Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 2:16 AM AWST

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Clean and disinfect reusable medical devices

Clean and disinfect reusable medical devices

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTSTE001
State Code
AUZ73
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
06/08/2015
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
22/01/2016
Field of Education
019909 - Laboratory Technology
Original Release Date
22/01/2016
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to follow procedures for the sorting, inspection, cleaning and thermal disinfection of soiled reusable medical devices, including the effective use of equipment and completion of quality checks and documentation.This unit applies to individuals working under general supervision and within established procedures in a range of health service organisations.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Receive and sort contaminated items
  • 1.1 Follow procedures for collection and transport of items to the cleaning area as required
  • 1.2 Sort reusable items and safely dispose of single use reusable medical devices
  • 1.3 Check for completeness of set and for multi-part items
  • 1.4 Identify and separate items requiring segregation or specialised processing
  • 1.5 Identify and respond to priority processing requirements
  • 1.6 Report faulty and damaged items to designated person
2. Prepare contaminated items for cleaning and disinfection
  • 2.1 Complete initial pre-cleaning and waste removal processes
  • 2.2 Prepare specialised items for specific cleaning procedures
  • 2.3 Select cleaning processes and equipment based on manufacturer’s recommendations and evaluation of item construction and composition
  • 2.4 Disassemble instruments for cleaning and disinfection according to manufacturer’s guidelines
3. Complete cleaning and thermal disinfection processes
  • 3.1 Organise workflow using dirty to clean principle
  • 3.2 Interpret operating instructions for cleaning and drying equipment, and test and prepare for use as per organisation procedures
  • 3.3 Complete water quality tests as required
  • 3.4 Select, use and correctly measure chemical products according to safety data sheets
  • 3.5 Complete required manual cleaning with hot water rinsing and drying
  • 3.6 Use soaking, flushing and brushing techniques as required for reusable medical devices with particular structures
  • 3.7 Operate cleaning appliances using safe manual handling techniques
  • 3.8 Select washer disinfector cycle based on required parameters for specific reusable medical devices
  • 3.9 Minimise waste during the cleaning and disinfection process
  • 3.10 Identify faulty or damaged equipment, and report to designated person
4. Check quality of cleaning and thermal disinfection
  • 4.1 Inspect cleanliness and dryness according to standards and procedures
  • 4.2 Monitor and document processes, check processes and respond to routine problems
  • 4.3 Complete and archive quality management documentation according to organisation procedures
  • 4.4 Identify faults or shortcomings in the cleaning and disinfection process and take action within scope of own work role
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WD290 HLTSTE301D Clean reusable medical equipment Unit of competency