Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 7:41 AM AWST

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Treat the head and body after autopsies

Treat the head and body after autopsies

Unit of competency
National Code
SIFEMWK011
State Code
WG914
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
10/10/2013
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
09/12/2013
Field of Education
110399 - Personal Services, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
09/12/2013
Nominal Hours
50
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to perform head and body restoration on autopsied bodies. It applies to embalming staff who work autonomously with a high 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. Prepare to perform head and body restoration.
  • 1.1 Prepare and use personal protective equipment.
  • 1.2 Prepare mortuary area and appropriate instruments and equipment.
  • 1.3 Identify extent of head and body restoration required through examination of the deceased person.
2. Perform head restoration.
  • 2.1 Remove suturing from scalp.
  • 2.2 Remove calvaria and packing material.
  • 2.3 Treat calvaria, cranial cavity and scalp areas using a cauterising agent.
  • 2.4 Pack cranial cavity as required.
  • 2.5 Refix calvaria using skull clamps, glue or suture technique as appropriate.
  • 2.6 Cover gaps using sealing compounds as required.
  • 2.7 Suture scalp and seal closed.
  • 2.8 Wash and dry hair using germicidal soaps and shampoos as required.
  • 2.9 Identify hazards, complications and problems and take appropriate corrective action.
3. Perform body restoration.
  • 3.1 Remove all suturing from body.
  • 3.2 Remove sternum, viscera and packing material.
  • 3.3 Treat sternum, body cavity and exposed tissue areas using a cauterising agent, preserving gel, or powder.
  • 3.4 Pack pelvic cavity as required.
  • 3.5 Restore throat/neck area as appropriate.
  • 3.6 Return treated viscera into cavity.
  • 3.7 Put treated sternum in place.
  • 3.8 For long bone donation, re-insert disinfected bone replacement material.
  • 3.9 Apply appropriate suturing techniques and glue to all autopsy incisions.
  • 3.10 Re-cleanse and disinfect body.
  • 3.11 Identify hazards, complications and problems and take appropriate corrective action.
4. Clean instruments, equipment and mortuary area.
  • 4.1 Clean, disinfect or sterilise instruments and equipment.
  • 4.2 Dispose of waste materials.
  • 4.3 Store instruments and equipment and report faults.
  • 4.4 Clean and disinfect mortuary area.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
S7086 SIFMWK009A Restore head damage on autopsied cases Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
J614 SIF40213 Certificate IV in Embalming Qualification