HLTSTE006
Chemically disinfect reusable medical devices


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to follow procedures to determine disinfection requirements, safely undertake the chemical disinfection process, and complete quality checks and documentation for reusable medical devices.

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 of a unit of competency

The Performance Criteria specify the level of performance required to demonstrate achievement of the Element

1. Prepare for chemical disinfection process

1.1 Determine disinfection requirements based on Spaulding’s classification

1.2 Complete initial cleaning and waste removal processes

1.3 Prepare specialised items for specific cleaning processes

1.4 Select cleaning processes according to manufacturer’s recommendations

1.5 Disassemble items for cleaning and disinfection according to manufacturer’s guidelines

2. Complete chemical disinfection processes

2.1 Test and configure automated chemical disinfection machines according to procedures and manufacturer’s recommendations

2.2 Correctly interpret safety data sheets (SDS)

2.3 Select and use instrument grade chemical disinfectants and liquid chemical sterilants according to SDS

2.4 Make accurate measurements and calculations in chemical use

2.5 Follow correct methods of use in accordance with manufacturer’s guidelines

2.6 Operate machines according to manufacturer’s guidelines and standards

2.7 Minimise waste during the disinfection process

2.8 Monitor hazards during disinfection processes

2.9 Check and complete process records

3. Check quality of chemical disinfection processes

3.1 Complete monitoring and control according to standards and manufacturing guidelines

3.2 Use chemical test strip indicators as per manufacturer’s instructions

3.3 Complete quality management documentation

3.4 Identify faults in the disinfection process and take action within scope of own work role

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 the chemical disinfection of reusable medical devices on at least 3 occasions

operated and monitored chemical disinfection equipment, including selection of appropriate disinfectants for different reusable medical devices

identified and respond to routine process and maintenance problems and variations

addressed relevant work health and safety, infection control and risk management requirements

completed accurate documentation of tests, cycles and proof of process for manual or automated processes


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:

role of chemical disinfection in client safety, and the implications of negligence

existence and basic requirements of AS/NZS 4187 for chemical disinfection

key aspects of Gastroenterological Nurses College of Australia (GENCA) Guidelines

fundamental knowledge of microbiology in relation to disinfection

key aspects of chemical disinfection, including:

terminology

reusable medical devices requiring disinfection

Spaulding’s classification

conditions and parameters for successful chemical disinfection

range and selection of effective chemical disinfectants based on chemical application, type of reusable medical device and manufacturer’s instructions

Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) requirements for compliance, validation of disinfectant classification (registered or listed), efficacy and disinfectant labelling

specific monitoring equipment and procedures

documentation

quality indicators for chemical disinfection

safe work practices:

fume extraction devices

leak testing

infection control principles

microbiological testing

personal protective equipment (PPE)

protection of reusable medical devices from recontamination

manual task risk factors and how to control for them

infection control


Assessment Conditions

Skills must have been demonstrated in 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:

chemical disinfection equipment and accessories

monitoring and reporting equipment

reusable medical devices requiring chemical disinfection

modelling of industry operating conditions, including:

speed and timing requirements for the cleaning process

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.