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

HLTSTE303D Mapping and Delivery Guide
Sterilise loads

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency HLTSTE303D - Sterilise loads
Description This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to follow correct procedures to choose and operate sterilisation equipment, interpret steriliser function and parameters in the provision of sterilised medical equipment, appropriately load items for sterilisation and release of sterilised items for distributionThe range of functions is prescribed around known standards, guidelines, policies and procedures
Employability Skills This unit contains Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application The application of knowledge and skills described in this competency unit could take place in a range of health settings, including hospitals and specialist sterilisation facilitiesThe application of knowledge and skills takes place around standards, guidelines, policies and procedures and under the supervision of a qualified personThe application of knowledge and skills relates to steam sterilisers, low temperature sterilisers and dry heat sterilisersThe use of bench top sterilisers is covered by:HLTIN302C Process reusable instruments and equipment in health settingsThis competency unit does not deal with ethylene oxide sterilisation
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Pre-requisite unitThis unit must be assessed after successful achievement of pre-requisite:HLTIN301C Comply with infection control policies and procedures
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: Prepare sterilisation equipment
  • Clean and check steam steriliser, low temperatures steriliser, dry heat steriliser and accessory equipment according to AS/NZS 4187, manufacturer's recommendations and organisation policies and procedures
  • Conduct performance test cycles according to AS/NZS 4187 and maintain documentation
  • Follow regular maintenance program and documentation according to organisation policies and procedures
  • Observe safety precautions to ensure sterilisers function safely
  • Interpret and document results from physical, chemical and biological tests
       
Element: Load steriliser
  • Assign appropriate cycle and batch control number and complete documentation according to AS/NZS 4187 guidelines
  • Check packaging, sealing and labelling for compatibility with organisation policies and procedures
  • Check load content and configuration for compliance with annual steriliser performance qualification
  • Select sterilisation method appropriate to the load
  • Load steriliser to ensure sterilant contact and according to AS/NZS 4187 and manufacturer's recommendations
  • List and assign load description documentation to the correct cycle and according to AS/NZS 4187 and organisation policies and procedures
       
Element: Operate steriliser
  • Check steriliser function for sterilant availability eg steam to chamber, chemical sterilant container
  • Check function of physical process recording accessories
  • Select appropriate cycle in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
  • Identify, report and action faults according to manufacturer's recommendations and organisation policies and procedures
       
Element: Unload and release sterilised loads
  • Check sterilisation cycle physical and biological monitoring according to AS/NZS 4187 and organisation policies and procedures, and record results on completion of cycle
  • Remove sterilised load immediately on completion of cycle, according to AS/NZS 4187, WHS guidelines and organisation policies and procedures
  • Remove compromised items (damaged, wet), dismantle for reprocessing and record according to AS/NZS 4187 and organisation policies and procedures
  • Unload cooled load using appropriate handling techniques in accordance with AS/NZS 4187 requirements
  • Complete the documentation of the sterilising cycle for parametric release
       
Element: Follow WHS procedures
  • Use ergonomic safe practices when loading and unloading a steriliser
  • Utilise appropriate precautions for sterilant/sterilising methods in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and organisation policies and procedures
       
Element: Comply with quality management requirements
  • Adhere to operational monitoring and testing, performance qualification and maintenance of sterilisers and associated equipment and document in accordance with AS/NZS 4187 and organisation policies and procedures
  • Comply with documentation requirements for sterilising cycles, batch control and load release control in accordance with AS/NZS 4187 and organisation protocols and procedures
  • Report and document all steriliser faults/malfunction and load non-conformance/non-compliance in accordance with AS/NZS 4187 and organisation policies and procedures
  • Store and archive documentation in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
       


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.

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 should replicate workplace conditions as far as possible

Simulations may be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible. Acceptable simulation requires:

use of steam, dry heat and low temperature sterilisers

using a full range of monitoring processes

Resources essential for assessment include access to:

relevant workplace or appropriately simulated environment where assessment can take place

Australian standards, government and organisation policies and procedures

sterilisation and monitoring equipment and accessories

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.

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:

Air removal test

Applicable quarantine protocols

Cleaning protocols and special requirements for sterilisers and trolleys

Conditions and parameters for successful sterilisation

Dry heat sterilisation (where required), including:

cycle stages and physical parameters that influence sterilisation outcomes

significant mechanical components of dry heat sterilisers

the biocidal action of steam heat conduction and the impact on sterilisation outcomes

Environmental conditions required for efficient functioning of a sterilisation area

Fundamental knowledge of infection control principles as it affects the sterilisation work environment

Fundamental knowledge of microbiology as it affects the sterilisation work environment

Leak rate test

Low temperature sterilisation, including:

cycle stages and physical parameters that influence sterilisation outcomes

differences between methods of low temperature sterilisation processes including hydrogen peroxide plasma, peracetic acid and ethylene oxide

significant mechanical components of low temperature sterilisers

the biocidal action of chemical sterilants and impact on sterilisation outcomes

WHS policies, guidelines and symbols and there relevance to working in the sterilisation area

Organisation policies and procedures for sterilisation

Physical, chemical and biological monitoring devices The importance of sterilisation technology as a contribution to client safety

Process challenge device

Range of sterilisation tests as noted in AS/NZS 4187

Relevant standards, including AS/NZS 4187, AS/NZS 4815 and all relevant infection prevention guidelines

Relevant state/territory guidelines for sterilising services

Specific monitoring equipment and procedures for each method of sterilising

Standards for record maintenance

continued ...

Essential knowledge (contd):

Steam sterilisation, including:

cycle stages and physical parameters that influence sterilisation outcomes

principles of steam generation and steam quality that impact on sterilisation outcomes

significant mechanical components of steam sterilisers

the biocidal action of steam under pressure and the impact on sterilisation outcomes

Sterilisation methods current in use in Australia

Terminology used in sterilising

The legal responsibilities providers of health care in relation to confidentiality, client rights, duty of care and implications of negligence

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Accurately complete all documentation

Address relevant WHS, infection control and manual handling requirements

Apply fundamental knowledge of microbiology as it affects the sterilisation work environment

Apply knowledge of the importance of sterilisation technology as a contribution to client safety

Comply with AS/NZS 4187 and AS/NZS 4815 for sterilisation purposes

Demonstrate consistency of performance over a number of trials

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:

Complete documentation of tests, cycles and items

Follow organisation policies and procedures for problem solving in relation to steriliser maintenance and service

Identify problems with test results

Interpret test results of different types of sterilisation methods

Prepare, operate, load and unload sterilisers

Take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues, including appropriate practices to ensure efficient use of resources

Use literacy, numeracy and oral communication skills required to fulfil the position in a safe manner as specified by the health care facility

Use problem solving skills - the ability to use available resources and prioritise workload

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.

Sterilisers may include:

Pre-vacuum steam

Downward displacement steam

Dry heat

Hydrogen peroxide plasma

Peracetic acid

Bench top sterilisers

Monitoring and accessory equipment may include:

Physical parametric process recorders, including:

print outs

graphics and chart recorders

information technology data systems

Batch control labelling guns

Computerised systems, including:

label printers

scanners

workstations

External chemical indicators

Internal chemical indicators

Biological indicators and incubators, and enzymatic indicators

Dryness testing

Process challenge devices

Performance qualification equipment, including:

computerised data loggers

thermocoupling devices

Leak rate test

BowieDick type air removal test

Quality management documentation may include:

Cycle, batch control and load description documentation

Steriliser usage and utilisation

Volume of sterilised items by defined category

Cleaning, monitoring, testing, fault analysis and maintenance of sterilisers and associated equipment

Dispatch/distribution by destination

Non-conformance/non-compliance reporting

Archiving and filing of steriliser records

Validation report

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
Clean and check steam steriliser, low temperatures steriliser, dry heat steriliser and accessory equipment according to AS/NZS 4187, manufacturer's recommendations and organisation policies and procedures 
Conduct performance test cycles according to AS/NZS 4187 and maintain documentation 
Follow regular maintenance program and documentation according to organisation policies and procedures 
Observe safety precautions to ensure sterilisers function safely 
Interpret and document results from physical, chemical and biological tests 
Assign appropriate cycle and batch control number and complete documentation according to AS/NZS 4187 guidelines 
Check packaging, sealing and labelling for compatibility with organisation policies and procedures 
Check load content and configuration for compliance with annual steriliser performance qualification 
Select sterilisation method appropriate to the load 
Load steriliser to ensure sterilant contact and according to AS/NZS 4187 and manufacturer's recommendations 
List and assign load description documentation to the correct cycle and according to AS/NZS 4187 and organisation policies and procedures 
Check steriliser function for sterilant availability eg steam to chamber, chemical sterilant container 
Check function of physical process recording accessories 
Select appropriate cycle in accordance with organisation policies and procedures 
Identify, report and action faults according to manufacturer's recommendations and organisation policies and procedures 
Check sterilisation cycle physical and biological monitoring according to AS/NZS 4187 and organisation policies and procedures, and record results on completion of cycle 
Remove sterilised load immediately on completion of cycle, according to AS/NZS 4187, WHS guidelines and organisation policies and procedures 
Remove compromised items (damaged, wet), dismantle for reprocessing and record according to AS/NZS 4187 and organisation policies and procedures 
Unload cooled load using appropriate handling techniques in accordance with AS/NZS 4187 requirements 
Complete the documentation of the sterilising cycle for parametric release 
Use ergonomic safe practices when loading and unloading a steriliser 
Utilise appropriate precautions for sterilant/sterilising methods in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and organisation policies and procedures 
Adhere to operational monitoring and testing, performance qualification and maintenance of sterilisers and associated equipment and document in accordance with AS/NZS 4187 and organisation policies and procedures 
Comply with documentation requirements for sterilising cycles, batch control and load release control in accordance with AS/NZS 4187 and organisation protocols and procedures 
Report and document all steriliser faults/malfunction and load non-conformance/non-compliance in accordance with AS/NZS 4187 and organisation policies and procedures 
Store and archive documentation in accordance with organisation policies and procedures 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

HLTSTE303D - Sterilise loads
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

HLTSTE303D - Sterilise loads

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: