policies and procedures
Method of assessment	Observation in the work place essential Written assignmentsprojects Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice Questioning
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

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Range Statement

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Testing to determine effectiveness of cleaning process must include:	Test soils Residual protein testing Test for chemical residual
Mechanical washer-disinfectors may include:	Washer-disinfectors (batch type) Ultrasonic washer-disinfectors Rack conveyor washer-disinfectors Index cleaning systems Continuous process washer-disinfector

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