Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:48 PM AWST

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Cleanse and disinfect deceased persons

Cleanse and disinfect deceased persons

Unit of competency
National Code
SIFEMWK005
State Code
WG607
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
21/06/2013
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
20/06/2014
Field of Education
110399 - Personal Services, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
20/06/2014
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to perform basic body preparation requirement for all deceased persons which includes removing the wrapping and clothing from the deceased person, cleansing and disinfecting the body and relieving rigor mortis. It applies to funeral home staff working autonomously with a reasonable level of responsibility, and 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. Conduct preparatory procedures for cleansing and disinfecting deceased persons.
  • 1.1 Prepare and use personal protective equipment.
  • 1.2 Identify and prepare mortuary area and appropriate instruments and equipment.
2. Remove wrapping on deceased persons.
  • 2.1 Disinfect body wrappings using appropriate droplet disinfectant according to infection control practices.
  • 2.2 Open outer body wrappings and ensure containment of body fluids.
  • 2.3 Cover mouth and nose with cloth soaked in an appropriate disinfectant.
  • 2.4 Disinfect inner wrappings or clothing using a droplet disinfectant as required and according to infection control practices.
  • 2.5 Remove inner wrapping and ensure containment of body fluids.
  • 2.6 Place a durable modesty cover on genital area as required.
  • 2.7 Place wrappings in an appropriate biowaste container and ensure containment of body fluids.
  • 2.8 Recheck identity of deceased person against documentation, clothing, labelling and wrist tags.
  • 2.9 Package or dispose of clothing separately according to given instructions.
3. Cleanse oral and nasal cavities.
  • 3.1 Remove cloth covering mouth and nose, and dispose of using appropriate biowaste container.
  • 3.2 Aspirate oral and nasal cavities if purge is present.
  • 3.3 Relieve rigor mortis from lower jaw as required.
  • 3.4 Open mouth to enable access and place cotton soaked in disinfectant deep inside using long forceps.
4. Cleanse and inspect body.
  • 4.1 Spray all areas of body with appropriate disinfectant and allow to remain on body surface for five minutes.
  • 4.2 Conduct external head and face inspection.
  • 4.3 Wash, rinse and dry all body surfaces using appropriate washing materials.
  • 4.4 Access rectal and vaginal orifices and place disinfectant cotton deep inside using large forceps, if required.
  • 4.5 Shampoo hair using germicidal soaps, shampoos and conditioners.
  • 4.6 Shave facial hair, trim beards and moustaches, if required.
  • 4.7 Conduct final inspection of body and note anything unusual for further attention.
  • 4.8 Note and document all jewellery and remove if required.
5. Relieve rigor mortis in body.
  • 5.1 Manipulate, move and rotate arms, hands, fingers, legs, ankles and toes carefully to relieve rigor mortis.
  • 5.2 Identify and avoid weakened tissue areas which may become damaged through relieving rigor mortis.
6. Clean instruments, equipment and mortuary areas.
  • 6.1 Clean, disinfect or sterilise instruments and equipment.
  • 6.2 Dispose of waste materials.
  • 6.3 Store instruments and equipment and report faults.
  • 6.4 Clean and disinfect mortuary.
  • 6.5 Remove personal protective equipment and process.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
S7083 SIFMWK006A Cleanse and disinfect deceased bodies Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
J614 SIF40213 Certificate IV in Embalming Qualification
J577 SIF30313 Certificate III in Funeral Operations Qualification