Work performed requires a broad knowledge base and the ability to apply solutions to a defined range of unpredictable problems Individuals will take responsibility for their own outputs and limited responsibility for the quantity and quality of output of others All tasks are conducted in accordance with organisation policies and procedures including OHS and infection control guidelines |
Not Applicable
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Receive bodies at mortuary | 1.1 Undertake thorough and complete checking processes to ensure identification and confirmation with records 1.2 Transfer from trolley according to organisation policy and procedures 1.3 Process documentation and registration in accordance with legal requirements and established procedures 1.4 Store body in accordance with organisation policy and procedures 1.5 Follow infection control policy and procedures strictly |
2. Prepare bodies for viewing | 2.1 Select and prepare equipment and materials 2.2 Use personal protective equipment 2.3 Prepare and present body is in accordance with organisation policy and procedures 2.4 Treat body with respect and, where practicable, in accordance with cultural requirements 2.5 Maintain correct lines of communication with key personnel 2.6 Show empathy to bereaved family and friends 2.7 Store body in refrigeration cabinets in accordance with organisation policy and procedures |
3. Maintain the mortuary environment | 3.1 Clean the mortuary environment according to organisation policy and procedures 3.2 Dispose of waste according to organisation policy and procedures and taking into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues 3.3 Maintain inventory of linen, consumables and stock and replenish in accordance with organisation policy and procedures |
4. Release bodies to Funeral Director/Conveyor | 4.1 Liaise with key internal and external personnel 4.2 Undertake thorough and complete checking processes to ensure identification and confirmation with records 4.3 Process documentation in accordance with established procedures |
5. Follow security requirements | 5.1 Handle and safeguard evidence or potential evidence 5.2 Follow security procedures 5.3 Liaise with internal and external personnel as required 5.4 Maintain visitor register as required and checked to ensure accuracy |
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: Appreciation of cultural and religious considerations in relation to bodies Confidentiality policy and procedure Documentation requirements Environmental standards for the operation of a mortuary Legislative requirements which directly affect the role and practice of the Mortuary Worker Organisation policy and procedures in relation to the operation of the mortuary Policy and procedures for the handling and storage of bodies Stock requirements and procedures |
Essential skills: It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability 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 problem solving skills, including an ability to use available resources Deal with conflict Demonstrate: cleaning and appropriate use of cleaning chemicals communication skills for dealing with medical staff, funeral directors, police, coroner's court officers and families effective liaison with health professionals and other key personnel effective telephone techniques inventory control in the mortuary environment procedures for maintenance of equipment safe handling of clinical and other wastes safe manual handling time management use of personal and protective equipment Follow correct checking procedures and complete relevant document in relation to the receipt and release of bodies Follow procedures for checking identification Handle decomposing and dismembered bodies Identify and use effective stress management strategies in response to workplace issues Maintain a professional approach with key personnel and bereaved families and friends Maintain cleaning and infection control standards Maintain security Prepare bodies for viewing Use numeracy skills including the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations and recording stock levels Use oral communication skills required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation, including skills in: asking questions providing clear information listening to and understanding workplace instructions clarifying workplace instructions when necessary using effective verbal and non verbal communication skills with a range of internal and external persons Use reading and writing skills required to fulfil job role in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation at a level of skill that includes reading workplace policy and procedure manuals and documenting administrative and clinical information Use the organisation's computer and other business technology Work independently |
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 This unit will be most appropriately assessed in the workplace under the normal range of workplace conditions Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace 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 |
Method of assessment | Observation of work activities Observation of simulation and/or role play Written tasks Relevant formal and informal education/training courses Case studies and scenarios Interviews/questioning |
Resource implications: | Access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols Relevant legislation |
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 can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other mortuary units of competency is encouraged |
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. | |
Checking processesmust include: | Identification of body Search of body and clothing procedures Recording of valuables, identification documents and other items found with and on the body Identification and recording of scars, tattoos and distinctive features |
Documentation may include or relate to: | Completion of Mortuary Register (computer or manual) Legal documents (e.g. death certificates, cremation forms, Coroner's approval) Record of Release Overseas burials Donation to Science documents Medical Records Receipts for Medical Records Organisation documents (e.g. request for hospital autopsy form) Records of valuables and items found with and on the body |
Legal requirements may include: | State/territory laws concerning coroner's matters Receipt, handling and storage of bodies in a mortuary |
Organisation policy and procedures may relate to: | Identification procedures Safe keeping of valuables Occupational health and safety Waste handling and disposal Manual handling Cleaning and use of cleaning chemicals Infection control Preparation of bodies for viewing Viewing of bodies by relatives and others Documentation Security Training Confidentiality Admission and release of bodies Storage of deceased persons Stock requisitions Stock control Stocktaking Authority to incur expenditure |
Infection control policy and procedures may relate to: | Standard and additional precautions Cleaning procedures Cleaning of surfaces and equipment Use of cleaning chemicals Personal protective equipment Standards of hygiene Disposal of clinical and other wastes |
Equipment may include: | Head rests Drapes Sheets Pillows Shrouds Cleaning materials |
Personal protective equipment may include: | Face protection Eye protection Gown Apron Surgical suits Gloves Protective footwear |
Cultural requirements may relate to: | Religious beliefs and practices in relation to death Ethnic beliefs/practices in relation to death Beliefs and practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons in relation to death |
Key internal and external personnel may include: | Hospital Medical staff Relatives Management Pathologist Government medical officer Other relevant medical practitioners Coroner/coroner's officers Nursing staff Police Social worker Medical students Funeral director/conveyor |
Mortuary environment may include: | Autopsy room Viewing room Admission Room Refrigeration Waiting room Changes areas and staff room Wet areas Autopsy bench and drains Tables Floors Walls Storage areas Vehicle delivery/collection bay |
Waste may include: | Human tissue Clinical wastes General waste Toxic waste |
Security procedures may relate to: | Retained tissue Specimens Documents and records Information concerning the deceased Photographs Items found with body Confidentiality Entry control Key control Physical security Authorisation of entry |
Not Applicable
This unit contains Employability Skills |
Not Applicable