This unit applies to the inspection, folding and packing of theatre linen. It includes the sorting, folding and packing processes.

Special instructions or requirements could include:

packaging requirements, including configuration, wrapping, labelling

final finishing instructions for theatre packs

rework classification or instructions

Laundry or operating procedures may relate to:

hospital theatre pre-pack specifications

reject classifications

coding systems

manual handling techniques

safe use of machines and related equipment

reporting procedures for non-conformance, faults, safety checks, etc.

Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities. Work is performed within defined procedures under direct supervision.

This unit is applied according to OHS and workplace practices of the enterprise, which may include:

requirements prescribed by legislation, awards, agreements and conditions of employment

standard operating procedures

work instructions

oral, written and visual communication

quality practices, including responsibility for maintenance of own work quality and contribution to quality improvement of team or section output

housekeeping

tasks related to environmental protection, waste disposal, pollution control and recycling

This unit requires the application of problem solving skills to classify linen and implement protocols and procedures for hygiene, infection control, coding and packaging for theatre linen. This unit also requires the ability to plan and organise materials, equipment and resources for packing theatre linen and complete required documentation.

Prerequisites

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Check and classify cleaned theatre linen

1.1 Environmental standards for packing of theatre linen are applied and maintained

1.2 Role of hygiene and infection control in theatre linen is identified

1.3 Personal protective equipment is identified and applied

1.4 Clean theatre linen is checked for grease, stains, lint, identifying markers, damage, quality and wear

1.5 Reject linen is classified for rework, rewash or condemning as required

2 Fold theatre linen

2.1 Product is folded according to hospital theatre specifications and relevant Australian Standards

2.2 Hospital and laundry linen coding systems are applied

3 Pack product for dispatch

3.1 Packaging and storage equipment is checked for cleanliness

3.2 Package content requirements are determined

3.3 Packs are configured according to hospital theatre and laundry procedures

3.4 Packs are wrapped according to hospital theatre requirements and specifications

3.5 Final finish of theatre packs is assessed

3.6 Packed product is recorded and documented according to laundry requirements

4 Dispatch product

4.1 Protective covering requirements for products are determined

4.2 Products are loaded into transport equipment using safe manual handling techniques

4.3 Orders are assigned according to transport requirements

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level

Demonstrates knowledge of:

inspection techniques and procedures

procedures for folding and packing articles

procedures for tracking product

AS/ANZ 4187:2003: 3.1 to 3.6

processes for classification of products for rework

quality and environmental standards and specifications

safety and environmental aspects of related to workplace operation and manual handling, including consumable or hazardous materials

workplace practices

OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures

quality practices

practices for recording and reporting

Demonstrates skills to:

apply environmental standards for packing

perform inspection procedures

recognise non-conformances

practice infection control procedures

classify reject linen for rework

maintain quality requirements for each stage of the process

interpret and apply established procedures

document, assess and transfer information

read, interpret, and follow information on work specifications , standard operating procedures and work instructions, and other reference material

maintain accurate records

communicate within the workplace

sequence operations

meet specifications

clarify and check task-related information

carry out work according to OHS practices

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 the Training Package.

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

identify and confirm inspection requirements

check theatre linen

determine process for non-conformance to standards

pack products appropriately

Consistency in performance

Consistently applies skills and knowledge when:

organising work

completing tasks

identifying improvements

using workplace practices

using OHS practices

recording and reporting accidents and incidents

assessing operational readiness of equipment used and work processes

recognising and adapting to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions

completing work systematically with attention to detail without damage to goods and equipment

Resource implications

Access is required to real or appropriately simulated situations, including work areas, materials and equipment, and to information on workplace practices and OHS practices.

Context for assessment

Assessment may occur on the job or in an appropriately simulated environment.

Interdependent assessment

This unit may be assessed independently or in combination with other relevant units.

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the Performance Criteria, is detailed below. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Legislative/regulatory requirements

All work must comply with relevant Federal and State or Territory legislative or regulatory requirements.

Transport equipment may include:

trolleys

bins

baskets

racks

vehicles

cages

Machines and equipment may include:

light intensifying table

thermal patching machine

de-linting equipment

paper bags, laminate bags, non-linen wraps, linen wraps, indicator tape, markers, tags, plastic dust wrappers

heat sealers

OHS practices

OHS practices must include hazard identification and control, risk assessment and implementation of risk reduction measures specific to the tasks described by this unit, and may include:

manual handling techniques

standard operating procedures

personal protective equipment

safe materials handling

taking of rest breaks

ergonomic arrangement of workplaces

following marked walkways

safe storage of equipment

housekeeping

reporting accidents and incidents

other OHS practices relevant to the job and enterprise

Sector

Laundry Operations

This unit contains employability skills.