Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:16 PM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Handle medical gases safely

Handle medical gases safely

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTHSS012
State Code
OEI68
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
25/11/2022
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
15/06/2023
Field of Education
061301 - Occupational Health And Safety
Original Release Date
15/06/2023
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge to handle medical gas equipment in a safe manner to workplace requirements within the health care environment.This unit applies to a variety of health or community service roles involving handling medical gases. At this level workers perform under supervision and generally within a team environment within predetermined guidelines.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with workplace requirements, Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for handling and storage of medical gas and equipment.
  • 1.1. Select equipment and handling requirements in accordance organisational procedures.
  • 1.2. Set up work areas to ensure safe, effective and efficient handling of equipment.
  • 1.3. Inspect equipment for cleanliness or damage of all components.
  • 1.4. Identify potential hazards to work and manage risks in accordance organisational procedures.
  • 1.5. Report and document identified hazards and risks.
  • 1.6. Wear personal protective equipment and fit in accordance organisational procedures and manufacturer specifications.
  • 1.7. Fit and test bottles and regulators in accordance with manufacturers requirements.
2. Handle medical gas equipment.
  • 2.1. Use recommended precautions when handling medical gas equipment.
  • 2.2. Ensure only trained and authorised personnel are involved in handling medical gas equipment.
  • 2.3. Handle medical gas cylinders and related equipment with care and position in accordance with legislative requirements and manufacturer instructions.
  • 2.4. Select trolley size and type and restrain cylinders for transport.
  • 2.5. Select regulators for use with cylinder.
  • 2.6. Close valves prior to transport.
  • 2.7. Close cylinder valves and release regulator pressure after use.
  • 2.8. Monitor gas pipeline and manifold systems.
  • 2.9. Replace empty bottles and banks as soon as exhausted.
  • 2.10. Open cylinder valves on manifold banks in accordance with and organisational procedures and manufacturer guidelines.
3. Store medical gas cylinders and equipment.
  • 3.1. Store all cylinders and equipment in storage locations in accordance with organisational procedures, legislative requirements and manufacturer recommendations.
  • 3.2. Store cylinders away from combustible materials.
  • 3.3. Use cylinder stock on a rotational system and keep full and empty cylinders separate.
  • 3.4. Ensure cylinders are protected from cold and heat.
  • 3.5. Close and secure storage area in accordance with organisational procedures.
  • 3.6. Ensure signage is clearly displayed outside medical gas storage area.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AVZ67 HLTHSS007 Handle medical gases safely Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BID0 HLT23221 Certificate II in Health Support Services Qualification