Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:09 AM AWST
22/07/2026 1:09 AM 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.
Follow mortuary OHS procedures
Follow mortuary OHS procedures
Unit of competency
National Code
SIFOHS003A
SIFOHS003A
State Code
S7097
S7097
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
06/12/2013
Field of Education
061399 - Public Health, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
06/12/2013
Nominal Hours
25
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to apply OHS legislation and codes of practice in a mortuary environment.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Apply workplace safety, security and emergency procedures.
- 1.1 Identify and apply relevant workplace policies and procedures.
- 1.2 Identify and report workplace hazards and unsafe situations to appropriate personnel according to workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.
- 1.3 Identify, locate and use emergency equipment according to workplace policies and procedures.
2 Perform safe manual handling.
- 2.1 Identify and assess manual handling requirements.
- 2.2 Select and plan lifting technique according to manual handling requirements.
- 2.3 Prepare and clear work area of obstacles and hazards as required.
- 2.4 Apply correct lifting, carrying and placement techniques according to manual handling requirements.
- 2.5 Apply safety precautions when using mechanical aids.
- 2.6 Coordinate multiple person manual handling tasks as required.
3 Implement strategies to prevent infection in the workplace.
- 3.1 Apply personal hygiene practices and universal precautions according to workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.
- 3.2 Identify, use and maintain personal protective equipment according to workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.
- 3.3 Handle and dispose of potentially infectious waste according to workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.
4 Handle and store hazardous substances safely.
- 4.1 Identify hazardous substances from available workplace information.
- 4.2 Identify and apply storage requirements for hazardous substances according to workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.
- 4.3 Identify and comply with signage for hazardous substances.
- 4.4 Identify problems with signage and take corrective action when required.
- 4.5 Check and use personal protective equipment when handling hazardous chemicals according to workplace policies and procedures.
- 4.6 Use, handle and dispose of hazardous substances according to manufacturer instructions, workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.
- 4.7 Identify and comply with accident reporting procedures.
- 4.8 Check and use handlingequipment according to workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation and take corrective action where required.
- 4.9 Check and use emergency equipment according to workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation and take corrective action where required.
5 Use strategies to prevent work overload.
- 5.1 Observe nominated rest times and breaks.
- 5.2 Identify workload and raise potential issues with appropriate staff.
- 5.3 Clarify and observe work roles.
- 5.4 Identify debriefing opportunities as required.
6 Carry out general housekeeping.
- 6.1 Monitor cleanliness, safety and tidiness of workplace and remove general waste as required.
- 6.2 Use, maintain and store housekeeping equipment and supplies according to workplace policies and procedures and manufacturer instructions.
- 6.3 Tag damaged items and notify appropriate personnel of maintenance requirements.
- 6.4 Report housekeeping issues to appropriate personnel according to workplace policies and procedures.
7 Comply with documentation and reporting requirements.
- 7.1 Complete documentation according to workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.
- 7.2 Report ongoing workplace hazards to appropriate personnel according to workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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) may also be included.
OHS
general housekeeping
manual handling
first aid
security, such as:
mayday via two-way radio
working alone
duress alarm to police
alarm system
security guard
locking buildings and toilets
emergency, such as:
gas or electrical fire
fire drill
evacuation
reporting incidents and hazards
reporting tools, equipment and material defects and maintenance requirements
health and hygiene
waste disposal
chemical handling.
manual handling
toxic substances
industrial gases
body fluids and human tissue
infections
fire
infectious waste
sharps
chemical spills
dust and vapours
noise, light and energy sources
electrical equipment
vehicles
personal lifestyle
workplace stress
people.
OHS representative
human resources personnel
team leader
leading hand
manager
supervisor.
OHS
cemetery Acts and by-laws
Environment Protection Act
Dangerous Goods Act
Public Health Act
Coroner's Act
Anatomy Act
Human Tissue Act.
fire extinguisher
fire blanket
first aid kit
medical and first aid equipment
evacuation equipment.
weight and dimensions of object to be moved
weight and dimensions of deceased person to be moved.
multiple or single person
assisted with manual lifting device
assisted with mechanical lifting device.
maintenance of work clothes cleanliness
hand washing
food hygiene practices
participation in workplace health program.
use of personal protective equipment
presumption that all blood and body fluids are infectious
covering exposed cuts and abrasions, particularly on workers' hands, with waterproof coverings prior to commencing work
immediate treatment of puncture wounds or abrasions
use of protective clothing when cleaning spillage of body fluids.
disposable gloves
heavy duty gloves
barrier gown or suit
waterproof overshoes
waterproof aprons
splash proof masks
eye goggles
face visor
hair cover
filtered air supply:
negative air pressure
powered positive air supply.
body parts
human tissue
human blood and body fluid
materials and equipment containing human blood and body fluid
contaminated garments
soiled dressings, sharps, swabs, catheters and bandages.
acetone
alkyl dimethybenzyl
ammonium chloride
amaranth
amitrole
2-butotxyethanol
camphor
chlorine salts
chloroform
cresol
diethanolamine
diethylene glycol
dimethylformamide
ethyl acetate
ethyl alcohol
ethylene dichloride
ethylene glycol monomethyl ether
formaldehyde
formic acid
glutaraldehyde
hexylene glycol
isobutane
isopropyl alcohol
methyl ethyl ketone
2,2' methylene bis (4) chlorophene
methylene chloride
mineral spirits
moulding plaster
nitrocellulose
orthodichlorobenzene
oxalic acid
paradichlorobenzene
paraformaldehyde
phenol
propane, such as:
propylene glycol
quartz
quaternary ammonium compounds
sodium hypochlorite
sodium pentachlorophenate
talc
toluene
111 trichloroethane
trichloroethylene.
material safety data sheets (MSDS)
labels
manufacturer guidelines.
unsuitable signage
badly placed signage
torn or illegal labels.
replacing torn or illegal labels
repositioning or replacing signage.
trolleys.
firefighting equipment
medical and first aid equipment
evacuation equipment.
foodstuffs and drinks
paper and packaging materials
small machine replacement parts, such as for photocopying, printing and computing equipment.
pick up trolleys
mobile garbage bins
cleaning cloths
cleaning agents
bin liners
brooms
brushes and pans
mops.
OHS incident and accident reports.
OHS
general housekeeping
manual handling
first aid
security, such as:
mayday via two-way radio
working alone
duress alarm to police
alarm system
security guard
locking buildings and toilets
emergency, such as:
gas or electrical fire
fire drill
evacuation
reporting incidents and hazards
reporting tools, equipment and material defects and maintenance requirements
health and hygiene
waste disposal
chemical handling.
manual handling
toxic substances
industrial gases
body fluids and human tissue
infections
fire
infectious waste
sharps
chemical spills
dust and vapours
noise, light and energy sources
electrical equipment
vehicles
personal lifestyle
workplace stress
people.
OHS representative
human resources personnel
team leader
leading hand
manager
supervisor.
OHS
cemetery Acts and by-laws
Environment Protection Act
Dangerous Goods Act
Public Health Act
Coroner's Act
Anatomy Act
Human Tissue Act.
fire extinguisher
fire blanket
first aid kit
medical and first aid equipment
evacuation equipment.
weight and dimensions of object to be moved
weight and dimensions of deceased person to be moved.
multiple or single person
assisted with manual lifting device
assisted with mechanical lifting device.
maintenance of work clothes cleanliness
hand washing
food hygiene practices
participation in workplace health program.
use of personal protective equipment
presumption that all blood and body fluids are infectious
covering exposed cuts and abrasions, particularly on workers' hands, with waterproof coverings prior to commencing work
immediate treatment of puncture wounds or abrasions
use of protective clothing when cleaning spillage of body fluids.
disposable gloves
heavy duty gloves
barrier gown or suit
waterproof overshoes
waterproof aprons
splash proof masks
eye goggles
face visor
hair cover
filtered air supply:
negative air pressure
powered positive air supply.
body parts
human tissue
human blood and body fluid
materials and equipment containing human blood and body fluid
contaminated garments
soiled dressings, sharps, swabs, catheters and bandages.
acetone
alkyl dimethybenzyl
ammonium chloride
amaranth
amitrole
2-butotxyethanol
camphor
chlorine salts
chloroform
cresol
diethanolamine
diethylene glycol
dimethylformamide
ethyl acetate
ethyl alcohol
ethylene dichloride
ethylene glycol monomethyl ether
formaldehyde
formic acid
glutaraldehyde
hexylene glycol
isobutane
isopropyl alcohol
methyl ethyl ketone
2,2' methylene bis (4) chlorophene
methylene chloride
mineral spirits
moulding plaster
nitrocellulose
orthodichlorobenzene
oxalic acid
paradichlorobenzene
paraformaldehyde
phenol
propane, such as:
propylene glycol
quartz
quaternary ammonium compounds
sodium hypochlorite
sodium pentachlorophenate
talc
toluene
111 trichloroethane
trichloroethylene.
material safety data sheets (MSDS)
labels
manufacturer guidelines.
unsuitable signage
badly placed signage
torn or illegal labels.
replacing torn or illegal labels
repositioning or replacing signage.
trolleys.
firefighting equipment
medical and first aid equipment
evacuation equipment.
foodstuffs and drinks
paper and packaging materials
small machine replacement parts, such as for photocopying, printing and computing equipment.
pick up trolleys
mobile garbage bins
cleaning cloths
cleaning agents
bin liners
brooms
brushes and pans
mops.
OHS incident and accident reports.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
project or work activities that show the candidate's ability to follow predetermined health, safety and infection control procedures, incorporate safe work practices into all workplace activities and to handle hazardous substances for a given mortuary operation and in line with regulatory requirements
knowledge and understanding of the implications of disregarding those procedures
knowledge and understanding of the legal requirement to work according to health, safety and infection control procedures for a mortuary environment
following mortuary OHS procedures over a period of time to ensure consistency of performance and ability to respond to different situations.
Context of, and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
demonstration of skills in a mortuary facility where deceased bodies and hazardous wastes are handled
access to cleaning and disinfecting products
access to housekeeping equipment and materials
access to personal protective and emergency equipment
access to infectious waste disposal equipment.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
observation of candidate applying health and safety practices, procedures and legislation for handling hazardous chemicals, general housekeeping duties and manual handling tasks, and preventing infection in the workplace
written or verbal questioning to assess knowledge of strategies to prevent work overload and the implementation of workplace security and emergency procedures
review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SIFWMK005A Prepare to perform body preparation
SIFWMK006A Cleanse and disinfect deceased bodies.
Employability skills embedded in this unit should be assessed holistically with other relevant units that make up the skill set or qualification and in the context of the job role.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
project or work activities that show the candidate's ability to follow predetermined health, safety and infection control procedures, incorporate safe work practices into all workplace activities and to handle hazardous substances for a given mortuary operation and in line with regulatory requirements
knowledge and understanding of the implications of disregarding those procedures
knowledge and understanding of the legal requirement to work according to health, safety and infection control procedures for a mortuary environment
following mortuary OHS procedures over a period of time to ensure consistency of performance and ability to respond to different situations.
Context of, and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
demonstration of skills in a mortuary facility where deceased bodies and hazardous wastes are handled
access to cleaning and disinfecting products
access to housekeeping equipment and materials
access to personal protective and emergency equipment
access to infectious waste disposal equipment.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
observation of candidate applying health and safety practices, procedures and legislation for handling hazardous chemicals, general housekeeping duties and manual handling tasks, and preventing infection in the workplace
written or verbal questioning to assess knowledge of strategies to prevent work overload and the implementation of workplace security and emergency procedures
review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SIFWMK005A Prepare to perform body preparation
SIFWMK006A Cleanse and disinfect deceased bodies.
Employability skills embedded in this unit should be assessed holistically with other relevant units that make up the skill set or qualification and in the context of the job role.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S7012 | WFSPCS203A | Carry out mortuary OHS procedures | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WG611 | SIFEWHS001 | Follow mortuary work health and safety procedures | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D341 | SIF40208 | Certificate IV in Embalming | Qualification |