Nice bit of research regarding a morgue

WFSMWK205A

Sterilise mortuary items and equipment

Unit Descriptor

This unit covers the ability to safely prepare for, follow and complete sterilisation processes for standard mortuary items and equipment. It is applicable to funeral home staff and involves working autonomously or under direction with a low level of responsibility. This unit is based upon the unit HLTSTE3A Sterilize loads from the draft Health Services Training Package but has been modified to better suit the needs of the Funeral Services Industry.

ELEMENT	PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
1 . Prepare load for sterilisation	Appropriate sterilising method is chosen for items. Packaging requirements for load and sterilisation process are identified and selected in accordance with workplace policies and procedures and AS 4187. Instrument trays and items are wrapped, labelled and secured with adhesive sterilisation indicator tape in accordance with workplace policies and procedures. Containers are closed and secured with external clip, tamper proof arrows, chemical indicators and labels in accordance with manufacturer's specifications. Quality assurance documentation is completed in accordance with workplace policies and procedures. Chemical and other indicators are used in accordance with workplace policies and procedures. Items are grouped and batch labelled according to recall sequence protocol. Load is configured for safe handling and arranged to prevent accumulation/spillage of condensate. Items are loaded on, or in, steriliser carriages to enable total contact of all load surfaces by the sterilant for the appropriate exposure period selected. Carriage and items are placed in the steriliser chamber within, but not touching, the chamber boundaries.
2 . Maintain and monitor sterilisers	Sterilisers are cleaned and maintained in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and AS 4187. Sterilising cycle is monitored and details are recorded as specified in AS 4187. Test cycles are performed to AS 4187 and documentation identifying results is maintained. Regular maintenance program is followed and documented. Safety precautions are observed to ensure pressure sterilisers function safely. Faults are recognised and reported.
3 . Operate sterilisers	Sterilisers are used safely in accordance with OHS procedures, applicable legislation and regulations and workplace policies and procedures. Loading and unloading procedures for sterilisers are followed. Appropriate sterilisation method and cycle are chosen and activated. Product traceability guidelines are followed. Cycle faults are identified and action taken in accordance with workplace policies and procedures.
4 . Complete sterilisation procedures	Monitoring devices are checked and results are recorded on completion of cycle as specified. Contents of steriliser are removed immediately on completion of cycle and checked to ensure specified performance criteria have been met. Damaged and/or wet items are removed and recorded. Trolley is placed in designated location for cooling down period. Cooling down procedures are followed. Specified handling techniques are used to unload sterile items from the trolley. OHS procedures and workplace policies and procedures are followed at all times. All items processed are recorded in accordance with workplace policies and procedures.
5 . Store sterile stock	Dedicated area for storing sterile stock is identified. Dust covers and labels are used on stock as specified in AS 4187. Handling of stock is minimised. Stock is handled and stored in accordance with the nature of the items, AS 4187 and workplace policies and procedures.

Key Competency	Examples of Application	Performance Level
How can information be collected, analysed and organised?		1
How are ideas and information communicated within this competency?		1
How are activities planned and organised?		1
How are problem solving skills applied?		1
How are mathematical ideas and techniques used?		1
How is use of technology applied?		1
How is team work used within this competency?		1

Range Statement

The Range of Variables 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 of Variables is provided as a guide only and lists are not exhaustive.

The following variables may be present:

Mortuary items and equipment may include:
· personal protective equipment
· positioning devices
· aspirating instruments
· portiboy
· feature setting devices
· instruments and instrument tray
· dressing table
· tubing for aspirating/injecting
· electric drill/grinder
· body grooming equipment
· bio-medical waste containers infectious/radio-active/human tissue
· pedestal lamps
· linen
· flow meter
· first aid kit
· capsules for transporting babies
· aneurysm needle
· bistoury knife
· scalpels
· scissors (various types)
· separators
· suture needles (various types)
· needle holder
· forceps
· injection instruments including:
· gravity and bulb syringes
· arterial tubes
· hand pump
· centrifugal pump
· stopcock
· Y tube
· embalming machine
· drainage instruments
· drain tube
· lliac drain tube
· grooved director
· angular spring forceps
· aspirating instruments including:
· electric/motorised
· autopsy aspirator
· hydroaspirator
· nasal tube aspirator
· trocar
· hydrovalve trocar
· cavity fluid injectors
· trocar buttons and applicator.

Sterilising methods may include:
· steam under pressure
· low temperature ethylene oxide gas
· low temperature hydrogen peroxide vapour/plasma
· chemical (pericetic acid)
· dry heat.

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.

Applicable legislation and regulations may be Federal, State specific or Local Government specific and may include:
· Workplace/Occupational Health and Safety Act
· Anatomy Act
· Human Tissue Act
· Skin Penetration Act
· Coroner's Act
· Federal Transportation Regulations/Airlines Act
· Public Health Act
· Environment Protection Act
· Approved Code of Practice for Embalmers
· Local Government Acts
· Funeral Services Industry Code of Practice
· Worksafe Australia Certification and Standards.

Evidence Guide

The following components relate directly to this unit's Performance Criteria and Range of Variables 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:
· Correct use of personal protective equipment.
· Correct preparation, packaging and labeling of items for sterilisation.
· Correct loading of items into sterilisation chamber.
· Correct performance of test cycles and maintenance of sterilising equipment.
· Correct and safe operation of sterilisation machine to sterilise mortuary items and equipment.
· Correct storage of sterilised items and equipment.

Underpinning Knowledge and Skills
The following knowledge, understanding and skills are essential to perform this unit to the required standard:
· A fundamental knowledge of microbiology as it affects the sterilisation work environment.
· Knowledge of the basic principles and practices of sterilisation.
· Knowledge of the different types of sterilising machine and equipment operation.
· Knowledge of first aid and relevant OHS procedures and infection control practices including AS 4187 and AS 2187.
· Knowledge of mortuary instruments, equipment and materials.
· Knowledge of specific testing equipment and procedures for each method of sterilisation.
· Knowledge of the factors that may influence or affect the operation of each form of sterilisation and the conditions required for effective sterilisation of each form of sterilising.
· Knowledge of the correct use of chemicals.
· Ability to identify hazards and implement risk controls.
· Verbal and non-verbal communication skills, including:
· listening skills
· ability to receive and give directions.
· Literacy and numeracy skills, including:
· Knowledge of the terminology used in sterilising
· ability to interpret and understand written documentation
· ability to accurately complete required documentation
· computer literacy.
· Knowledge of workplace policies and procedures.
· Knowledge and understanding of relevant Federal, State/Territory and Local Government legislation and regulations.
· Ability to recognise professional parameters.
· Organisational skills, time management skills.
· Personal integrity, ethics and accountability.

What processes should be applied to this competency standard?
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.

How can communication of ideas and information be applied?
· By communicating with colleagues, ideas and information relevant to sterilising mortuary items and equipment. (1)

How can information be collected, analysed and organised?
· By collecting information relevant to sterilising mortuary items and equipment and evaluating its usefulness. (1)

How are activities planned and organised?
· By organising the work requirements and planning the tasks associated with sterilising mortuary items and equipment, in conjunction with other assigned activities, such that the task is undertaken in a realistic time frame. (1)

How can team work be applied?
· By interacting with colleagues to assist with the process of sterilising mortuary items and equipment. (1)

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied?
· By calculating load factors. (1)

How can problem solving skills be applied?
· By identifying issues associated with sterilising mortuary items and equipment, resolving those that are routine and involving colleagues where they are not. (1)

How can the use of technology be applied?
· By using sterilisation machines and equipment. (1)

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:

· WFSPCS201A - Carry out infection and contamination control practices
· WFSPCS203A - Carry out mortuary OHS procedures.

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 preparing and packaging items for sterilisation
· applying knowledge to operate sterilisation machine
· maintaining and monitoring sterilisation equipment
· recording and reporting damaged items, equipment or machinery
· storing sterile stock in designated areas.
· Written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding of relevant procedures with regard to sterilising mortuary items and equipment. 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 of Variables.
· Industry codes of practice and relevant legislation and regulations.
· Access to a range of sterilisation machines and items and equipment requiring sterilisation.
· A qualified workplace assessor and/or a technical expert working in partnership with the assessor