HLTMT306D
Maintain, clean and store autopsy equipment

This unit describes the knowledge and skills required for a mortuary worker to register, maintain, clean and store autopsy equipment

Application

Work performed requires demonstration of relevant theoretical knowledge and the ability to apply solutions to a variety of predictable problems

Individuals will take responsibility for their own outputs and limited responsibility for the output of others

All tasks are conducted in accordance with organisation policies and procedures including WHS and infection control guidelines


Prerequisites

Not Applicable


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Register and maintain equipment

1.1 Register and label new equipment where appropriate, in accordance with organisation policy and procedures

1.2 Maintain equipment in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and organisation policy and procedures

1.3 Promptly report faults in equipment to relevant personnel

1.4 Promptly arrange servicing of equipment in accordance with organisation policy and procedures

1.5 Ensure required maintenance records are legible and accurate

2. Clean and store autopsy equipment

2.1 Use appropriate personal protective wear during cleaning of equipment

2.2 Clean, disinfect or sterilise equipment in accordance with infection control guidelines and manufacturers' specifications and organisation policy and procedures

2.3 Maintain cleanliness of sterilisation and cleaning equipment in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and organisation policy and procedures

2.4 Store cleaned equipment ready for use in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and organisation policy and procedures

Required Skills

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:

Correct disinfection and sterilisation techniques, if required

Manufacturers' specifications for the maintenance and storage of equipment

Relevant legislative requirements

Relevant organisation policies and procedures

Work health and safety (WHS) and infection control in a mortuary

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 and manage a daily routine

Correctly clean and store equipment in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and organisation policy and procedures

Correctly maintain equipment in accordance with manufacturers' specifications

Correctly use personal protective equipment

Follow infection control and work health and safety (WHS) policy and procedures

Follow organisation waste management practices

Follow safe working procedures during cleaning of equipment

Select and use appropriate sharpening equipment

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

Use numeracy skills including the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations, and undertake measurements of volumes

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

asking questions

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 interpreting manufacturers' specifications

Evidence Required

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

Written tasks

Relevant formal and informal education/training courses

Interviews/questioning

Feedback from medical officer

Resource implications:

Access to an autopsy room where assessment can take place

Autopsy equipment

Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols

Relevant legislative requirements

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 technician units of competency is encouraged


Range Statement

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.

Equipment may include:

Autopsy saw

Skull key (T piece)

Hammer

Chisels and probes

Forceps

Scissors

Rib shears and knives

Scalpels, blades and handles

Needles

Needle holders

Scales

Clamps

Rulers

Band-saw

Drain strainer

Exhaust cabinets

Steriliser

Radiography equipment

Cotton wool

Cups

Measuring jugs

Camera

Body lifting equipment

Body weighing scales

Body trolleys

Refrigerators

Permanent markers

Syringes

Specimen containers

Blood sampling tubes

Biohazard waste containers

Plastic bags

Magnifying glass

Registering and labelling may include:

Manual recording

Electronic recording

Organisation policy and procedure may relate to:

Equipment maintenance and servicing

Asset registration

Documentation and record keeping

Cleaning of autopsy equipment

Disinfection of equipment

Sterilisation of equipment

Steriliser operation

Work health and safety (WHS)

Waste management

Relevant personnel may refer to:

Supervisor

Pathologist

Government Medical Officer

Other Medical Practitioner

Personal protective equipment may include:

Face protection

Eye protection

Gown

Apron

Gloves

Protective footwear

Respirators

Infection Control policy and procedures may include:

Personal hygiene

Cleaning procedures

Cleaning, disinfection and sterilising of equipment

Operation and use of sterilising equipment

Cleaning of surfaces and equipment

Use of cleaning chemicals

Use of personal protective equipment

Standard and additional precautions

Disposal of clinical and other wastes

Storage may include:

Locked facility

Refrigeration Freezer

Drawers

Cabinets and cupboards


Sectors

Not Applicable


Employability Skills

This unit contains Employability Skills


Licensing Information

Not Applicable