Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:34 AM AWST

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Clean reusable medical equipment

Clean reusable medical equipment

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTSTE301D
State Code
WD290
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
07/05/2012
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
05/08/2014
Field of Education
019909 - Laboratory Technology
Original Release Date
05/08/2014
Nominal Hours
30
Description
DescriptorThis unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to follow the correct procedures for handling reusable medical equipment including, collection of soiled items, identification, inspection, cleaning operation, and the monitoring and maintenance of associated cleaning equipmentThe range of functions is prescribed around known standards, guidelines, policies and procedures, under the supervision of a qualified person
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Follow procedures for safe practice
  • 1.1 Use cleaning procedures that comply with AS/NZS 4187 and AS/NZS 4815 guidelines, manufacturers recommendations and organisation policies and procedures
  • 1.2 Identify the need for and use standard precautions
  • 1.3 Identify and use appropriate personal protection
  • 1.4 Identify and comply with relevant organisation WHS policies and procedures
  • 1.5 Identify infection risks and implement an appropriate response (or report to designated personnel) in accordance with the policies and procedures of the organisation
  • 1.6 Identify different methods for safe handling of sharp instruments and improperly disposed sharps such as needles, scalpel blades etc.
  • 1.7 Identify the protocol for care following exposure to blood or other body fluids of the organisation
  • 1.8 Manage spills of blood and body fluids in line with organisation policies and procedures
2. Collect contaminated items and equipment
  • 2.1 Prepare and stock designated collection equipment eg trolleys, containers, case carts
  • 2.2 Follow the designated route and timetable for collecting contaminated items and equipment
  • 2.3 Confine and contain contaminated items prior to transport
  • 2.4 Comply with transport protocols, ie contaminated goods are not left unattended en route
  • 2.5 Transport used items and equipment to the cleaning area according to cleaning are according to organisation policies and procedures
  • 2.6 Appropriately clean, dry and store collection equipment after each use
3. Sort and process contaminated items and equipment
  • 3.1 Identify and sort items in accordance with AS/NZS 4187 and AS/NZS 4815 and organisation policies and procedures
  • 3.2 Prepare and clean items, eg initial and manual mechanical procedures, in accordance with AS/NZS 4187 and AS/NZS 4815 and organisation policies and procedures
  • 3.3 Report disposable sharps and ensure their removal and disposal according to organisation policies and procedures
  • 3.4 Remove and dispose of waste at point of use, and report any variance in accordance with regulatory and policy requirements
  • 3.5 Prepare specialised items for specific cleaning procedures
  • 3.6 Identify and give priority to specific items requiring priority processing
  • 3.7 Segregate and process delicate items in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
  • 3.8 Identify faulty and damaged items and report to designated person
  • 3.9 Lubricate instruments in accordance with AS/NZS 4187 and AS/NZS 4815 and organisation policies and procedures
  • 3.10 Dry items in accordance with AS/NZS 4187and AS/NZS 4815 and organisation policies and procedures
4. Follow required work flow processes
  • 4.1 Work flows in one direction only, from dirty to clean
  • 4.2 Designated work areas are segregated and clearly identified
  • 4.3 Perform all tasks in the designated area
  • 4.4 Identify and report interruptions to work flow according to organisation requirements
5. Load and operate cleaning appliances safely and efficiently
  • 5.1 Clean and stock cleaning equipment and environment in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations and organisation policies and procedures
  • 5.2 Test, check and prepare all equipment for use in accordance with relevant standards, manufacturers' recommendations and organisation policies and procedures
  • 5.3 Identify, select, store and use chemical products according to manufacturer's instructions and WHS guidelines, with reference to material safety data sheets visible for all chemicals in use
  • 5.4 Use appropriate manual handling techniques when operating cleaning appliances
  • 5.5 Identify faulty/damaged cleaning equipment, including detergent dispensing systems and report to the designated authority for repair
  • 5.6 Check processed items for cleanliness, dryness and need for reprocessing if necessary
6. Follow procedures for monitoring the efficiency of cleaning
  • 6.1 Complete monitoring and/or test procedures, eg water quality, detergent residue, chemical, soil removal efficacy, in accordance with standards and organisation policies and procedures
  • 6.2 Ensure processes take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues
  • 6.3 Monitor and document physical parameter, eg time, temperature, concentration in accordance with standards and organisation policies and procedures
  • 6.4 Interpret and report any variance of procedures and physical parameter to the designated person
  • 6.5 Complete and archive quality management documentation in accordance with standards and organisation policies and procedures
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.


Cleaning equipment may include:
Collection equipment
Batch-type washer/disinfectors
Rack conveyor washers/tunnel washer
Load retaining devices
Ultrasonic cleaners
Manual cleaning sinks, hand washing sink, hot and cold running water supply
Cleaning accessories, including brushes, non-linting cloths, syringes
High pressure water equipment
Drying cabinets
Compressed air gun


Personal protective equipment may include:
Gloves
Aprons
Goggles
Face shields
Masks
Gowns
Ear muffs
Shoe covers
Hair cover


Reusable medical equipment may include:
Surgical and medical instrumentation and equipment
Anaesthetic/respiratory equipment
Hollow ware
Specialist surgical instruments, such as:
flexible and rigid endoscopic equipment
insulated instruments
laparoscopic instruments
microscopic instruments
handpieces
power tools
fibre optic equipment


Cleaning procedures may involve the use of specific chemicals such as:
Detergents
Enzymatic cleaners
Rinse aid
Stain remover


Separate processing requirements apply to:
Initial cleaning
Definitive cleaning, including:,
mechanical
ultrasonic and manual cleaning
anaesthetic/respiratory


Cleaning may involve:
Disassembly
Solutions including:
soaking
enzymatic
lubrication
stainless steel stain remover
Brushing of lumen/cannulated items
Non-immersible items
Complex specialised instrumentation
Leak testing of flexible endoscope
Mechanical lubrication
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:
Assessment should replicate workplace conditions as far as possible.
Simulations may be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible. Acceptable simulation requires cleaning of a full range of reusable devices:
surgical and medical instrumentation and equipment
anaesthetic/respiratory equipment
hollow ware
specialist surgical instruments
Use of operational cleaning and drying equipment
Resources essential for assessment include:
access to relevant workplace or appropriately simulated environment where assessment can take place
access to Australian standards, government and organisation policies and procedures
cleaning equipment operation manuals


Method of assessment
Observation in the work place (if possible)
Written assignments/projects, eg for fundamentals of microbiology and principles of cleaning and disinfection
Interviewing and questioning
Formal appraisal systems
Supporting statement of supervisor(s)
Authenticated evidence of relevant work experience and formal learning


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
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D8509 HLTSTE301C Clean reusable medical equipment Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AUZ73 HLTSTE001 Clean and disinfect reusable medical devices Unit of competency