Elements and Performance Criteria

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

personal protective equipment
sterilisation equipment
sterilisation chemicals and solutions
instruments and instrument tray
dressing table
disinfectant hand solution, paper towels and soap
shampoos and cosmetics
plastic laundry bags
plastic infectious waste bags
biomedical waste containers for infectious and radioactive human tissue
pedestal lamps
linen
first aid kit
cotton wool
capsules for transporting babies
scissors.

standard operating policies and procedures
standards and certification requirements
communication protocols
quality assurance procedures
OHS procedures, including:
infection control procedures
manual handling procedures
material handling procedures, including hazardous or infectious materials
emergency procedures, including fire and accident procedures
security procedures.

OHS
Anatomy Act
Human Tissue Act
Skin Penetration Act
Coroner's Act
Public Health Act
Environment Protection Act
local government regulations
funeral services industry code of practice
Worksafe Australia certification and standards.

checking for infectious and transmittable disease
using personal protective equipment
sterilising apparatus and instruments
providing sterile storage areas for instruments
using disinfectants
safe removal and disposal of soiled and 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
labelling clothing.

disposable gloves
heavy duty gloves
barrier gown or suit
waterproof overshoes
waterproof aprons
splash proof masks
hair cover.

dress standards
gender of embalming personnel
time required between death and burial or cremation
orientation of the deceased person
restrictions on methods of embalming permissible.

need, extent and style of make-up
gender
remedial and camouflage
nail polish.

hair
eyes
nails
skin
teeth
shaving
cosmetics
dressing
jewellery
clots
intravenous line punctures
tracheotomy or colostomy openings
purse string sutures
other openings not closed
incisions not sutured
incision seal powder
leakage from sutures.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

ability to identify dress and cosmetic requirements through examination and access to family's instructions
ability to prepare mortuary area and select and use the required instruments, equipment cosmetics and hair products
application of dress, cosmetics and fixing of hair using appropriate techniques to achieve identified presentation requirements
the cleaning, disinfecting and sterilising of the mortuary area, instruments and equipment at conclusion of the body preparation
knowledge of infection control practices and safe manual handling techniques
dressing bodies and applying cosmetics on multiple occasions to ensure consistency of performance and ability to respond to different situations.

Context of, and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

demonstration of skills in a mortuary facility where deceased bodies may be safely prepared and appropriate mortuary lighting, plumbing and ventilation requirements can be monitored and maintained
access to deceased bodies
access to cleansing and disinfecting products
access to mortuary instruments and equipment
access to personal protective equipment.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

observation of candidate preparing mortuary area, instruments and equipment and applying hair and make-up techniques to achieve presentation requirements
written or verbal questioning to assess knowledge and understanding of infection control practices
review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

SIFMWK007A Set facial features.
Employability skills embedded in this unit should be assessed holistically with other relevant units that make up the skill set or qualification and in the context of the job role.