Functions at this level require: a thorough overview of microbiology and disinfection in relation to AS/NZS 4187 a high level knowledge of equipment used for disinfection and sterilisation and tracking and monitoring systems significant contribution to work practices, policy and procedures |
Not Applicable
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Plan for monitoring and maintenance requirements | 1.1 Prepare maintenance schedules in compliance with AS/NZS 4187, operational requirements and manufacturers' guidelines 1.2 Maintain practices that monitor all aspects of reprocessing in compliance with AS/NZS 4187 1.3 Monitor the collection of data required for monitoring and maintenance of reprocessing, in compliance with AS/NZS 4187 and manufacturer's guidelines |
2. Facilitate monitoring and maintenance requirements | 2.1 Complete planned and regular random checks of machinery performance 2.2 Complete planned and regular random checks of data and tracking systems that monitor the decontamination cycle 2.3 Take action where discrepancies are identified, including recall procedures, machinery maintenance or repair, and chemical review, in accordance with AS/NZS 4187, manufacturers' guidelines and organisation policies and procedures 2.4 Follow practices and procedures for tracing back through the decontamination cycle to clients and users 2.5 Report any issues outside sphere of responsibility and competence, without delay and according to organisation policies and procedures 2.6 Follow the protocols for critical incidents and sentinel events investigation |
3. Maintain and evaluate records and reports | 3.1 Complete records of results of monitoring, according to AS/NZS 4187 an organisation policies and procedures 3.2 Complete records of all equipment maintenance and repair 3.3 Archive records to address legislative requirements 3.4 Maintain, evaluate and act upon non-compliance records and reports 3.5 Manage recall processes |
4. Contribute to organisation policies and procedures | 4.1 Provide input into organisation policies, procedures to ensure compliance with AS/NZS 4187 4.2 Monitor and if necessary, adjust work practices to reflect AS/NZS 4187 and organisation policies and procedures 4.3 Maintain research and manufacturers' information relevant to the effectiveness of disinfection and sterilisation processes |
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: Detailed knowledge of infection control principles as they affect the sterilisation work environment Detailed knowledge of the processes of maintaining and using tracking systems Detailed knowledge of the record keeping requirements of AS/NZS 4187 and organisation policies and procedures Detailed knowledge of the working of all equipment and machinery used in reprocessing medical devices Knowledge of recall systems Methods used to audit machine performance and report discrepancies WHS policies, guidelines and symbols and there relevance to working in the sterilisation area Relevant state/territory guidelines for sterilising services Standards, including AS/NZS 4187, AS 4815 and all relevant infection prevention guidelines, especially in relation to the care of reusable medical equipment The importance of sterilisation technology as a contribution to client safety and the relationship to well maintained reusable medical equipment The legal responsibilities of health care providers in relation to confidentiality, client rights, duty of care and implications of negligence |
Essential skills: It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to: Address WHS, infection control and manual handling requirements Address performance and maintenance requirements of machinery used in cleaning, packing and sterilisation processes Apply knowledge of the importance of sterilisation technology as a contribution to client safety Complete all documentation accurately Comply with AS/NZS 4187 and AS/NXS 4815 for sterilisation purposes, especially in relation to the care and maintenance of equipment Use tracking and monitoring systems 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 AS/NZS 4187 and organisation policies and procedures to work practices Apply AS/NZS 4187 to organisation policies and procedures Maintain data and record systems Take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues, including appropriate practices to ensure efficient use of resources Use literacy, numeracy and oral communication skills required to fulfil the position in a safe manner as specified by the health care facility Use methods to audit machine performance Use problem solving skills - the ability to use available resources and prioritise workload |
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 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 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 access to a full range of tracking and monitoring systems operational requirements of a full range of machinery and associated equipment Resources essential for assessment include access to: relevant workplace or appropriately simulated environment where assessment can take place monitoring and tracking systems manufacturers' guidelines training records Australian Standards, government and organisation policies and procedures |
Method of assessment | Observation in the work place (if possible) Written assignments/projects Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice. Questioning Role play simulation |
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. | |
Disinfection and sterilisation equipment may include: | Collection equipment Batch-type washer/disinfectors Rack conveyor washers/tunnel washer Load retaining devices Ultrasonic cleaners Manual cleaning sinks, hand washing sink, hot and cold running water supply Cleaning accessories, including brushes, non-linting cloths, syringes High pressure water equipment Drying cabinets Compressed air gun Pre-vacuum steam steriliser Downward displacement steam steriliser Dry heat steriliser Hydrogen peroxide plasma steriliser Peracetic acid steriliser |
Monitoring and accessory equipment may include: | Physical parametric process recorders, including: print outs graphics and chart recorders information technology data systems Batch control labelling guns Computerised systems, including: label printers scanners workstations External chemical indicators Internal chemical indicators Biological indicators and incubators, and enzymatic indicators Dryness testing Process challenge devices Performance qualification equipment, including: computerised data loggers thermocoupling devices Leak rate test Bowie Dick type air removal test |
Quality management documentation may include: | Cycle, batch control and load description documentation Steriliser usage and utilisation Volume of sterilised items by defined category Cleaning, monitoring, testing, fault analysis and maintenance of sterilisers and associated equipment Dispatch/distribution by destination Non-conformance/non-compliance reporting Archiving and filing of steriliser records Validation report |
Critical incidents and sentinel events may include: | Suspected transmission of blood borne virus Product failure Wet loads Damage and instrument failure Poorly cleaned instruments Failed sterilising cycle Release of failed sterilising cycle loads Distribution of unsterile items Faulty batches of monitoring equipment |
Not Applicable
This unit contains Employability Skills |
Not Applicable