Work is often performed under limited supervision and generally within a team environment. Individuals are accountable for their own results

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Collect soiled linen

1.1 Collect soiled linen periodically from user locations

1.2 Replace soiled linen bags according to organisation procedures

1.3 Transport soiled linen to designated holding are using appropriate equipment and safe handling techniques

1.4 Carry out work to minimise risk of cross contamination and in compliance with OHS policy and procedures

1.5 Identify and report hazards to supervisor

1.6 Follow appropriate procedures for dealing with accidents, including sharp injuries

2. Distribute clean linen

2.1 Transport clean linen to user locations using appropriate equipment and safe handling techniques

2.2 Re-stock linen to ensure adequate supply for users

2.3 Rotate linen stock and return old stock for reprocessing

3. Maintain linen stock levels

3.1 Maintain optimum stock levels to ensure productivity and linen is available

3.2 Consult with others where necessary about linen supplies

3.3 Requisition linen to meet pre-determined quantity levels

3.4 Maintain storage and security of linen according to organisation requirements

3.5 Maintain linen stock records according to organisation requirements

3.6 Participate in stock takes, if required

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:

Delivery and collection timetables

Quality standards

Relevant OHS legislation and infection control codes of practice, enterprise policies and procedures

Safety and environmental aspects related to workplace operation and manual handling, including workplace hazards

Types of linen and individual uses

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to:

Complete all activities accurately and in a timely and safe manner

Complete work systematically with attention to detail without damage to goods, equipment or personnel

Comply with enterprise requirements, OHS legislation, infection control and manual handling procedures and relevant health regulations

Demonstrate effective coordination of required processes

Use effective communication with user-locations maintained in relation to linen usage trends and stock levels

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 delivery and collection timetables

Recognise and adapt to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions among staff and others

Use numeracy skills to complete basic arithmetic calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and recording numbers

Use oral communication skills required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified organisation, including skills in:

asking questions

providing clear information

listening to and understanding workplace instructions

clarifying workplace instructions when necessary

literacy in English or a community language, depending on client group and organisation requirements

Use reading and writing skills required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by organisation at a level of skill that may range from the ability to understand symbols used in OHS signs, to reading workplace safety pamphlets or procedure manuals and to reading labels

Use literacy support available in the workplace as required, ranging from having access to support or assistance from expert/mentor/supervisor, to having no communication supports available

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

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:

safe and efficient collection of soiled linen

management of stock levels at user locations

consultation with relevant people at the user location

Resources essential for assessment include:

access to relevant workplace or appropriately simulated environment where assessment can ta

organisation mission statement, strategic and business plan

relevant policies and procedures manuals

other documentation relevant to the work context such as, organisation charts, floor plans, instructions for the use of equipment

Specific instructions for staff

Method of assessment

Observation in the workplace (if possible)

Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge

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

Questioning

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

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.

User locations may include but is not limited to

Hospital

Aged care facility

Residential accommodation

Operating theatre

Day surgery centre

Sterilising service

Dwelling

Professional rooms

Clinic

Community service facility

Hazards may include but are not limited to

Exposure to heat

Sharp objects

Potentially infectious linen

Sharps

Foreign objects

Equipment may include but is not limited to:

Linen trolleys of various sizes

Linen bags

Baskets

Bins

Organisation procedures may include but is not limited to::

Linen stock delivery, inventory management and stock rotation

Collection locations and procedures

Standard work practice for safe handling of soiled linen

Use of protective clothing

Notification of hazards and incidents

Data recording (manual or electronic)

Security and safe storage of clean and soiled linen

Consultation/Liaison may be required with:

Management representative at user-location eg Nursing Unit Manager

Linen supplier

Customer/s

Maintenance of optimum stock levels may include:

Review of imprest levels for each linen item

Assessment of user requirements based on past and expected utilisation of linen

Minimisation of stock holdings

Sources of information/documents may include

Customer/s

Requisition dockets or forms

Imprest system documentation

Stock lists

User-location management representative

Australian standards, infection control and quality standards

Linen storage modes may include:

Shelving

Racks

Trolleys

Cupboards

Linen bags

This unit contains Employability Skills