Elements and Performance Criteria

Disposal includes:
Bury
Flush
Burn
Storage for collection

Transport includes:
Bins
Trolley
Manual

Sanitising may include:
Sterilising in some situations
Carbolising
Soaking
Disinfecting

Equipment may include:
Buckets
Mops and brushes
Soap
Water

Guidelines include:
Standard and additional precautions
Policies and guidelines of the clinic

Hazards and risks may include:
Sharps
Human waste
Wet floors
Stagnant water
Body fluids
Animals, insects and vermin
Expiry dates

Waste may include:
Infectious waste
Sharps

Linen may include:
Bed linen
Gowns/masks
Clothing
Tea towels

Sorting may include:
On-site
Off-site
Storage
Transport

Protective clothing includes:
Safety glasses
Gloves
Gowns
Masks
Caps

Critical aspects of assessment:
Demonstrated ability to communicate OHS policies and procedures
Demonstrated ability to implement cross infection and prevention strategies
Demonstrated ability to communicate on hazard identification and control
Knowledge of measures on how to manage and monitor infection control
Demonstrated ability to develop staff on OHS and hazard identification
Demonstrated ability to integrate learning from the broader health profession into improved consulting practice
Demonstrated ability to provide leadership in the development and communication of policies and procedures
Demonstrated ability to manage problems

Underpinning knowledge and skills:
Knowledge of how infection is spread
Ability to apply standard and additional precautions
Knowledge of potential hazards in a health environment
Ability to use appropriate chemicals in cleaning and sanitising
Ability to communicate and maintain correct hand washing techniques
Ability to communicate and maintain clinical policies and procedures relating to work performance including:
Discipline
Managing unsatisfactory performance
Ability to communicate and maintain correct hygiene procedures
Ability to communicate and maintain selection and use of equipment and cleaning agents
Ability to communicate and maintain procedures appropriate to the cleaning area and purpose
Ability to minimise disruption to the work environment
Knowledge of time management strategies to set priorities
Ability to communicate constructively to help others achieve planned outcomes
Knowledge of OHS implications of work
Ability to communicate and maintain safe and competent use of technology
Knowledge of Process of managing and developing clinical policies and procedures relating to infection control

Resource implications:
Competency in this unit should be assessed using all the relevant resources commonly provided in the health service setting. Specific tools may include:
Relevant policies and procedures manuals
Clinic's mission statement
Other documentation relevant to the work context such as:
Clinical charts
Floor plans
Instructions for the use of equipment
Specific instructions for staff
Relevant equipment and cleaning agents currently used in the workplace

Method of assessment:
Assessment may include:
Observation of work performance
Authenticated portfolio/CV
Supporting statement of supervisor(s)
Authenticated evidence of relevant work experience and/or formal/informal learning
Case studies and scenarios as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to achieve required infection control outcomes in specific work environments and communities

Context of assessment:
This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of work conditions. Assessment may be conducted on more than one occasion to cover a variety of circumstances.