Google Links

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

Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Determine job requirements
  2. Prepare to apply infection control policies
  3. Clean and disinfect equipment and surfaces
  4. Identify and respond to infection risks

Range Statement

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Workplace procedures include one or more of the following:

requirements prescribed by legislation, awards, agreements and conditions of employment

SOPs

work instructions

oral, written and visual communication

quality practices, including responsibility for maintenance of own work quality and contribution to quality improvement of team or section output

housekeeping

tasks related to environmental protection, waste disposal, pollution control and recycling

WHS practices

Australian Standards include:

the relevant industry or Australian Standards that are current at the time this unit is being undertaken

Sort linen includes:

wearing and using appropriate personal protective equipment when handling soiled linen

segregating, containing, storing and transporting waste according to organisational policy and procedures.

disposing of waste safely according to established organisational and legislative requirements

Waste includes one or more of the following:

clinical and related wastes

cytotoxic waste

sharps

radioactive waste

general waste

food wastes

human or animal tissue

hazardous substances

Disposal requirements include one or more of the following:

determined by government, including local government requirements

determined by organisational policy

landfill

flushing into sewerage system

incineration

licensed microwave disinfection

Infection control guidelines include one or more of the following:

organisation's infection control policy and procedure manual

standard and additional precautions

codes of practice

relevant Australian Standards

National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines

local government ordinances

safety data sheets (SDS) for chemical use

food safety plan

Personal hygiene includes the following:

using standard and additional infection control procedures, when required

maintaining cleanliness of work clothes

maintaining personal hygiene

covering open-skin areas with an occlusive dressing

following hand washing procedures

checking appropriate PPE prior to use

wearing PPE correctly

undertaking immunisation in accordance with organisational policy

Performance Evidence

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance, and include:

reading and following work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), safe work practices and other reference material

complying with relevant standards

complying with all infection control guidelines relating to specific work roles, safe waste handling and management procedures

applying personal hygiene and environmental practices

applying standard and additional precautions, as required, to identify and respond to infection risks

using technology to work safely and competently

communicating constructively to achieve planned outcomes in relation to infection risks, waste management and hygiene issues

maintaining accurate records.

Knowledge Evidence

Evidence must be provided that demonstrates knowledge of:

safe work practices and procedures and use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

relevant Australian Standards

organisation’s infection control policy as it relates to specific work role

processes of how infection is spread

infection control guidelines

PPE:

eye and face protection

gloves

impermeable gowns

masks

hair protection or covering

overshoes or safety footwear

aprons

infection risks in a laundry environment, and specifically in own workplace:

sharps

waste

human waste and human tissue

body fluids

personal contact with infectious patients

stagnant water

stock, including food which has passed 'used-by' dates

animals, insects and vermin

incorrect concentration of disinfectants and chemicals

types of waste in laundry environment

responses to infection risks:

incident reporting

cleaning

removal of waste or spillage

following standard and additional precautions

containment or elimination of the risk

using PPE

following specified organisational procedures

seeking advice from or reporting to an appropriate person

personal hygiene practices

precautions against infection risk:

consistently following correct hygiene procedures

selecting and using equipment and disinfectants

following correct hand washing techniques

correctly using PPE

following procedures appropriate to the cleaning area and purpose

minimising disruption to the work environment

minimising infection risks and hazards for self and others

using appropriate chemicals for cleaning and disinfection

waste disposal practices:

lockable bins

special containers

trolley

bags

suitable vehicle

cleaning equipment:

buckets

mops and brushes

mechanical cleaning equipment

organisation's waste management policy and procedures

applicable work health and safety (WHS) policy and practice in relation to infection risks, hygiene, waste

relevant safety data sheets (SDS)

practices for recording and reporting.