HLTIN402C - Maintain infection control standards in office practice settings Competency Mapping Template
Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners
HLTIN402C Mapping and Delivery Guide Maintain infection control standards in office practice settings
Version 1.0 Issue Date: May 2024
Qualification
-
Unit of Competency
HLTIN402C - 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
This unit contains Employability Skills
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
Not Applicable
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:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
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
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:
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:
Aetiology of infection
Cleaning and disinfection procedures
Impact of premises layout and workflow on infection control risks
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
Legal responsibilities in relation to infection control, sterilising, 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
Principles of risk management in relation to infection control
Procedures and practices that support infection control measures and prevent transmission of infection
Procedures for notification and response to needlestick or sharps injury
Procedures for responding to spills
Sources of infection and means of transmission
Standard and additional precautions as defined by the national health and medical research council (NHMRC) or other authoritative resource
Essential skills:
It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:
Apply contemporary work practices and standards for infection control within work area
Apply standard and additional precautions
Apply cleaning, disinfection and sterilising techniques and procedures where appropriate
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:
Apply AS 4815 and AS 4187 where applicable to office practice and health care worker's role
Apply cleaning, disinfection and sterilizing procedures for instruments, equipment and implantable items where appropriate to office practice and health care worker's role
Apply risk management principles to infection control risks in particular work area
Apply skin preparation procedures
Apply standard and additional precautions
Correctly and safely use personal protective equipment
Operate steriliser, including:
calibration and
documentation requirements if appropriate to office practice and health care worker's role
loading
monitoring
packaging of items
validation
Take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues
Use aseptic techniques if appropriate 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
HLTIN402C - 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
Feedback to student
Assessor name:
Signature:
Date:
Assessment Record Sheet
HLTIN402C - 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