Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:38 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.

Set facial features

Set facial features

Unit of competency
National Code
SIFEMWK006
State Code
WG608
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
21/06/2013
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
20/06/2014
Field of Education
110399 - Personal Services, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
20/06/2014
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to disinfect and set facial features on a deceased body. It applies to funeral home staff members who work autonomously with a reasonable level of responsibility according to work health and safety, relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Conduct preparatory procedures for setting facial features.
  • 1.1 Prepare and use personal protective equipment.
  • 1.2 Prepare mortuary area and appropriate instruments and equipment.
2. Disinfect and close eyes.
  • 2.1 Cleanse, disinfect, dry and relieve eyelids of rigor mortis using swabs.
  • 2.2 Collect and dispose of soiled cotton in biowaste container.
  • 2.3 Apply mortuary cream to eye caps or cotton and place onto eyeball.
  • 2.4 Close upper eyelid 2/3 down and lower eyelid 1/3 up.
  • 2.5 Conduct evaluation and take corrective action to ensure eye closure looks natural.
3. Disinfect nasal cavity.
  • 3.1 Thoroughly clean and disinfect nasal cavity.
  • 3.2 Dry cavity and pack with cotton coated with mortuary cream as required.
4. Disinfect and close mouth.
  • 4.1 Relieve rigor mortis in mandible and maxilla.
  • 4.2 Remove any dental prostheses and clean with a brush and disinfectant soap.
  • 4.3 Thoroughly disinfect complete oral cavity, including teeth, gums and tongue and cleanse with cotton soaked in appropriate disinfectant.
  • 4.4 Dry oral cavity and pack posterior region with cotton coated with mortuary cream.
  • 4.5 Select and apply appropriate mouth closure method.
  • 4.6 Use mouth former or cotton to replace missing teeth as required.
  • 4.7 Pad buccal cavities with cotton or other appropriate material to fill out natural contours.
  • 4.8 Model mouth and lips into a pleasing, natural position.
5. Shave facial hair as required.
  • 5.1 Determine need for shaving of facial hair.
  • 5.2 Apply suitable lubricant to soften skin.
  • 5.3 Shave facial hair using a deposable razor, ensuring the removal of hair is thorough.
  • 5.4 Remove all residues of lubricant and hair and dry face.
  • 5.5 Apply mortuary cream to prevent razor burn.
6. Clean instruments, equipment and mortuary area.
  • 6.1 Clean, disinfect or sterilise instruments and equipment according to hygiene and infection control procedures.
  • 6.2 Dispose of waste materials safely and according to hygiene and infection control.
  • 6.3 Store instruments and equipment according to workplace requirements.
  • 6.4 Clean and disinfect mortuary area.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
S7084 SIFMWK007A Set facial features Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
J614 SIF40213 Certificate IV in Embalming Qualification
J577 SIF30313 Certificate III in Funeral Operations Qualification