Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 2:08 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.

Operate a terminal sterilisation process

Operate a terminal sterilisation process

Unit of competency
National Code
FDFPH2014A
State Code
D4689
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
31/01/2011
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
31/07/2014
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
31/07/2014
Nominal Hours
60
Description
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to set up, operate, adjust and shut down a terminal sterilisation process using an autoclave. This may be used to sterilise items such as product prior to packing, equipment parts and clothing.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare the equipment and process for operation
  • 1.1. Items to be sterilised are confirmed and prepared
  • 1.2. The autoclave is prepared for operation
  • 1.3. Operating parameters are selected as required to meet safety and terminal sterilisation requirements
  • 1.4. Pre-start checks are carried out as required by workplace requirements
  • 1.5. Items are loaded according to load pattern
2. Operate the autoclave to terminally sterilise items
  • 2.1. The autoclave is started and operated according to workplace procedures
  • 2.2. Time and temperature parameters are monitored to confirm requirements are met
  • 2.3. Variation in equipment operation is identified and maintenance requirements are reported according to workplace reporting requirements
  • 2.4. Workplace records are maintained according to workplace recording requirements
  • 2.5. Work is conducted in accordance with workplace environmental guidelines
3. Remove items and follow shut down procedures
  • 3.1. Items are removed from the autoclave according to workplace procedures
  • 3.2. The process is shut down according to workplace procedures
  • 3.3. Maintenance requirements are identified and reported according to workplace reporting requirements
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. 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.
Policies and procedures
Work is carried out according to company policies and procedures, regulatory and licensing requirements, legislative requirements, and industrial awards and agreements
Legislative requirements
Legislative requirements are typically reflected in procedures and specifications. Legislation relevant to this industry includes:
relevant Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) codes
the Therapeutic Goods Act and/or other relevant legislation
legislation covering environmental management, OHS, anti-discrimination and equal opportunity
Workplace information
Workplace information may include:
standard operating procedures (SOPs)
specifications
production schedules and instructions
manufacturers' advice
standard forms and reports
Materials
Materials include:
wrapping material
printed paper rolls
temperature-sensitive tape or other indicator
Operation of equipment and processes
Operation of equipment and processes may require:
the use of simple control panels
Services
Services may need to be confirmed. Typical examples include:
power
steam
water
vacuum and compressed air
EVIDENCE GUIDE
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.

Overview of assessment
Assessment must be carried out in a manner that recognises the cultural and literacy requirements of the assessee and is appropriate to the work performed. Competence in this unit must be achieved in accordance with food safety standards and regulations.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of ability to:
conduct pre-start checks on autoclave and materials to be sterilised
start, operate, monitor and adjust autoclave to achieve required quality outcomes
take corrective action in response to typical faults and inconsistencies
complete workplace records as required
apply safe work practices and identify OHS hazards and controls
safely shut down equipment and remove items
apply food safety procedures to work practices.

Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must occur in a real or simulated workplace where the assessee has access to:
personal protective clothing and equipment
work procedures, including advice on safe work practices, GMP, quality and environmental requirements
information on equipment capacity and operating parameters
sterilisation schedule/instructions
specifications, control points and processing parameters
autoclave equipment and services
wrapping materials and tape/heat sensitive markers as required
items to be sterilised
materials handling equipment as required
sampling schedules and test procedures and equipment as required
documentation and recording requirements and procedures
cleaning procedures, materials and equipment as required.

Method of assessment
This unit should be assessed together with core units and other units of competency relevant to the function or work role. Examples could be:
FDFOP2004A Clean and sanitise equipment
FDFOP2011A Conduct routine maintenance
FDFOP2013A Apply sampling procedures
FDFOP2030A Operate a process control interface
MSL973001A Perform basic tests.

Guidance information for assessment
To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OAN61 FBPPHM3016 Operate a sterilisation process using an autoclave Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
D679 FDF20211 Certificate II in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Qualification