Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables explains the scope and context of the unit of competency allowing for differences between workplaces. The scope of variables chosen for training and assessment requirements will depend on the particular work situation.
Safety checks of equipment may include:
· Calibration
· Pre-use checks
· Correct operation and function
Organisational policies and procedures may refer to:
· Infection control
· Occupational health and safety
· Equipment handling and set up procedures
· Maintenance procedures
· Electrical hazards
Anaesthetic and equipment must include:
· Anaesthetic machine and components, including alarms and scavenger
· Work station/trolley
· Ventilator and components
· Gas supply equipment
· Vaporisers or other systems designed for delivery of inhalation anaesthetic agents
· Breathing systems/circuits and attachments
· Laryngoscopes, including fibreoptic laryngoscopes I
· ntubation aids, including standard and difficult intubation equipment
· Artificial airways
· Oxygen masks
Monitoring equipment
· Electrocardiography (ECG)
· Pulse oximetry Non-invasive and invasive blood pressure monitoring
· Temperature monitoring
· Central venous pressure (CVP) monitoring
· Intravascular monitoring
· Gas analysers, including oxygen, carbondioxide and anaesthetic agent
· Expired/inspired volume/pressure
· Neuromuscular transmission
· Cardiac output monitoring
· Cerebral activity monitors
· Stethoscopes, including oesophageal
Other equipment
· Defibrillator/cardioverters
· Infusion equipment, including oxygen, carbondioxide and anaesthetic agent
· Warming/cooling equipment for patient and intravenous fluids
· Equipment to minimise heat loss
· Tourniquets and exsanguinators
· Nerve stimulator
· Neuromuscular function
· Blood analysis devices eg gas, electrolytes, haemoglobin, pH
Equipment problems may include:
· Leakage
· Electronic component failure
· Inappropriate operation/settings/misuse
· Exhausted components
· Lack of calibration
Documentation of planned maintenance may include:
· Service schedule
· Maintenance checklist
· Record of parts replaced/repaired
Staff may include:
· Medical
· Nursing
· Allied health
· Paramedical
· Technical
· Anaesthetic Technician Students
Instruction on equipment operation and in-service training on equipment may include:
· Principles of operation
· Limitations of operation
· Set up procedures and safety checks and features
· Fault finding
· Assembly and connection procedures
· Preparation of equipment for use
· Disassembly and storage
· Cleaning Maintenance

The Evidence Guide identifies the critical aspects of assessment, and the essential knowledge and skills to be demonstrated to confirm competency in this unit. The Evidence Guide is an integral part of the assessment of competency and it should be read carefully in conjunction with the Range of Variables, elements and performance criteria.
Critical aspects of assessment must include:
· Complies with organisational policies and procedures including those of OHS and infection control, and current standards
· Knowledge of boundaries of responsibilities and ability to refer problems to supervisor, anaesthetist or other appropriate health professional
· Identify the range and purpose, and principle of operation of a range of anaesthetic and monitoring equipment
· Follow procedures for timely set-up, trouble-shooting, shut-down, cleaning and storage of anaesthetic and monitoring equipment
· Ability to identify and manage faults and problems with anaesthetic and monitoring equipment
· Recognise hazards related to the use of each item of a range of anaesthetic and monitoring equipment
· Anaesthetic and monitoring equipment cleaning procedures
Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units:
· This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other health services units of competency is encouraged
Essential knowledge must include:
· Knowledge of the current range and use of anaesthetic and monitoring equipment
· Application of anaesthetic and monitoring equipment and the contraindications, complications and limitations associated with their use
· Principles of safe operation of equipment
· Basic electronic knowledge and electrical safety requirements
· Principles of measurement eg thermodynamics, gas laws, fluid dynamics, potentiometry and optics Safe handling of gases
· Infection control policy and procedures in relation to anaesthetic and monitoring equipment
· Occupational health and safety procedures in relation to anaesthetic and monitoring equipment
· Intra-operative patient safety concerning the location and movement of equipment
· Relevant anatomy and physiology related to the set-up and operation of anaesthetic and monitoring equipment
· Medical terminology used relevant to the worker's role
Essential skills must include:
· Ability to calibrate and maintain equipment to required standard
· Ability to identify and rectify equipment problems
· Use of appropriate cleaning chemicals
· Communication with health professionals
· Communication with maintenance engineers
· Basic training and instruction skills and assessments
· Reading and writing skills-literacy competence required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation. The level of skill required involves reading and documenting technical information and understanding complex policy and procedure manuals.
· Oral communication skills-language competence required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation. Assessors should look for skills in asking questions, providing clear information, listening to and understanding workplace instructions, and clarifying workplace instructions when necessary. Effective verbal and non verbal communication skills with a range of internal and external persons are essential. Organisation may require competence in English or a community language, depending on client group
· Numeracy skills may range from the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations, recording stock levels and statistical information
· Problem solving skills required include an ability to use available resources
· Ability to deal with conflict
· Ability to work with others within a team
Resource implications:
· Access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place
· Simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment
· Relevant organisational policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols
Method of assessment:
· Observation of work activities
· Log of assessments
· Observation of simulation and/or role play
· Written tasks
· Relevant formal and informal education/training courses
· Case studies and scenarios
· Interviews/Questioning
· Role plays
Consistency in performance:
· It is recommended that assessment or information for assessment will be conducted or gathered over a period of time and cover the normal range of workplace situations
Context of assessment:
· This unit will be most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of workplace conditions