Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
21/07/2026 11:49 PM AWST

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Clean and sterilise mortuary items and equipment

Clean and sterilise mortuary items and equipment

Unit of competency
National Code
SIFEMWK002
State Code
WG604
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
02/07/2013
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
20/06/2014
Field of Education
039909 - Cleaning
Original Release Date
20/06/2014
Nominal Hours
25
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to safely prepare for, follow and complete cleaning and sterilisation processes for standard mortuary items and equipment. It applies to funeral home staff who clean and sterilise mortuary items and equipment, working autonomously or under direction according to work health and safety, relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Collect and sort reusable mortuary items and equipment.
  • 1.1 Identify, prepare and use personal protective equipment.
  • 1.2 Check, segregate and prepare mortuary items and equipment for appropriate cleaning or sterilisation requirements.
  • 1.3 Identify and transport reusable mortuary items and equipment to appropriate areas.
  • 1.4 Identify and report faulty or damaged items and equipment.
  • 1.5 Segregate and dispose of sharps and waste according to relevant legislation.
2. Prepare load for sterilisation.
  • 2.1 Select appropriate sterilisation method for mortuary items and equipment.
  • 2.2 Identify appropriate packaging requirements according to manufacturer guidelines.
  • 2.3 Wrap, label and secure instrument trays and items according to manufacturer guidelines.
  • 2.4 Close and secure containers according to manufacturer guidelines.
  • 2.5 Load sterilising equipment according to manufacturer guidelines.
3. Operate sterilisers.
  • 3.1 Conduct and document sterilising equipment test cycles.
  • 3.2 Operate and monitor sterilising cycle according to manufacturer guidelines.
  • 3.3 Clean and maintain sterilising equipment.
  • 3.4 Record maintenance program.
  • 3.5 Identify and report equipment faults.
4. Complete sterilisation procedures.
  • 4.1 Check monitoring devices and record results on completion of cycle according to manufacturer instructions.
  • 4.2 Remove sterilised items immediately on completion of cycle and check to ensure specified sterilisation criteria have been met.
  • 4.3 Remove and record damaged items or packaging and take corrective action.
  • 4.4 Conduct cooling down procedures according to manufacturer guidelines.
5. Store sterile stock.
  • 5.1 Identify storage areas for sterile items and equipment.
  • 5.2 Cover and label sterile items and equipment.
  • 5.3 Check and complete relevant documentation.
6. Clean and disinfect reusable items and equipment.
  • 6.1 Select and prepare cleaning equipment according to manufacturer guidelines.
  • 6.2 Conduct water quality and temperature checks.
  • 6.3 Perform equipment test cycles as required according to current Australian standard.
  • 6.4 Select instrument cleaning chemicals as required according to current Australian standard.
  • 6.5 Clean reusable items and equipment.
  • 6.6 Identify and report faulty or damaged appliances and reprocess items as necessary.
  • 6.7 Clean equipment and work area.
7. Process cleaned items.
  • 7.1 Transfer items to appropriate area.
  • 7.2 Check items for functionality according to manufacturer specifications and take corrective action.
  • 7.3 Assemble and pack cleaned reusable items and transfer to appropriate areas.
  • 7.4 Complete required documentation.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
S7080 SIFMWK003A Clean and sterilise mortuary items and equipment Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
J577 SIF30313 Certificate III in Funeral Operations Qualification
J574 SIF20113 Certificate II in Funeral Operations Qualification