Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:18 AM AWST

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Sterilise loads

Sterilise loads

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTSTE003
State Code
AUZ71
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
07/12/2021
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
22/01/2016
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
22/01/2016
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to follow correct procedures to select and operate sterilisation equipment, interpret steriliser function and parameters in the provision of sterilised reusable medical devices, appropriately load items for sterilisation, and to release sterilised items for distribution. This competency unit does not deal with ethylene oxide sterilisation.This unit applies to individuals working under general supervision and within established procedures in a range of health service organisations, including hospitals and specialist sterilisation facilities.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. Prepare sterilisation equipment.
  • 1.1. Clean and check steriliser, and accessory equipment according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • 1.2. Conduct, interpret and record performance test cycles.
  • 1.3. Interpret and accurately document results from physical and chemical tests.
2. Load steriliser.
  • 2.1. Select sterilisation method according to reusable medical devices (RMD) manufacturer requirements.
  • 2.2. Assign appropriate cycle and batch control number and complete documentation correctly.
  • 2.3. Check packaging, sealing and labelling for compatibility with organisation policies and procedures.
  • 2.4. Check load content and configuration for compliance with annual steriliser performance qualification.
  • 2.5. Load steriliser to ensure sterilant contact and according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • 2.6 Add additional test items such as biological indicator or process challenge device according to organisation protocol.
3. Operate steriliser.
  • 3.1. Check steriliser function for sterilant availability.
  • 3.2. Check function of physical process recording accessories.
  • 3.3. Select appropriate cycle in accordance with organisation policies and procedures.
  • 3.4. Identify, report and action faults according to manufacturer’s recommendations and organisation policies and procedures.
4. Unload and release sterilised loads.
  • 4.1. Check and interpret sterilisation cycle parameters and chemical monitors, and record results on completion of cycle.
  • 4.2. Remove sterilised load immediately on completion of cycle.
  • 4.3. Remove compromised items, dismantle for reprocessing and record details.
  • 4.4. Unload cooled load using appropriate handling techniques.
  • 4.5. Complete documentation of the sterilising cycle for parametric release.
  • 4.6. Check and document additional load release tests.
  • 4.7. If used, incubate and check results of biological indicators.
5. Comply with quality management requirements.
  • 5.1. Adhere to operational monitoring and testing, performance qualification and maintenance of sterilisers and associated equipment.
  • 5.2. Comply with documentation requirements for sterilising cycles, batch control and load release control.
  • 5.3. Report and document all steriliser faults/malfunction and load non-conformance/non-compliance.
  • 5.4. Store and archive documentation in accordance with organisation policies and procedures.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WD292 HLTSTE303D Sterilise loads Unit of competency