Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:47 PM AWST
22/07/2026 6:47 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.
Apply and remove traction
Apply and remove traction
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTCT404D
HLTCT404D
State Code
WD101
WD101
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
30
Description
DescriptorThis unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to apply and remove traction
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare to apply/remove traction
- 1.1 Receive request and if in doubt confirm the requirements for application/removal of traction with relevant personnel
- 1.2 Assemble and check equipment for applying/removing traction and check to ensure that it is in clean and in working order
- 1.3 Assess client's condition and identify precautions or potential complications of application
- 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
- 1.7 Review wound and pin site care
2. Apply/remove traction
- 2.1 Position area to which traction is to be applied according to industry best practice
- 2.2 Identify client's specific needs in relation to application/removal
- 2.3 Apply/remove traction according to instructions and to meet the client's needs
- 2.4 Meet the comfort and safety needs of the client and applicator
- 2.5 Complete documentation
3. Undertake post application/removal procedures
- 3.1 Re-assess the client on completion of the procedure
- 3.2 Provide written and verbal advice to client and carer (if at home) regarding care of traction and limb
- 3.3 Arrange appropriate support for client
3. 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 tractions may include:
Manual
Skin e.g. adhesive and non-adhesive
Skeletal
Clients may include:
Adolescents
Adults
Children
Clients (in care/out of care)
Elderly
Infants
Relevant personnel may include:
Medical practitioners
Other health professionals
Traction equipment suppliers
Equipment may include:
Attachments applicable to situation
Felt/calico
Foot plate
Measuring tape and goniometer
Medical adhesive tape&Scissors
Safety pins
Skin traction assembly kits
Traction bed
Traction ropes and pulleys
Traction weights
Assessment of client's condition may include:
Allergies
Mechanism of injury
Relevant medical history
Skin condition e.g. oedema, blisters, pressure areas, broken skin, anaesthetic skin
Precautions may include:
Diseases which may contribute to loss of bone density and/or reduction in bone strength
Fluid retention
Complications may include:
Broken pins and wires
Contact dermatitis or allergic response
Failure to achieve acceptable length (insufficient weights)
Failure to achieve alignment
Loss of apposition (excessive weights)
Loss of movement/function due to immobilisation
Neurovascular complications
Pressure areas
Reduced range of movement/function of joint
Secondary infection (pin site etc.)
Clients specific needs may include:
Age
Functional requirements or restrictions
Mobilisation difficulties or restrictions
Physical anomalies
Documentation may include:
Appliance hire documentation
Appointment forms and books
Client records
Traction check forms
Work log books
Advice given to clients may include:
Limb/body/pin site care
Mobilisation exercises/routines
Traction care
Appropriate support may include:
Arrangement of educational material
Review client's social situation in relation to their ability to manage with traction
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 tractions may include:
Manual
Skin e.g. adhesive and non-adhesive
Skeletal
Clients may include:
Adolescents
Adults
Children
Clients (in care/out of care)
Elderly
Infants
Relevant personnel may include:
Medical practitioners
Other health professionals
Traction equipment suppliers
Equipment may include:
Attachments applicable to situation
Felt/calico
Foot plate
Measuring tape and goniometer
Medical adhesive tape&Scissors
Safety pins
Skin traction assembly kits
Traction bed
Traction ropes and pulleys
Traction weights
Assessment of client's condition may include:
Allergies
Mechanism of injury
Relevant medical history
Skin condition e.g. oedema, blisters, pressure areas, broken skin, anaesthetic skin
Precautions may include:
Diseases which may contribute to loss of bone density and/or reduction in bone strength
Fluid retention
Complications may include:
Broken pins and wires
Contact dermatitis or allergic response
Failure to achieve acceptable length (insufficient weights)
Failure to achieve alignment
Loss of apposition (excessive weights)
Loss of movement/function due to immobilisation
Neurovascular complications
Pressure areas
Reduced range of movement/function of joint
Secondary infection (pin site etc.)
Clients specific needs may include:
Age
Functional requirements or restrictions
Mobilisation difficulties or restrictions
Physical anomalies
Documentation may include:
Appliance hire documentation
Appointment forms and books
Client records
Traction check forms
Work log books
Advice given to clients may include:
Limb/body/pin site care
Mobilisation exercises/routines
Traction care
Appropriate support may include:
Arrangement of educational material
Review client's social situation in relation to their ability to manage with traction
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 applying/removing traction
Observation of simulation and/or role play when
Applying/removing traction
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 applying/removing traction (Documentation associated with performance reviews, supervisor/coordinator evaluations of work performance)
Training records associated with first aid, work 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:
This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other health services units of competency is encouraged
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 applying/removing traction
Observation of simulation and/or role play when
Applying/removing traction
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 applying/removing traction (Documentation associated with performance reviews, supervisor/coordinator evaluations of work performance)
Training records associated with first aid, work 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:
This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other health services units of competency is encouraged
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D5845 | HLTCT404C | Apply and remove traction | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J079 | HLT41412 | Certificate IV in Cast Technology | Qualification |