• SIFMWK003A - Clean and sterilise mortuary items and equipment

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

SIFMWK003A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Clean and sterilise mortuary items and equipment

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency SIFMWK003A - Clean and sterilise mortuary items and equipment
Description This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to safely prepare for, follow and complete cleaning and sterilisation processes for standard mortuary items and equipment.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit applies to funeral home staff and involves working autonomously or under direction with a low level of responsibility. It requires the application of safe operating procedures when handling potentially hazardous items and equipment.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Nil
Competency Field Mortuary Work and Embalming
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: Collect and sort reusable mortuary items and equipment.
  • Identify, prepare and use personal protective equipment according to workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.
  • Check, segregate and prepare mortuary items and equipment for appropriate cleaning or sterilisation requirements according to workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.
  • Identify and transport reusable mortuary items and equipment to appropriate areas according to workplace policies and procedures.
  • Identify and report faulty or damaged items and equipment according to workplace policies and procedures.
  • Segregate and dispose of sharps and waste according to workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.
       
Element: Prepare load for sterilisation.
  • Select appropriate sterilisation method for mortuary items and equipment according to workplace policies and procedures.
  • Identify appropriate packaging requirements according to manufacturer instructions, workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.
  • Wrap, label and secure instrument trays and items according to manufacturer instructions, workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.
  • Close and secure containers according to manufacturer instructions, workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.
  • Load sterilising equipment according to manufacturer instructions, workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.
       
Element: Maintain, operate and monitor sterilisers.
  • Conduct and document sterilising equipment test cycles according to manufacturer instructions, workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.
  • Operate and monitor sterilising cycle and document according to manufacturer instructions, workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.
  • Clean and maintain sterilising equipment according to manufacturer instructions, workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.
  • Record maintenance program according to workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.
  • Identify and report equipment faults according to workplace policies and procedures.
       
Element: Complete sterilisation procedures.
  • Check monitoring devices and record results on completion of cycle according to manufacturer instructions, workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.
  • Remove sterilised items immediately on completion of cycle and check to ensure specified sterilisation criteria have been met.
  • Remove and record damaged items or packaging and take corrective action according to workplace policies and procedures.
  • Conduct cooling down procedures according to manufacturer instructions, workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.
       
Element: Store sterile stock.
  • Identify storage areas for sterile items and equipment.
  • Cover and label sterile items and equipment according to workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.
  • Check and complete relevant documentation.
       
Element: Clean reusable items and equipment.
  • Select and prepare cleaning equipment according to manufacturer instructions and workplace policies and procedures.
  • Conduct water quality and temperature checks according to manufacturer instructions and workplace policies and procedures.
  • Perform equipment test cycles as required according to current Australian standard.
  • Select instrument cleaning chemicals as required according to current Australian standard.
  • Clean reusable items and equipment according to workplace policies and procedures, and manufacturer instructions.
  • Identify and report faulty or damaged appliances according to workplace policies and procedures, and reprocess items as necessary.
  • Clean equipment and work area according to workplace policies and procedures.
       
Element: Process cleaned items.
  • Transfer items to appropriate area according to workplace policies and procedures.
  • Check items for functionality according to manufacturer specifications and take corrective action according to workplace policies and procedures.
  • Assemble and pack cleaned reusable items and transfer to appropriate areas according to workplace policies and procedures.
  • Complete required documentation according to workplace 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, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

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

Evidence of the following is essential:

ability to identify, sort, handle and store reusable mortuary items and equipment safely

the loading. unloading testing, operation and maintenance of cleaning and sterilising equipment to ensure integrity of process using appropriate cleaning chemicals safely

use of OHS procedures, including universal precautions and the use and maintenance of personal protective equipment

accurate completion of relevant cleaning and sterilisation documentation

cleaning and sterilising mortuary items and equipment on multiple occasions to ensure consistency of performance and ability to respond to different situations.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

demonstration of skills in a facility where mortuary items and equipment can be sorted and cleaned, and sharps and hazardous waste can be disposed of appropriately

access to a range of mortuary items and equipment requiring cleaning and sterilisation

access to cleaning and sterilising equipment and chemicals.

Methods of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

observation of candidate sorting, cleaning and storing reusable mortuary items and equipment

observation of candidate operating sterilising equipment, including wrapping, labelling, loading, unloading and cooling down

observation of candidate testing and maintaining sterilising equipment

review of workplace documents completed by candidate

written or verbal questioning to assess knowledge and understanding of safe operating procedures for handling, cleaning, sterilising and storing reusable mortuary items and equipment

review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

Employability skills embedded in this unit should be assessed holistically with other relevant units that make up the skill set or qualification and in the context of the job role.

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.

Required skills

literacy and numeracy skills to interpret manufacturer instructions for operation of cleaning and sterilising equipment and complete recording requirements

problem-solving skills to identify damaged items and take corrective action

planning and organisational skills to maintain procedures for separating items and equipment requiring cleaning or sterilising

communication skills, including clear and direct communication, to report unsafe or faulty items and equipment

self-management skills to maintain own safety when dealing with hazardous items and chemicals.

Required knowledge

workplace range of reusable mortuary items and equipment requiring cleaning or sterilising

universal precautions

workplace requirements for cleaning, sterilising and disposing of mortuary items and associated recording procedures

workplace policies and procedures for safe operation and maintenance of cleaning and sterilising equipment

broad working knowledge of relevant federal, state or territory, and local government legislation and regulations relating to OHS and infection control

Australian standards for testing, operation and maintenance of equipment, and use and storage of chemicals

use, care and maintenance of personal protective equipment.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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) may also be included.

Personal protective equipment may include:

disposable gloves

heavy duty gloves

barrier gown or suit

waterproof overshoes

waterproof aprons

splash proof masks

eye goggles

face visor

hair cover.

Workplace policies and procedures may include:

OHS, including material handling procedures for hazardous or infectious materials

emergency procedures, including fire and accident procedures

quality assurance

standards and certification requirements

equipment operation

fault reporting

cleaning schedules and recording requirements

handling hazardous chemicals

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.

Relevant legislation, regulations and codes of practice may include:

OHS

Anatomy Act

Human Tissue Act

Skin Penetration Act

Coroner's Act

federal transportation regulations

Airlines Act

Public Health Act

Environment Protection Act

approved code of practice for embalmers

local government regulations

funeral services industry code of practice

Worksafe Australia certification and standards.

Mortuary items and equipment may include:

personal protective equipment

positioning devices

portiboy

feature setting devices

instruments and instrument tray

dressing table

aspirating instruments and tubing for aspirating or injecting

electric drill or grinder

body grooming equipment

biomedical waste containers for infectious or radioactive human tissue

pedestal lamps

linen

flow meter

first aid kit

capsules for transporting babies

aneurysm needle

bistoury knife

scalpels

scissors

separators

suture needles

needle holder

forceps

injection instruments, including:

gravity and bulb syringe

arterial tube

hand pump

centrifugal pump

parietal needle

stopcock

Y tube

embalming machine

drainage instruments, including:

drain tube

iliac drain tube

grooved director

angular spring forceps

electric or motorised aspirating instruments, including:

autopsy aspirator

hydroaspirator

nasal tube aspirator

trocar

hydrovalve trocar

cavity fluid injectors

trocar buttons and applicator.

Sterilisation method may include:

steam under pressure

low temperature ethylene oxide gas

low temperature hydrogen peroxide vapour or plasma

chemical

dry heat.

Corrective action may include:

repeating cycle

reporting faults

disposing of items.

Documentation may include:

time, pressure and temperature record of each sterilisation cycle

sterilising equipment maintenance records

test cycle records

material safety data sheets (MSDS)

cleaning records

fault reports.

Cleaning equipment may include:

washers and disinfectors

ultrasonic washers

cabinet washers

tunnel washers

drying cabinets

compressed air guns

high pressure water equipment

sinks, hot and cold water and brushes.

Chemicals may include:

detergents

enzymatic cleaners

rinse aids

stain remover.

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
Identify, prepare and use personal protective equipment according to workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation. 
Check, segregate and prepare mortuary items and equipment for appropriate cleaning or sterilisation requirements according to workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation. 
Identify and transport reusable mortuary items and equipment to appropriate areas according to workplace policies and procedures. 
Identify and report faulty or damaged items and equipment according to workplace policies and procedures. 
Segregate and dispose of sharps and waste according to workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation. 
Select appropriate sterilisation method for mortuary items and equipment according to workplace policies and procedures. 
Identify appropriate packaging requirements according to manufacturer instructions, workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation. 
Wrap, label and secure instrument trays and items according to manufacturer instructions, workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation. 
Close and secure containers according to manufacturer instructions, workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation. 
Load sterilising equipment according to manufacturer instructions, workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation. 
Conduct and document sterilising equipment test cycles according to manufacturer instructions, workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation. 
Operate and monitor sterilising cycle and document according to manufacturer instructions, workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation. 
Clean and maintain sterilising equipment according to manufacturer instructions, workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation. 
Record maintenance program according to workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation. 
Identify and report equipment faults according to workplace policies and procedures. 
Check monitoring devices and record results on completion of cycle according to manufacturer instructions, workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation. 
Remove sterilised items immediately on completion of cycle and check to ensure specified sterilisation criteria have been met. 
Remove and record damaged items or packaging and take corrective action according to workplace policies and procedures. 
Conduct cooling down procedures according to manufacturer instructions, workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation. 
Identify storage areas for sterile items and equipment. 
Cover and label sterile items and equipment according to workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation. 
Check and complete relevant documentation. 
Select and prepare cleaning equipment according to manufacturer instructions and workplace policies and procedures. 
Conduct water quality and temperature checks according to manufacturer instructions and workplace policies and procedures. 
Perform equipment test cycles as required according to current Australian standard. 
Select instrument cleaning chemicals as required according to current Australian standard. 
Clean reusable items and equipment according to workplace policies and procedures, and manufacturer instructions. 
Identify and report faulty or damaged appliances according to workplace policies and procedures, and reprocess items as necessary. 
Clean equipment and work area according to workplace policies and procedures. 
Transfer items to appropriate area according to workplace policies and procedures. 
Check items for functionality according to manufacturer specifications and take corrective action according to workplace policies and procedures. 
Assemble and pack cleaned reusable items and transfer to appropriate areas according to workplace policies and procedures. 
Complete required documentation according to workplace policies and procedures. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

SIFMWK003A - Clean and sterilise mortuary items and equipment
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

SIFMWK003A - Clean and sterilise mortuary items and equipment

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: