Elements and Performance Criteria

Element

Performance Criteria

1

Implement and maintain infection control practices and infection risk containment measures

1.1

Implement infection control regulations, standards and guidelines, and organisation policy and procedures as required

1.2

Use standard and additional precautions for all client contact as required

1.3

Identify workplace infection control risks

1.4

Manage and control workplace infection control risks

2

Monitor and maintain cleanliness of environment

2.1

Regularly clean office practice work environment according to a pre-determined schedule

2.2

Clean spills immediately in accordance with organisation policy and procedures

2.3

Remove contaminated substances and appliances from treatment area following treatment of each client

2.4

Clean and dry work surfaces after each treatment session/procedure, or when soiled

2.5

Use appropriate cleaning agents

2.6

Dry and store cleaning equipment

3

Maintain personal protection

3.1

Select personal protective equipment according to the nature of treatment/procedure to be undertaken and the infection control risks involved

3.2

Use personal protective equipment correctly

3.3

Cover open cuts and abrasions by waterproofed dressings

3.4

Handle sharps with care and immediately dispose of them in accordance with regulations, standards and guidelines for infection control and clinical waste management

4

Undertake infection control measures during procedures and treatments

4.1

Clean and tidy work area

4.2

Correctly follow hand washing procedures

4.3

Assemble all items required prior to procedure or treatment

4.4

Provide clean, single use, disposable covering material or clean linen and change between clients or procedures

4.5

Ensure instruments and articles not intended to penetrate skin, but for use on clients during procedures, are thoroughly cleaned or disinfected as appropriate, and dried before use and after each use

4.6

Ensure instruments, equipment or other items, to be introduced into sterile tissue or for contact with intact mucus membranes, are sterile at the time of use as required by regulations, standards and guidelines

4.7

Follow aseptic techniques and procedures where appropriate

4.8

Use personal protective equipment

4.9

Follow appropriate skin preparation procedures to minimise risk of disease transmission

4.10

Use sterile drapes for sterile procedures

4.11

Maintain integrity of operating field

4.12

Immediately dispose of single-use items in appropriate containers

4.13

Place waste in appropriate receptacles in accordance with legislative requirements

4.14

Place soiled linen and protective clothing in a suitable receptacle

4.15

Clean work area after use

4.16

Remove items contaminated or potentially contaminated with blood, body fluids, mucosa or tissue for cleaning and sterilisation

5

Clean and sterilise instruments, equipment and implantable items

5.1

Thoroughly clean or decontaminate instruments, equipment and implantable items immediately after use, and prior to sterilising

5.2

Choose appropriate sterilising method

5.3

Ensure work flows in one direction only from dirty zone to clean zone

5.4

Wrap/package instruments, equipment and implantable items as required prior to sterilisation

5.5

Configure load to ensure effective sterilisation and safe handling

5.6

Follow sterilisation operating procedures in correct sequence and duration according to manufacturer's instructions and relevant Australian standards

5.7

Follow validation processes in accordance with Australian standards

5.8

Activate appropriate sterilization method and cycle

5.9

Follow loading and unloading procedures for sterilisers

5.10

Remove contents of steriliser immediately on completion of cycle and check to ensure specified performance criteria have been met

5.11

Follow product traceability guidelines

5.12

Monitor sterilising cycle and record details as specified in current Australian standard/s

5.13

Observe safety precautions to ensure pressure sterilisers function safely

5.14

Store and handle sterilised items to maintain integrity of packs and to prevent contamination from any source

5.15

Dispose of damaged items safely

6

Maintain sterilizer equipment

6.1

Clean and maintain sterilisers as per manufacturer's specifications and as specified in current Australian standard/s

6.2

Conduct and document regular monitoring, validation and calibration of sterilisers

6.3

Follow and document regular maintenance program

6.4

Recognise and report steriliser operation faults and incidents and take corrective action

7

Maintain awareness of implications of premises layout and maintenance for control of infection risks

7.1

Arrange premises layout, equipment location, ventilation and movement of people to minimise risk of transmission of infection

7.2

Design surfaces, fixtures and fittings to allow easy cleaning and discourage accumulation of moisture and soil

7.3

Configure work areas to ensure separation of sterile, clean and dirty instruments, equipment and linen

7.4

Ensure hand washing basins, hand cleaning agents and hand drying materials are appropriately located for easy access

7.5

Ensure cleaning areas are separated from treatment/procedure area

7.6

Ensure clean and dirty storage areas are physically separated

7.7

Clean storage areas regularly and ensure they are free of moisture

8

Comply with infection control regulations and standards, and related legal obligations

8.1

Maintain appropriate registration or licensing of premises or practice

8.2

Comply with occupational health and safety laws

8.3

Comply with laws relating to profession or occupation

8.4

Obtain client consent to treatment

8.5

Comply with infection control regulations, standards and guidelines