Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement provides details of the scope of the Elements and Performance Criteria to allow for differences within enterprises and workplaces, including practices, knowledge and requirements. It also provides a focus for assessment and relates to the unit as a whole. The Range Statement is provided as a guide only and lists are not exhaustive. The following variables may be present for this unit:

Arterial embalming may be performed on:

autopsied and non-autopsied cases.

Mortuary area may include:

tables

floors

walls.

Mortuary instruments and equipment may include:

case report forms

personal protective equipment

positioning devices

aspirating instruments

sterilisation equipment (autoclave)

sterilisation chemicals and solutions

portiboy

feature setting devices

instruments and instrument tray

dressing table

tubing for aspirating/injecting

electric drill/grinder

disinfectant hand solution, paper towels and soap

body grooming equipment

plastic laundry bags

plastic infectious waste bags

bio-medical waste containers - infectious/radio-active/human tissue

pedestal lamps

linen

flow meter

first aid kit

packs of padding

cotton packer

plastic sheeting for wrapping bodies

waterproof tape

capsules for transporting babies

aneurysm needle

bistoury knife

scalpels

scissors (various types)

separators

suture needles (various types)

needle holder

forceps

injection instruments including:

gravity and bulb syringes

arterial tubes

hand pump

centrifugal pump

stopcock

Y tube

embalming machine

drainage instruments

drain tube

lliac drain tube

grooved director

angular spring forceps

aspirating instruments including:

electric/motorised

autopsy aspirator

hydroaspirator

nasal tube aspirator

trocar

hydrovalve trocar

cavity fluid injectors

trocar buttons and applicator.

Workplace policies and procedures may include:

standard operating policies and procedures

standards and certification requirements

quality assurance procedures

OHS procedures

emergency, fire and accident procedures

security procedures.

OHS procedures are to be in accordance with State/Territory legislation and regulations and may include:

workplace environment and safety

personal protective equipment

manual handling procedures

use of tools and equipment

materials handling procedures including for hazardous or infectious materials.

Infection control practices may include:

checking for infectious/transmittable disease

using personal protective equipment

sterilising apparatus/instruments

providing sterile storage areas for instruments

use of disinfectants

safe removal and disposal of soiled/contaminated garments

safe ventilation

avoiding invasive procedures on bodies

immunisation

periodic X-rays

seeking medical advice

recording injury and incidence

reporting injury and incidence

providing first aid kit

performing first aid as necessary

labeling clothing.

Personal protective equipment may include:

disposable gloves

heavy duty gloves

barrier gown/suit

waterproof overshoes

waterproof aprons

splash proof masks

eye goggles

face visor

hair cover

filtered air supply including:

negative air pressure

powered positive air supply.

Types of autopsies include:

medical/hospital

coroner/medical examiner.

Embalming implications of autopsies include:

order for preparation

fluid strength

use of dyes

pressure and rates of flow

drainage

techniques for dealing with cranial autopsies, thoracic autopsies, infant/children autopsies, abdominal autopsies

preparation of autopsied bodies

supplemental hypodermic injections

treatment of viscera

closure of cavities

protocol for restorative treatments on autopsied bodies

familiarisation with 'Y' autopsy incision.

Invasive and non-invasive medical paraphernalia may include:

pacemakers

electronic, nuclear, radioactive devices

colostomy closures

surgical drains.

Suturing techniques may include:

individual (bridge)

baseball stitch

single intradermal (hidden)

double intradermal (hidden)

inversion (worm)

interlocking (lock)

continuous (whip)

'N'

purse string.

Treatments for areas not reached by arterial fluid include:

hypodermic injection

internal packs

preservative gels

external gels.

Viscera returned to the body may include:

dry pack

wet pack.

Applicable legislation and regulations may be Federal, State specific or Local Government specific and may include:

Workplace/Occupational Health and Safety Act

Anatomy Act

Human Tissue Act

Skin Penetration Act

Coroner's Act

Federal Transportation Regulations/Airlines Act

Public Health Act

Environment Protection Act

Approved Code of Practice for Embalmers

Local Government Acts

Funeral Services Industry Code of Practice

relevant cemetery acts/bylaws

general cemetery regulations

Cemeteries Act

Crematorium Act

Worksafe Australia Certification and Standards.

Hazards, complications or problems may include:

sharps injuries (scalpels, scissors, suture needles, trocars)

needle stick injuries

blood splash

infection

contagious disease including:

viral haemorrhagic fevers

Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease

tuberculosis

HIV

chemical spill

putrefaction and tissue gas

wet area.

Cleaning of mortuary area may include:

general cleaning of surfaces

disinfection/sterilisation of surfaces

waste disposal including infectious waste

storage of instruments/apparatus/equipment

laundering of linen.

The following components relate directly to this unit's Performance Criteria and Range Statement and will inform and provide guidance for assessment of the unit in the workplace and/or training program.
Critical Aspects of Evidence
Evidence of the following knowledge and skills is considered essential to demonstrate competency in this unit:
Correct removal, cleaning, disinfection and replacement of viscera for autopsied cases.
Successful raising of vessels.
Total distribution of chemicals to all required tissues.
Correct use of personal protective equipment.
Implementation of and adherence to infection control practices.

Underpinning Knowledge and Skills
The following knowledge, understanding and skills are essential to perform this unit to the required standard:
Knowledge of first aid and relevant OHS procedures and infection control practices.
Knowledge of anatomy and physiology and the effects of post-mortem changes.
Knowledge of and ability to use mortuary instruments, equipment and materials.
Knowledge of body examination techniques.
Knowledge of autopsy procedures and the implications for embalming.
Knowledge of the effects of embalming on various causes of death, medical treatments and procedures.
Ability to use an embalming machine.
Ability to locate appropriate vessels in a deceased person.
Knowledge of surgical suturing procedures.
Verbal and non-verbal communication skills, including:
listening skills
ability to receive and give directions.
Literacy and numeracy skills, including:
ability to interpret and understand written documentation
ability to accurately complete required documentation
ability to correctly calculate fluid dilutions using the appropriate formulae
computer literacy.
Knowledge and understanding of and respect for social, religious and cultural differences and traditions.
Knowledge of workplace policies and procedures.
Knowledge and understanding of relevant Federal, State/Territory and Local Government legislation and regulations.
Ability to recognise professional parameters.
Life experience and common sense.
Planning skills, organisational skills, time management skills.
Stress management skills and the ability to manage emotions.
Personal integrity, ethics and accountability.

Context of Assessment
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, competency should be consistently demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor and/or the technical expert working in partnership with the assessor. The technical expert may include an experienced person at the workplace (ie: student supervisor). This requires that a minimum of thirty case studies (including ten autopsied cases) be carried out under supervision and case analyses signed off by the supervisor
Competency should be demonstrated in a range of case-types including injection via various vessels and a variety of causes of death. It should also be demonstrated in a range of situations which may include interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the work environment.
Assessment should be undertaken in an environment that meets industry codes of practice and relevant industry regulations and legislation.

Interdependent Assessment of Unit
All units which relate to a job function can be considered as co-requisites to assist with an integrated approach to assessment. For this unit, the following co-requisite units particularly apply:
WFSPCS203A Carry out mortuary OHS procedures
WFSPCS201A Carry out infection and contamination control practices
WFSMWK302A Prepare to perform body preparation
WFSMWK303A Cleanse and disinfect deceased bodies
WFSMWK402A Perform pre-embalming case analyses
For advice on integrated assessment of units within and across qualifications, refer to the Assessment Guidelines.

Assessment Methods

Observation of staff member performing a range of workplace tasks over sufficient time to demonstrate the handling of a range of contingencies. Tasks may include but are not limited to:

identifying and applying procedures for preparing to perform arterial embalming
applying knowledge to perform arterial embalming
performing case analysis and completing documentation
cleaning up mortuary area, instruments, protective clothing and equipment
demonstrating empathy, confidentiality and tact in relation to performing the required tasks
dressing in an appropriate manner for performing arterial embalming.
Written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding of relevant procedures with regard to completing post embalming case analysis. Questions will be asked in a manner appropriate to the language and literacy level of the staff member.
Completing workplace documentation relevant to (relevant to the competency).

Assessment Resources
All resources must be provided for the assessment. If workplace based, the resources should relate specifically to policies, procedures and range of tools and equipment. If an off the job or simulated work environment is used then resources should be applicable to the work environment.
Resources may include:
A real or simulated work environment.
Relevant documentation such as:
workplace policies and procedures
documentation as identified in the Range Statement.
Industry codes of practice and relevant legislation and regulations.
Access to a range of appropriate instruments, tools and protective equipment.
A qualified workplace assessor and/or a technical expert working in partnership with the assessor.

There are a number of processes that are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies. Key competencies are generic competencies that focus on the capacity to apply knowledge and skills in an integrated way in work situations, but are not specific to any particular industry. Key competencies foster the development of skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to perform work operations. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 1 = the competence needed to undertake tasks effectively, 2 = the ability to manage tasks, and 3 = the ability to use concepts for evaluating and reshaping tasks.
Communicating ideas and information
By communicating ideas and information with colleagues relevant to the preparation, performance and clean up associated with arterial embalming procedures before and during procedures. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
By gathering procedural and performance related information before and during procedures, selecting and collating this data in a suitable format and evaluating it for action. (2)

Planning and organising activities
By planning activities and procedures for self and colleagues associated with preparing for, performing and cleaning up associated with arterial embalming procedures. (2)

Working with others and in teams
By involving colleagues in preparation, performance and clean up following arterial embalming procedures and by encouraging participation and contribution. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
By mixing and preparing chemicals. (1)

Solving problems
By independently resolving all routine issues with preparation, performance and clean up associated with an arterial embalming procedure; accessing suitable support within or outside the organisation to resolve non-routine problems. (2)

Using technology
By using technology for internal and external communication purposes. (1)