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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Perform exhumation.
   • Liaise with manager or leading hand to identify work requirements and own areas of responsibility in performing exhumation.
   • Identify and prepare tools, equipment and machinery according to work requirements.
   • Place protective restraints to restrict site access to authorised personnel.
   • Apply universal precautions to minimise risk of infection from contaminates.
   • Inspect and confirm nameplate as required.
   • Perform exhumation according to supervisor instructions.
   • Enclose remains of deceased person and coffin or casket in appropriate casing.
2. Lift and reposition or deepen human remains.
   • Identify storage requirements.
   • Remove adjacent monuments as required and reassess further digging with appropriate personnel.
   • Dig to required or anticipated depth according to safety requirements.
   • Remove coffin or casket and transfer or store remains according to supervisor instructions.
3. Clean site.
   • Liaise with appropriate personnel to determine clean up requirements.
   • Store and maintain tools, equipment and machinery.
4. Perform exhumation.
   • Liaise with manager or leading hand to identify work requirements and own areas of responsibility in performing exhumation.
   • Identify and prepare tools, equipment and machinery according to work requirements.
   • Place protective restraints to restrict site access to authorised personnel.
   • Apply universal precautions to minimise risk of infection from contaminates.
   • Inspect and confirm nameplate as required.
   • Perform exhumation according to supervisor instructions.
   • Enclose remains of deceased person and coffin or casket in appropriate casing.
5. Lift and reposition or deepen human remains.
   • Identify storage requirements.
   • Remove adjacent monuments as required and reassess further digging with appropriate personnel.
   • Dig to required or anticipated depth according to safety requirements.
   • Remove coffin or casket and transfer or store remains according to supervisor instructions.
6. Clean site.
   • Liaise with appropriate personnel to determine clean up requirements.
   • Store and maintain tools, equipment and machinery.

Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to:

liaise with appropriate personnel to identify burial locations and safe exhumation methods

select, prepare, use, maintain and clean the required tools, equipment and machinery according to supervisor instructions, workplace policies and procedures, and manufacturer guidelines

apply safe and efficient exhumation of remains using infection control procedures

lift and reposition or deepen human remains, and reinstate good presentation of burial sites at conclusion of exhumation.

Evidence of performance of exhuming burial sites on two or more occasions is required to demonstrate consistency of performance and ability to respond to different situations.

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Knowledge Evidence

Demonstrated knowledge of:

federal, state or territory, and local government legislation and regulations relating to work health and safety/occupational health and safety, conduct of exhumations, and storage and handling of human remains

workplace policies and procedures relating to performing exhumations

appropriate care, use and maintenance of relevant tools, equipment and machinery, including protective restraints

universal precautions, including:

use of personal protective equipment

presumption that all blood and body fluids are infectious

covering exposed cuts and abrasions, particularly on workers’ hands, with waterproof coverings prior to commencing work

immediate treatment of puncture wounds or abrasions

use of protective clothing when cleaning spillage of body fluids

environmental impacts in relation to gravedigging and minimal impact practices to reduce these, especially those that relate to resource, water and energy use

environmentally sound disposal methods for all types of waste and in particular for hazardous substances.

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