This unit is applicable to health care workers who are responsible for processing reusable instruments and equipment and maintaining associated environments in a health care facility

Application 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

Pre-requisite unit

This unit must be assessed after successful achievement of pre-requisite:

HLTIN301C Comply with infection control policies and procedures

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare to clean used items

1.1 Follow safe work practices and standard precautions at all times in accordance with legislative and workplace guidelines

1.2 Dispose of sharps and sharps debris into a container that meets Australian/New Zealand Standards at the point-of-use

1.3 Segregate and dispose of waste according to organisation and legislative requirements

2. Clean and dry used items

2.1 Maintain work flow protocols in instrument reprocessing area

2.2 Prepare instruments for cleaning

2.3 Select and safely use appropriate cleaning agents

2.4 Use cleaning methods that avoid the generation of aerosols

2.5 Dry and inspect instruments for damage and remaining debris

2.6 Monitor the cleaning process

3. Prepare and pack items for sterilisation

3.1 Open and unlock instruments with hinges or ratchets

3.2 Prepare instrument trays in accordance with workplace protocols

3.3 Package or wrap critical site instruments in a manner that prevents damage to delicate items

3.4 Place the appropriate chemical indicator into packages as required in accordance with current Australian/New Zealand Standards and workplace protocols

3.5 Label packs with the contents of the pack and batch control data as required in accordance with current Australian/New Zealand Standards and workplace protocols

3.6 Seal wrapped trays with steriliser indicator tape as required in accordance with current Australian/New Zealand Standards and workplace protocols

4. Sterilise loads

4.1 Operate the steriliser safely and in accordance with manufacturer instructions, legislative guidelines and workplace protocols

4.2 Monitor each sterilising cycle and record the details as specified in current Australian/New Zealand Standards

4.3 Maintain records for each sterilising cycle as required in accordance with current Australian/New Zealand Standards and workplace protocols

4.4 Unload the steriliser on the completion of the drying cycle to ensure sterility of items

4.5 Follow criteria for release of processed items as specified in current Australian/New Zealand Standards

4.6 Store sterile packs to maintain sterility in accordance with workplace protocols

5. Maintain sterilising equipment

5.1 Clean and check sterilisers routinely as required in accordance with current Australian/New Zealand Standards and workplace protocols

5.2 Follow the preventive maintenance program as established by the workplace in conjunction with manufacturer or maintenance contractor

5.3 Monitor the sterilising cycles at the intervals specified in current Australian/New Zealand Standards

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:

Instrument maintenance checklists

Requirements for the monitoring of sterilisation cycles

Safe work practices, standard precautions and organisation protocols for the reprocessing and storage of reusable instruments

Safe work practices and standard precautions when handling and disposing of sharps including:

destination of different types of sharps after use

reprocessing of sharp instruments

safe handling of local anaesthetic cartridge and needle

transfer of sharps between operator and assistant

The level of reprocessing required for non-critical site instruments, semi-critical site instruments and critical site instruments

Workflow protocols in the instrument reprocessing area

Workplace procedures for manual cleaning

Workplace procedures for steriliser use

Workplace procedures for using an ultrasonic cleaner and/or thermal washer-disinfector

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Consistently use safe handling, drying and cleaning protocols

Consistently use correct packing, assembly and wrapping procedures for sterilisation and storage

Consistently prepare items for sterilisation

Consistently use safe operation of sterilisation equipment

Consistently interpret data and complete sterilisation records

Consistently use appropriate work health and safety (WHS) procedures and comply with current Australian and New Zealand Standards

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:

Consistently follow safe work practices and apply standard precautions during cleaning and preparation of items for sterilisation:

check items for defects after cleaning

select and safely use appropriate cleaning agents

select and wear appropriate personal protective equipment

Consistently dry items before packaging

Consistently maintain workflow protocols in instrument reprocessing area from contaminated to clean to sterile

Consistently operate mechanical cleaners including ultrasonic cleaner and thermal washer-disinfector

Consistently operate the steriliser in a safe and effective manner

Consistently protect sterile items from all vapours, aerosols and splashing generated during procedures, handwashing, instrument washing, ultrasonic cleaning and reprocessing

Consistently store packaged items in a clean place away from sources of moisture and contamination

Consistently store unwrapped sterilised items in dedicated clean, dry containers that are protected from aerosol contamination

Take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues

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

Observation of workplace performance is preferred for assessment of this unit

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of workplace situations

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

Assessment should replicate workplace conditions as far as possible

Simulations must not be used to represent workplace conditions

Method of assessment

Observation in the work place

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

Related units:

This unit may be assessed in conjunction with related work health and safety competency units

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

Safe work practices may include but are not limited to:

Treatment of all used items as a potential source of infection

Personal hygiene practices especially washing and drying hands

Work practices for the safe handling of sharps

Work practices for the safe disposal of sharps and other clinical waste

The use of personal protective equipment:

heavy duty gloves

mask and protective eyewear

hair protection or covering

protective clothing and safety footwear

Safe handling, storage and disposal of chemicals

Safe handling techniques especially as they relate to lifting and handling dangerous and contaminated items

Legislative and workplace guidelines may be included in:

The current and endorsed version of the Australian/New Zealand Standards

Infection control guidelines for the transmission of infectious diseases in the health care setting

State or Territory legislative requirements

The Material Safety Data Sheets for the chemicals used

Organisation infection control policies and procedures

WHS policies and procedures

Waste may include but is not limited to:

Clinical waste:

discarded sharps

human tissues

laboratory waste

any other waste as specified by the workplace

Related waste:

radiographic waste

chemical and amalgam waste

cytotoxic waste

pharmaceutical waste

radioactive waste

General waste

Disposal of waste requirements may include:

Disposal in accordance with:

Environment Protection (Waste Management) Policy

Environment Protection (Waste Management) Regulations

Australian and New Zealand standards

Organisation policy

Work flow protocols may include:

Separate handwashing facilities

Sink suitable for disposal of liquid waste

Cleaning sink

One direction flow of instruments from contaminated to clean to sterile

Designated work area that is physically separate to prevent possible contamination of processed items

Identification and reporting of disruptions to work flow protocols in accordance with workplace procedures

Preparation of instruments for cleaning may include:

Sorting according to type of instrument and corresponding cleaning method

Written procedures for handling specialised items

Disassembly of instruments where possible for detergent to reach all surfaces

Checking for instrument defects, damage and missing parts

Selection and use of appropriate cleaning agents may include:

Meeting requirements of Product Data Bulletins and Materials Safety Data Sheets for the chemicals used

Cleaning methods may include:

Initial treatment of used instruments close to their point of use to decrease bioburden

Thermal washer/disinfector in accordance with current Australian/New Zealand Standards

Ultrasonic cleaner in accordance with current Australian/New Zealand Standards

Manual cleaning

Monitoring the cleaning process may include:

Visual inspection of all items for cleanliness and absence of detergent or rinse additive residues

Daily cleaning and maintenance of ultrasonic cleaner and washer/disinfector according to Australian/New Zealand Standards

Daily performance testing of ultrasonic cleaner according to Australian/New Zealand Standards

Daily checks of washer/disinfector function and detergent dispenser

Critical site instruments may include:

Instruments used to enter or penetrate into the tissue, cavity, organs or bloodstream of a client

Instruments which must be sterile at time of use

Batch control data may include:

Steriliser identification number or code

Date of sterilisation

Cycle or load number

Sterilisers may include:

Portable (benchtop)

Downward displacement

Pre-vacuum

Dry heat

Operation of the steriliser may include:

A load configuration that:

ensures items do not touch the chamber walls

contains items within the load carrying basket or tray

permits total steam penetration to all surfaces

enures wrapped items are dry on completion of the drying cycle

reduces damage to packs and their contents

ensures safe handling on the completion of cycle

Selection and activation of the appropriate sterilisation cycle

Selecting the appropriate drying time for the composition of the load

Ensuring the cycle is complete and sterilisation parameters have been met before removing items

Observing safety precautions when unloading and transporting items

Reporting and following workplace protocols when sterilisation errors occur

Sterilising cycle records may include:

The date of the cycle

The steriliser number or code

The cycle or load number

The exposure time, temperature and pressure

The name or identification of the loading operator

The name or identification of the person authorising release of load contents from the sterilising area

The specific contents of the load

The readout result of physical, chemical or biological/enzymatic indicators that are used

Monitoring of sterilisers may include but is not limited to:

Daily (for Pre-vacuum sterilisers):

external chemical indicator leak rate test

bowie Dick

Every packaged item:

external chemical indicator

Every cycle:

electronic printout of sterilisation parameters

chemical indicator (Class 4,5 or 6)

Criteria for release of processed packaged items may include:

Achievement of cycle parameters as set during performance validation

External chemical indicators have correct colour change

Packaged items are intact and have no visible moisture

Correct result of other tests:

biological indicators

enzymatic indicators

process challenge devices

electronic data loggers

Routine cleaning and checking of sterilisers may include but is not limited to:

Daily checks:

floor of steriliser is free of debris

chamber drain and filter are clear

recording devices, gauges and timers are functioning correctly

water reservoir (portable benchtop sterilisers) emptied, cleaned and refilled with distilled water

door seals are intact

Cleaning:

loading tray and external surfaces cleaned daily

steriliser chamber cleaned weekly when cold

This unit contains Employability Skills