Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement provides details of the scope of the Elements and Performance Criteria to allow for differences within enterprises and workplaces, including practices, knowledge and requirements. It also provides a focus for assessment and relates to the unit as a whole. The Range Statement is provided as a guide only and lists are not exhaustive. The following variables may be present:

Encoffining area may include:

tables

floors

walls.

Encoffining area tools and equipment may include:

personal protective equipment

embalming trolley

coffin/casket trolley

mechanical lifting device

lifting straps

coffin/casket

coffin/casket trim

staple gun

shroud

body covering

breast shroud

face covering

deceased's shoes and clothing

coffin/casket name plate

specialised handles and accessories

body identification tag

personal protective equipment.

Workplace policies and procedures may include:

standard operating policies and procedures

standards and certification requirements

quality assurance procedures

OHS procedures

emergency, fire and accident procedures

security procedures.

OHS procedures are to be in accordance with State/Territory legislation and regulations and may include:

workplace environment and safety

personal protective equipment

manual handling procedures

use of tools and equipment

materials handling procedures including for hazardous or infectious materials.

Infection control practices may include:

checking for infectious/transmittable disease

using personal protective equipment

sterilising apparatus/instruments

providing sterile storage areas for instruments

use of disinfectants

safe removal and disposal of soiled/contaminated garments

safe ventilation

avoiding invasive procedures on bodies

immunisation

periodic X-rays

seeking medical advice

recording injury and incidence

reporting injury and incidence

providing first aid kit

performing first aid as necessary

labeling clothing.

Personal protective equipment may include:

disposable gloves

heavy duty gloves

barrier gown/suit

waterproof overshoes

waterproof aprons

splash proof masks

hair cover.

Considerations for encoffining may include:

general body condition

type of coffin/casket

clothing requirements

size and weight of the deceased person

age of the deceased person

age of viewer/s

place of viewing

full body or partial viewing.

Social, cultural or religious requirements may include:

dress standards (Middle Eastern, Asian, European, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders)

gender of body preparation personnel

perceived inappropriate behaviour

time required between death and burial/cremation

orientation of the deceased person.

The following components relate directly to this unit's Performance Criteria and Range Statement and will inform and provide guidance for assessment of the unit in the workplace and/or training program.
Critical Aspects of Evidence
Evidence of the following knowledge and skills is considered essential to demonstrate competency in this unit. This includes demonstration of the Key Competencies at the performance level identified at the end of this unit:
Presentation of the deceased person in a correct position of repose within the coffin or casket.
Correct customisation of coffin or casket with mementos, correctly engraved name plate, handles or accessories.
Correct use of OHS manual handling procedures.

Underpinning Knowledge and Skills
The following knowledge, understanding and skills are essential to perform this unit to the required standard:
Knowledge of manual handling techniques and relevant OHS and infection control requirements and procedures.
Knowledge of and ability to use mortuary instruments, equipment and materials.
Verbal and non-verbal communication skills, including:
listening skills
ability to receive and give directions.
Literacy and numeracy skills, including:
ability to interpret and understand written documentation
computer literacy.
Knowledge and understanding of and respect for social, religious and cultural differences and traditions.
Knowledge of workplace policies and procedures.
Ability to recognise professional parameters.
Life experience and common sense.
Organisational skills, time management skills.
Stress management skills and the ability to manage emotions.
Personal integrity, ethics and accountability.

Context of Assessment
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, competency should be consistently demonstrated over a period of time and observed by the assessor and/or the technical expert working in partnership with the assessor. The technical expert may include an experienced person at the workplace.
Competency should be demonstrated in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment through a range of situations which may include interruptions and involvement in other related activities normally expected in the work environment.
Assessment should be undertaken in an environment that meets industry codes of practice and relevant industry regulations and legislation.

Interdependent Assessment of Unit
All units which relate to a job function can be considered as co-requisites to assist with an integrated approach to assessment. For this unit, the following co-requisite units particularly apply:
WFSPCS203A Carry out mortuary OHS procedures
WFSPCS201A Carry out infection and contamination control practices
WFSMWK302A Prepare to perform body preparation
WFSMWK303A Cleanse and disinfect deceased bodies
WFSMWK304A Set facial features
WFSMWK308A Perform cosmetic body preparation
For advice on integrated assessment of units within and across qualifications, refer to the Assessment Guidelines.

Assessment Methods

Observation of staff member performing a range of workplace tasks over sufficient time to demonstrate the handling of a range of contingencies. Tasks may include but are not limited to:

identifying and applying procedures for preparing to encoffin the deceased person
using correct OHS lifting procedures, encoffin and arrange the deceased person
demonstrating empathy, confidentiality and tact in relation to performing the required tasks
dressing in an appropriate manner for encoffining the deceased person
customising the coffin or casket as required.
Written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding of relevant procedures with regard to encoffining the deceased person. Questions will be asked in a manner appropriate to the language and literacy level of the staff member.
Completing workplace documentation relevant to workplace requirements.

Assessment Resources
All resources must be provided for the assessment. If workplace based, the resources should relate specifically to policies, procedures and range of tools and equipment. If an off the job or simulated work environment is used then resources should be applicable to the work environment.
Resources may include:
A real or simulated work environment.
Relevant documentation such as:
workplace policies and procedures
documentation as identified in the Range Statement.
Industry codes of practice and relevant legislation and regulations.
Access to a range of stakeholders with a range of requirements (real or simulated).
Access to a range of appropriate tools, equipment, nameplates, coffins and/or caskets.
A qualified workplace assessor and/or a technical expert working in partnership with the assessor.

There are a number of processes that are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies. Key competencies are generic competencies that focus on the capacity to apply knowledge and skills in an integrated way in work situations, but are not specific to any particular industry. Key competencies foster the development of skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to perform work operations. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 1 = the competence needed to undertake tasks effectively, 2 = the ability to manage tasks, and 3 = the ability to use concepts for evaluating and reshaping tasks.
Communicating ideas and information
By communicating ideas and information with colleagues about preparation for and encoffining a deceased person. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
By gathering environmental, situational and client preference information, selecting and collating this data in a suitable format and evaluating it for implementation. (1)

Planning and organising activities
By planning activities associated with preparation for and encoffining a deceased person, for self and colleagues. (2)

Working with others and in teams
By involving colleagues in preparation for and encoffining a deceased person and by encouraging participation and contribution. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
By preparing schedules and implementing time management strategies. (1)

Solving problems
By independently resolving all routine issues with preparation for and encoffining a deceased person; accessing suitable support within or outside the organisation to resolve non-routine problems. (2)

Using technology
By using technology for internal and external communication purposes. (1)