Elements and Performance Criteria

Worksite environment may include but is not limited to:
Hospital
Aged care facility
Residential accommodation
Operating theatre
Day surgery centre
Sterilising service
Dwelling
Professional rooms
Clinic
Community service facility

Hazards may include but are not limited to:
Exposure to heat
Sharp objects
Potentially infectious linen
Sharps
Foreign objects

Equipment may include but is not limited to:
Linen trolleys of various sizes
Linen bags
Baskets
Bins

Organisational procedures may include but is not limited to:
Linen stock delivery, inventory management and stock rotation
Collection locations and procedures
Standard work practice for safe handling of soiled linen
Use of protective clothing
Notification of hazards and incidents
Data recording (manual or electronic)
Security and safe storage of clean and soiled linen

Consultation/Liaison may be required with:
Management representative at user-location eg Nursing Unit Manager
Linen supplier
Customer/s

Maintenance of optimum stock levels may include:
Review of imprest levels for each linen item
Assessment of user requirements based on past and expected utilisation of linen
Minimisation of stock holdings

Sources of information/documents may include:
Customer/s
Requisition dockets or forms
Imprest system documentation
Stock lists
User-location management representative
Australian standards, infection control and quality standards

Linen storage modes may include:
Shelving
Racks
Trolleys
Cupboards
Linen bags

Critical aspects of assessment:
Compliance with enterprise requirements, OHS legislation, infection control and manual handling procedures and relevant health regulations
Completion of all activities accurately and in a timely and safe manner
Work completed systematically with attention to detail without damage to goods, equipment or personnel
Effective co-ordination of required processes
Effective communication with user-locations maintained in relation to linen usage trends and stock levels

Relationship with other units:
This unit can be delivered and assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other general health services units of competency is encouraged.

Essential knowledge required includes:
Types of linen and individual uses
Relevant OHS legislation and infection control codes of practice, enterprise policies and procedures
Safety and environmental aspects related to workplace operation and manual handling, including workplace hazards
Delivery and collection timetables
Quality standards

Essential skills required include the ability to:
Handle linen products appropriately
Assess linen usage trends at user-locations
Select and use equipment
Meet customer and enterprise specifications/requirements
Locate and apply relevant information
Maintain quality requirements for each stage of the process
Communicate effectively within the workplace
Apply defined procedures ie OHS and infection control
Receive and transfer information
Recognise and adapt to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions among staff and others
Numeracy skills - the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and recording numbers.
Reading and writing skills - literacy competence required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by organisation. The level of skill may range from the ability to understand symbols used in OHS signs, to reading workplace safety pamphlets or procedure manuals and to reading labels. Literacy support available in the workplace may range from having access to support or assistance from expert/mentor/supervisor, to having no communication supports available. Literacy may be required in English or a community language.
Oral communication skills - language competence required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified organisation. Assessors should look for skills in asking questions, providing clear information, listening to and understanding workplace instructions, and clarifying workplace instructions when necessary. The organisation may require competence in English or a community language, depending on client group.

Resource implications
Resource requirements include all the relevant resources commonly provided in the health service setting. Specific tools may include:
Relevant policies and procedures manuals
Organisation mission statement, strategic and business plan
Other documentation relevant to the work context such as:
Organisational charts
Floor plans
Instructions for the use of equipment
Specific instructions for staff

Method of assessment
Assessment may include:
Observation of performance
Written tasks
Interviewing and questioning
Formal appraisal systems
Staff/client feedback
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 contribute to best practice in the work environment

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 to establish consistency.
A diversity of assessment tasks is essential for holistic assessment.