Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to apply procedures for handling, storing and maintaining sterile stock.
This unit applies to individuals working under general supervision and within established procedures in a range of health service organisations.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements define the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance required to demonstrate achievement of the element |
1. Store sterile stock | 1.1 Select and wear attire, ensuring personal hygiene preparations are in accordance with organisation policies and procedures 1.2 Decant sterile stock supplied in external containers/packaging prior to transfer into the sterile stock area 1.3 Identify and clean the dedicated area for storing sterile stock, following required documentation processes 1.4 Restrict access and minimise traffic in the sterile stock area |
2. Maintain packaging integrity | 2.1 Minimise handling of sterile stock 2.2 Inspect items for packaging integrity, labelling and batch control 2.3 Follow organisation procedures for non-conforming stock 2.4 Complete protective packaging as required |
3. Maintain stock levels | 3.1 Comply with sterile stock rotation practices 3.2 Identify, remove and re-process or discard stock not complying with inventory control guidelines 3.3 Assess and calculate stock and imprest levels 3.4 Correctly interpret order requirements 3.5 Prepare, fill and distribute orders to relevant destination using required documentation 3.6 Document and report supply discrepancies according to procedures |
4. Transport sterile stock | 4.1 Clean and maintain trolleys and containers using appropriate cleaning procedures 4.2 Load and handle transport equipment safely 4.3 Follow designated route and timetable for transporting sterile stock 4.4 Package any high-level disinfected or off-site delivery items in secure sealable easy to clean containers |
5. Complete quality management requirements | 5.1 Follow batch control identification procedures 5.2 Accurately complete sterile stock ordering documentation 5.3 Assist with recall procedures according to instructions |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:
followed established procedures, work processes and national standards for sterile stock management on at least 3 occasions, including:
maintaining environmental conditions
maintaining stock at required levels
handling stock that maintains sterile condition
responding to non-conformance
accurately completed documentation using manual or computerised systems
addressed relevant work health and safety, infection control and manual handling requirements
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:
storage and stock management principles for sterile stock:
types of storage requirements
time-related shelf life
event-related shelf life
factors that affect shelf-life of sterile stock
procedures to restrict access
quality assurance documentation
recall procedures
features of a transport system required to maintain sterility of packaged items
safe work practices in the sterilisation work area:
manual task risk factors and how to control for them
infection control
personal hygiene
personal protective equipment (PPE)
Assessment Conditions
Skills must have been demonstrated in a sterile storage area within the workplace or in a simulated environment that reflects workplace conditions. The following conditions must be met for this unit:
use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources:
a designated sterile area
sterile stock items
stock management and ordering systems
transport equipment
quality assurance documentation
workplace procedures to be followed
modelling of industry operating conditions, including presence of situations requiring problem solving
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The Foundation Skills describe those required skills (language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills) that are essential to performance. |
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency. |