Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:34 AM AWST
22/07/2026 11:34 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.
Provide advanced care and maintenance of anaesthetic equipment
Provide advanced care and maintenance of anaesthetic equipment
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTAN506D
HLTAN506D
State Code
WD056
WD056
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
06/08/2014
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
06/08/2014
Nominal Hours
97
Description
DescriptorThis unit describes the knowledge and skills required to provide care and maintenance for anaesthetic and monitoring equipmentIt includes provision of structured evaluation in conjunction with the anaesthetist, using agreed criteria and recommendations for anaesthetic equipment being considered for purchaseThis unit also covers planned maintenance, orientating staff to equipment and evaluating equipment for purchase
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Conduct daily care and maintenance
- 1.1 Perform safety checks in accordance with organisation policies and procedures, manufacturer's guidelines and current standards
- 1.2 Ensure anaesthetic equipment is functioning correctly
- 1.3 Identify and correct anaesthetic equipment problems
- 1.4 Report hazardous, damaged or faulty equipment and arrange repairs
- 1.5 Clean anaesthetic equipment in accordance with organisation policies and procedures and manufacturer's recommendations
- 1.6 Disassemble and clean anaesthetic equipment accordance with organisation policies and procedures and manufacturer's recommendations
- 1.7 Dispose of disposable/single use items in accordance with waste management policies, manufacturer's recommendations and infection control policies
2. Implement planned maintenance
- 2.1 Identify maintenance procedures and appropriate documentation
- 2.2 Maintain anaesthetic and monitoring equipment in accordance with organisation policies and procedures, relevant standards and manufacturer's guidelines
- 2.3 Complete regular servicing in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations
- 2.4 Complete documentation of maintenance
- 2.5 Review maintenance records and update in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
3. Arrange required repairs of anaesthetic equipment
- 3.1 Identify anaesthetic equipment faults and label anaesthetic equipment
- 3.2 Complete documentation in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
- 3.3 Complete anaesthetic equipment repairs in accordance with organisation policies and procedures and manufacturer's instructions
4. Orientate staff to anaesthetic and monitoring equipment
- 4.1 Provide instruction on anaesthetic equipment operation to staff as required
- 4.2 Provide in-service training on anaesthetic equipment operation as required
5. Evaluate anaesthetic and monitoring equipment for purchase
- 5.1 Conduct evaluations of anaesthetic equipment being considered for trialling or purchase in consultation with the anaesthetist, where appropriate and using agreed criteria in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
- 5.2 Provide recommendations for purchase
- 5.3 Provide feedback to companies on products under development, as requested
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.
Safety checks of equipment may include:
Calibration
Pre-use checks
Correct operation and function
Pipeline gas testing
Service dates
Organisation policies and procedures may refer to:
Infection control
Occupational health and safety
Equipment handling and set up procedures
Maintenance procedures
Electrical hazards
Anaesthetic 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
Intubation aids, including standard and difficult intubation equipment, fibreoptic bronchoscopes and video equipment
Artificial airways
Oxygen masks
Monitoring equipment includes:
Electrocardiography (ECG)
Pulse oximetry
Non-invasive and invasive blood pressure monitoring
Temperature monitoring
Central venous pressure (CVP) monitoring
Intravascular monitoring
Gas analysers, including oxygen, carbon dioxide and anaesthetic agent
Expired/inspired volume/pressure
Neuromuscular transmission
Cardiac output monitoring
Cerebral activity monitors
Stethoscopes, including oesophageal
Other equipment includes:
Defibrillator/cardioverters
Infusion equipment,
Warming/cooling equipment for client and intravenous fluids
Equipment to minimise heat loss
Tourniquets and exsanguinators
Nerve stimulator
Neuromuscular function
Blood analysis devices e.g. 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 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.
Safety checks of equipment may include:
Calibration
Pre-use checks
Correct operation and function
Pipeline gas testing
Service dates
Organisation policies and procedures may refer to:
Infection control
Occupational health and safety
Equipment handling and set up procedures
Maintenance procedures
Electrical hazards
Anaesthetic 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
Intubation aids, including standard and difficult intubation equipment, fibreoptic bronchoscopes and video equipment
Artificial airways
Oxygen masks
Monitoring equipment includes:
Electrocardiography (ECG)
Pulse oximetry
Non-invasive and invasive blood pressure monitoring
Temperature monitoring
Central venous pressure (CVP) monitoring
Intravascular monitoring
Gas analysers, including oxygen, carbon dioxide and anaesthetic agent
Expired/inspired volume/pressure
Neuromuscular transmission
Cardiac output monitoring
Cerebral activity monitors
Stethoscopes, including oesophageal
Other equipment includes:
Defibrillator/cardioverters
Infusion equipment,
Warming/cooling equipment for client and intravenous fluids
Equipment to minimise heat loss
Tourniquets and exsanguinators
Nerve stimulator
Neuromuscular function
Blood analysis devices e.g. 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
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
Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
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
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
Context of and specific resources for assessment:
Resources essential for assessment include:
access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place
simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment
relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols
Method of assessment
Observation in the work place
Evidence gathered from clinical work environment
Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice.
Questioning - verbal and written
Role play/simulation
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
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
Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
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
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
Context of and specific resources for assessment:
Resources essential for assessment include:
access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place
simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment
relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols
Method of assessment
Observation in the work place
Evidence gathered from clinical work environment
Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice.
Questioning - verbal and written
Role play/simulation
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
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| D5757 | HLTAN506C | Provide advanced care and maintenance of anaesthetic equipment | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVA78 | HLTANA005 | Maintain quality and supply of anaesthetic equipment and consumables | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J103 | HLT50612 | Diploma of Paramedical Science (Anaesthesia) | Qualification |