Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

HLTIN402B Mapping and Delivery Guide
Maintain infection control standards in office practice settings

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency HLTIN402B - Maintain infection control standards in office practice settings
Description This unit describes the skills and knowledge required of health care workers in office practice settings to comply with infection control regulations, standards, guidelines, policy and procedures and to identify, manage and control infection risks to clients, clients, themselves and other health care workers
Employability Skills The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain applicable facets of Employability SkillsThe Employability Skills Summary of the qualification in which this unit of competency is packaged will assist in identifying Employability Skill requirements
Learning Outcomes and Application Elements 5 and 6 may not apply to an office practice that is not required to undertake sterilising in accordance with regulations, standards and guidelinesApplication of this unit should be contextualised to reflect any specific workplace infection risks, hazards and associated infection control practices relating to specific workplace instruments and equipment in line with individual workplace policies and procedures
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Implement and maintain infection control practices and infection risk containment measures
  • Implement infection control regulations, standards and guidelines, and organisation policy and procedures as required
  • Use standard and additional precautions for all client contact as required
  • Identify workplace infection control risks
  • Manage and control workplace infection control risks
       
Element: Monitor and maintain cleanliness of environment
  • Regularly clean office practice work environment according to a pre-determined schedule
  • Clean spills immediately in accordance with organisation policy and procedures
  • Remove contaminated substances and appliances from treatment area following treatment of each client
  • Clean and dry work surfaces after each treatment session/procedure, or when soiled
  • Use appropriate cleaning agents
  • Dry and store cleaning equipment
       
Element: Maintain personal protection
  • Select personal protective equipment according to the nature of treatment/procedure to be undertaken and the infection control risks involved
  • Use personal protective equipment correctly
  • Cover open cuts and abrasions by waterproofed dressings
  • Handle sharps with care and immediately dispose of them in accordance with regulations, standards and guidelines for infection control and clinical waste management
       
Element: Undertake infection control measures during procedures and treatments
  • Clean and tidy work area
  • Correctly follow hand washing procedures
  • Assemble all items required prior to procedure or treatment
  • Provide clean, single use, disposable covering material or clean linen and change between clients or procedures
  • Ensure instruments and articles not intended to penetrate skin, but for use on clients during procedures, are thoroughly cleaned or disinfected as appropriate, and dried before use and after each use
  • Ensure instruments, equipment or other items, to be introduced into sterile tissue or for contact with intact mucus membranes, are sterile at the time of use as required by regulations, standards and guidelines
  • Follow aseptic techniques and procedures where appropriate
  • Use personal protective equipment
  • Follow appropriate skin preparation procedures to minimise risk of disease transmission
  • Use sterile drapes for sterile procedures
  • Maintain integrity of operating field
  • Immediately dispose of single-use items in appropriate containers
  • Place waste in appropriate receptacles in accordance with legislative requirements
  • Place soiled linen and protective clothing in a suitable receptacle
  • Clean work area after use
  • Remove items contaminated or potentially contaminated with blood, body fluids, mucosa or tissue for cleaning and sterilisation
       
Element: Clean and sterilise instruments, equipment and implantable items
  • Thoroughly clean or decontaminate instruments, equipment and implantable items immediately after use, and prior to sterilising
  • Choose appropriate sterilising method
  • Ensure work flows in one direction only from dirty zone to clean zone
  • Wrap/package instruments, equipment and implantable items as required prior to sterilisation
  • Configure load to ensure effective sterilisation and safe handling
  • Follow sterilisation operating procedures in correct sequence and duration according to manufacturer's instructions and relevant Australian standards
  • Follow validation processes in accordance with Australian standards
  • Activate appropriate sterilization method and cycle
  • Follow loading and unloading procedures for sterilisers
  • Remove contents of steriliser immediately on completion of cycle and check to ensure specified performance criteria have been met
  • Follow product traceability guidelines
  • Monitor sterilising cycle and record details as specified in current Australian standard/s
  • Observe safety precautions to ensure pressure sterilisers function safely
  • Store and handle sterilised items to maintain integrity of packs and to prevent contamination from any source
  • Dispose of damaged items safely
       
Element: Maintain sterilizer equipment
  • Clean and maintain sterilisers as per manufacturer's specifications and as specified in current Australian standard/s
  • Conduct and document regular monitoring, validation and calibration of sterilisers
  • Follow and document regular maintenance program
  • Recognise and report steriliser operation faults and incidents and take corrective action
       
Element: Maintain awareness of implications of premises layout and maintenance for control of infection risks
  • Arrange premises layout, equipment location, ventilation and movement of people to minimise risk of transmission of infection
  • Design surfaces, fixtures and fittings to allow easy cleaning and discourage accumulation of moisture and soil
  • Configure work areas to ensure separation of sterile, clean and dirty instruments, equipment and linen
  • Ensure hand washing basins, hand cleaning agents and hand drying materials are appropriately located for easy access
  • Ensure cleaning areas are separated from treatment/procedure area
  • Ensure clean and dirty storage areas are physically separated
  • Clean storage areas regularly and ensure they are free of moisture
       
Element: Comply with infection control regulations and standards, and related legal obligations
  • Maintain appropriate registration or licensing of premises or practice
  • Comply with occupational health and safety laws
  • Comply with laws relating to profession or occupation
  • Obtain client consent to treatment
  • Comply with infection control regulations, standards and guidelines
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:

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 5 and 6 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:

application of contemporary work practices and standards for infection control within work area

application of standard and additional precautions

application of cleaning, disinfection and sterilising techniques and procedures where appropriate

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

Manufacturer's recommendations and operating manuals for the office practice steriliser

Duty statements and/or job descriptions

Method of assessment

Observation in the workplace is essential

Evidence of essential knowledge and understanding may be provided by:

traditional or online (computer-based) assessment

Written assignments/projects

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice

Questioning

Staff and/or client feedback

Supporting statement of supervisor

Authenticated evidence of relevant work experience and/or formal/informal learning

Role play/simulation

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 and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

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

Essential knowledge:

Aetiology of infection

Sources of infection and means of transmission

Principles of risk management in relation to infection control

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

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 worker's role

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

Cleaning and disinfection procedures

Procedures for responding to spills

Procedures for notification and response to needlestick or sharps injury

Impact of premises layout and workflow on infection control risks

Legal responsibilities in relation to infection control, sterilizing, registration or licensing of business, conduct of profession or occupation, and maintenance of premises relevant to the office practice and the health care worker's role

Essential skills:

Ability to:

Apply standard and additional precautions

Correctly and safely use personal protective equipment

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

Apply skin preparation procedures

Apply cleaning, disinfection and sterilizing procedures for instruments, equipment and implantable items where appropriate to office practice and health care worker's role

Operate steriliser, including:

packaging of items

loading

monitoring

validation

calibration and

documentation requirements if appropriate to office practice and health care worker's role

Use aseptic techniques if appropriate to office practice and health care worker's role

Apply AS 4815 and AS 4187 where applicable to office practice and health care worker's role

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

Use correct waste segregation and disposal practices

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.

Office practice settings may include:

General practitioner rooms

Dental prosthetic clinics

Dental laboratories

Specialists consulting rooms/clinics

Clinics or rooms where skin penetration procedures are undertaken (e.g. Tattooists, body piercers, beauty therapists)

Physiotherapy or chiropractic rooms

Sports medicine clinics

Health care workers may include:

Professionals, practitioners, staff and contract workers in office practice settings

Owners and operators of office practices

Regulations, standards and guidelines may include:

Various applicable state and territory health laws and regulations

National Health and Medical Research Council Guidelines for Infection Control

Various State and Territory standards and Guidelines

Australian standards in relation to sterilizing, sterilizers, clinical waste and sharp medical items; and in particular AS 4815 and AS 4187

Infection Control Guidelines published by Professional Associations

Relevant industry codes of practice

Policy and procedure manuals of the office practice

Manufacturer's recommendations and operating manuals

Standard and Additional Precautions are as defined in National Health and Medical Research Council Guidelines for Infection Control or other authoritative resource document

Organisation policy and procedure may relate to:

Methods of handwashing (routine and surgical)

Personal protective equipment

The setting up of the treatment area in preparation for a client/ visit

The defined areas of contamination that require protective barriers and cleaning between clients

Change-over procedures between clients

Management of blood or body fluid spills

Notification and response to sharps injuries

Handling and disposal of sharps

Waste segregation, disposal and management

Management of blood/body fluid exposure

Procedures for the containment and cleaning of spills

Processing of reusable items - cleaning, packaging, sterilisation, disinfection,

Storage

Processing of radiographs

Quality control mechanisms, including documentation of maintenance and monitoring programs for equipment

Staff immunisation requirements

Single-use items

Solo operators (those professionals that do not have access to assistants during direct client contact)

Continuing education

Recording of information during client treatment

Use of computers and computer-run equipment during client treatment

Management of water lines which have direct client contact

Workplace infection control risks may include:

Sharps

Waste

Human waste and human tissue

Body fluids

Spills

Personal contact with infectious clients

Wet areas

Stagnant water

Stock, including sterile packs or food which has passed 'used-by' dates

Chemicals

Animals, insects and vermin

Incorrect concentration of disinfectants

Cleaning agents may include:

Cleaning chemicals

Disinfectants

Personal protective equipment may include:

Gloves

Eye and/or facial protection

Masks

Gowns and aprons

Footwear

Safe needle handling systems

Waste may include:

Clinical and contaminated waste

General waste

Heavy metals

Sharps

Chemicals

Radiographic solutions

Amalgam

Hazardous substances

Disinfection may be:

Thermal disinfection

Chemical disinfection

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Implement infection control regulations, standards and guidelines, and organisation policy and procedures as required 
Use standard and additional precautions for all client contact as required 
Identify workplace infection control risks 
Manage and control workplace infection control risks 
Regularly clean office practice work environment according to a pre-determined schedule 
Clean spills immediately in accordance with organisation policy and procedures 
Remove contaminated substances and appliances from treatment area following treatment of each client 
Clean and dry work surfaces after each treatment session/procedure, or when soiled 
Use appropriate cleaning agents 
Dry and store cleaning equipment 
Select personal protective equipment according to the nature of treatment/procedure to be undertaken and the infection control risks involved 
Use personal protective equipment correctly 
Cover open cuts and abrasions by waterproofed dressings 
Handle sharps with care and immediately dispose of them in accordance with regulations, standards and guidelines for infection control and clinical waste management 
Clean and tidy work area 
Correctly follow hand washing procedures 
Assemble all items required prior to procedure or treatment 
Provide clean, single use, disposable covering material or clean linen and change between clients or procedures 
Ensure instruments and articles not intended to penetrate skin, but for use on clients during procedures, are thoroughly cleaned or disinfected as appropriate, and dried before use and after each use 
Ensure instruments, equipment or other items, to be introduced into sterile tissue or for contact with intact mucus membranes, are sterile at the time of use as required by regulations, standards and guidelines 
Follow aseptic techniques and procedures where appropriate 
Use personal protective equipment 
Follow appropriate skin preparation procedures to minimise risk of disease transmission 
Use sterile drapes for sterile procedures 
Maintain integrity of operating field 
Immediately dispose of single-use items in appropriate containers 
Place waste in appropriate receptacles in accordance with legislative requirements 
Place soiled linen and protective clothing in a suitable receptacle 
Clean work area after use 
Remove items contaminated or potentially contaminated with blood, body fluids, mucosa or tissue for cleaning and sterilisation 
Thoroughly clean or decontaminate instruments, equipment and implantable items immediately after use, and prior to sterilising 
Choose appropriate sterilising method 
Ensure work flows in one direction only from dirty zone to clean zone 
Wrap/package instruments, equipment and implantable items as required prior to sterilisation 
Configure load to ensure effective sterilisation and safe handling 
Follow sterilisation operating procedures in correct sequence and duration according to manufacturer's instructions and relevant Australian standards 
Follow validation processes in accordance with Australian standards 
Activate appropriate sterilization method and cycle 
Follow loading and unloading procedures for sterilisers 
Remove contents of steriliser immediately on completion of cycle and check to ensure specified performance criteria have been met 
Follow product traceability guidelines 
Monitor sterilising cycle and record details as specified in current Australian standard/s 
Observe safety precautions to ensure pressure sterilisers function safely 
Store and handle sterilised items to maintain integrity of packs and to prevent contamination from any source 
Dispose of damaged items safely 
Clean and maintain sterilisers as per manufacturer's specifications and as specified in current Australian standard/s 
Conduct and document regular monitoring, validation and calibration of sterilisers 
Follow and document regular maintenance program 
Recognise and report steriliser operation faults and incidents and take corrective action 
Arrange premises layout, equipment location, ventilation and movement of people to minimise risk of transmission of infection 
Design surfaces, fixtures and fittings to allow easy cleaning and discourage accumulation of moisture and soil 
Configure work areas to ensure separation of sterile, clean and dirty instruments, equipment and linen 
Ensure hand washing basins, hand cleaning agents and hand drying materials are appropriately located for easy access 
Ensure cleaning areas are separated from treatment/procedure area 
Ensure clean and dirty storage areas are physically separated 
Clean storage areas regularly and ensure they are free of moisture 
Maintain appropriate registration or licensing of premises or practice 
Comply with occupational health and safety laws 
Comply with laws relating to profession or occupation 
Obtain client consent to treatment 
Comply with infection control regulations, standards and guidelines 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

HLTIN402B - Maintain infection control standards in office practice settings
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

HLTIN402B - Maintain infection control standards in office practice settings

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: