Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 12:46 PM AWST
22/07/2026 12:46 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.
Remove casts
Remove casts
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTCT403D
HLTCT403D
State Code
WD100
WD100
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Deleted
Deleted
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
05/08/2014
Field of Education
061799 - Rehabilitation Therapies, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
05/08/2014
Nominal Hours
50
Description
DescriptorThis unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to remove casts
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare to remove cast
- 1.1 Assemble equipment for removing cast and check to ensure that it is clean and in working order
- 1.2 Receive request for removal of cast and if in doubt confirm with relevant personal
- 1.3 Assess client's condition and identify precautions or potential complications of cast removal
- 1.4 Explain procedure to client and obtain client consent/agreement
- 1.5 Provide opportunities for the client to ask questions and discuss areas of concern
- 1.6 Meet the comfort and safety needs of the client and applicator
2. Remove cast
- 2.1 Identify the client's specific needs in relation to removal of cast
- 2.2 Meet the comfort and safety needs of the client and applicator
- 2.3 Meet the client's needs by removing the cast according to instructions
- 2.4 Assess the client's condition and identify the need for referral by medical practioners if applicable
- 2.5 Complete documentation
3. Undertake post removal procedures
- 3.1 Observe that the Neurovascular status of limb is within normal limits
- 3.2 Check integrity of skin
- 3.3 Clean client at completion of procedure
- 3.4 Provide verbal advice to client and carer for the care of the limb, until next appointment with medical specialist,
- 3.5 Arrange appropriate support for client
4. Clean working environment
- 4.1 Dispose of waste in accordance with waste management policies
- 4.2 Clean equipment in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and stored safely
- 4.3 Clean work surfaces in accordance with infection control guidelines
RANGE STATEMENT
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Types of casts may include:
Fully circumferential
Hip spica
Slab
Split cast
Equipment may include:
Benders
Paster knife
Plastic cutting strip
Saw with vacuum
Scissors
Shears
Spreaders
Relevant personnel may include:
Medical staff
Other health professionals
Clients may include:
Adolescents
Adults
Children
Elderly
Infants
Assessment of client's condition may include:
Allergies
Interference/changes to padding
Non union of fracture
Oedematous extremity
Presence of K wires/Steinmann pins/external fixatures
Relevant medical history
Skin condition eg oedema, blisters, pressure areas, broken skin, fragile skin
Wound breakdown
Contraindications may include:
Unstable fracture
Complications may include:
Breaking skin integrity
Burning feeling in skin
Client's specific needs may include:
Age
Functional requirements or restrictions
Mobilisation difficulties or restrictions
Physical anomalies
Religious and cultural beliefs
Need to refer clients for immediate review by a medical practitioner may include:
Evidence of infection
Intense localised pain
Neurovascular status outside normal limits
Wound breakdown/deterioration
Documentation may include:
Appliance hire documentation
Appointment forms and books
Cast check forms
Client records
Work log books
Advice given to clients may include:
Limb care
Mobilisation exercises/routines
Oedema control
Weight bearing status until consultation with medical specialist
Appropriate support may include:
Arrangement of educational material
Instructions for seeking advice if required
Organisation of walking aids eg crutches, wheelchairs
Review client's social situation in relation to their ability to self care
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Types of casts may include:
Fully circumferential
Hip spica
Slab
Split cast
Equipment may include:
Benders
Paster knife
Plastic cutting strip
Saw with vacuum
Scissors
Shears
Spreaders
Relevant personnel may include:
Medical staff
Other health professionals
Clients may include:
Adolescents
Adults
Children
Elderly
Infants
Assessment of client's condition may include:
Allergies
Interference/changes to padding
Non union of fracture
Oedematous extremity
Presence of K wires/Steinmann pins/external fixatures
Relevant medical history
Skin condition eg oedema, blisters, pressure areas, broken skin, fragile skin
Wound breakdown
Contraindications may include:
Unstable fracture
Complications may include:
Breaking skin integrity
Burning feeling in skin
Client's specific needs may include:
Age
Functional requirements or restrictions
Mobilisation difficulties or restrictions
Physical anomalies
Religious and cultural beliefs
Need to refer clients for immediate review by a medical practitioner may include:
Evidence of infection
Intense localised pain
Neurovascular status outside normal limits
Wound breakdown/deterioration
Documentation may include:
Appliance hire documentation
Appointment forms and books
Cast check forms
Client records
Work log books
Advice given to clients may include:
Limb care
Mobilisation exercises/routines
Oedema control
Weight bearing status until consultation with medical specialist
Appropriate support may include:
Arrangement of educational material
Instructions for seeking advice if required
Organisation of walking aids eg crutches, wheelchairs
Review client's social situation in relation to their ability to self care
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
Context of and specific resources for assessment:
Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols
Method of assessment:
Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting (laboratory). If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision
Observation of work activities when removing casts
Observation of simulation and/or role play when removing casts
Discussion of physical and/or behavioural contingency scenarios involving duty of care
Authenticated transcripts of relevant education/training courses
Recognition of relevant life/work experience
Questioning, written assessments/projects, e-learning can be used to assess knowledge
Authenticated reports of experience in removing casts (documentation associated with performance reviews, supervisor/co-ordinator evaluations of work performance)
Training records associated with first aid, occupational health and safety training, orientation/induction training, safe manual handing, universal infection control procedures
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Related units:
Holistic assessment practice with other health services units of competency is encouraged
This unit should be assessed in conjunction with:
HLTAP401B Confirm physical health status
HLTCT401D Apply casts
HLTCT402D Modify casts
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
Context of and specific resources for assessment:
Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols
Method of assessment:
Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting (laboratory). If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision
Observation of work activities when removing casts
Observation of simulation and/or role play when removing casts
Discussion of physical and/or behavioural contingency scenarios involving duty of care
Authenticated transcripts of relevant education/training courses
Recognition of relevant life/work experience
Questioning, written assessments/projects, e-learning can be used to assess knowledge
Authenticated reports of experience in removing casts (documentation associated with performance reviews, supervisor/co-ordinator evaluations of work performance)
Training records associated with first aid, occupational health and safety training, orientation/induction training, safe manual handing, universal infection control procedures
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Related units:
Holistic assessment practice with other health services units of competency is encouraged
This unit should be assessed in conjunction with:
HLTAP401B Confirm physical health status
HLTCT401D Apply casts
HLTCT402D Modify casts
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D5844 | HLTCT403C | Remove casts | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J079 | HLT41412 | Certificate IV in Cast Technology | Qualification |