Elements and Performance Criteria

Items and equipment are goods that need to be processed.

Cleaning appliances may include:
Washers/disinfectors
Ultrasonic washers
Cabinet washers
Tunnel washers
Drying cabinets
Compressed air guns
High pressure water equipment
Sinks, hot and cold water and brushes
Index cleaning systems

Items and equipment may include:
Reusable surgical and medical instruments and equipment
Reusable anaesthetic/respiratory equipment
Reusable hollow ware

Cleaning procedures may involve the use of specific chemicals such as:
Detergents
Enzymatic cleaners
Rinse aid
Stain remover

Use of appliances and processing of items and equipment must comply with manufacturers' and health care facility specifications.

Work flow and traffic flow processes involve movement in one direction only from dirty to clean.

Separate processing requirements apply for:
Anaesthetic/respiratory equipment
Items for ultrasonic and mechanical processing
Items for manual processing

Specific cleaning may involve:
Dismantling
Soaking
Brushing of cannulated equipment
Non-submersibles
Complex specialised instrumentation

Selection and use of personal protective equipment should comply with Australian Standard 4187 and OHS requirements.

Critical aspects of assessment:
Knowledge and compliance with AS 4187 and/or AS-NZS 4815 for sterilisation procedures
Maintenance work flow processes
Documentation is complete and accurate

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units:
This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other sterilization units of competency is encouraged.

Underpinning knowledge required must include:
Fundamental knowledge of microbiology as it affects the sterilisation work environment
Knowledge of the importance of sterilisation technology as a contribution to patient care
Knowledge of the legal responsibilities of providers of health care in relation to confidentiality, patients rights, duty of care and the implications of negligence
Knowledge of the work flow process, reasons for design of work area
Use of chemicals
Test cycle procedures
Medical and surgical items and equipment
Standard precaution procedures
OHS policies, guidelines and symbols
Basic principles and practices of cleaning and disinfection
Hazard identification and risk controls
Enterprise code of practice
AS 4187, AS-NZS 4815, AS 2187 and all relevant infection prevention guidelines
Relevant state/territory guidelines for sterilising services

Essential skills must include:
Machine and equipment operation
Cleaning processes
Selection and use of personal protection equipment
Ability to collect, sort and process contaminated items and equipment
Ability to follow organisational policies and procedures
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 OHS signs, to reading workplace safety pamphlets or procedure manuals, equipment operation manuals, handling chemicals such as cleaning fluids and completing documentation. 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 by the 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 community language, depending on client group.
Numeracy skills - the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and record numbers.
Problem solving skills - the ability to use available resources and prioritise workload

Resource implications:
Resource requirements include:
Access to relevant workplace or appropriately simulated environment where assessment can take place
Access to relevant Australian Standards, government and organisational policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols
Cleaning equipment operation manuals

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 setting under the normal range of workplace conditions. Assessment may be conducted on one occasion but should include a range of clients, reflecting the diverse nature of those for whom service is provided in the workplace context.

A diversity of assessment tasks is essential for holistic assessment.