Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to follow correct procedures to select and operate sterilisation equipment, interpret steriliser function and parameters in the provision of sterilised reusable medical devices, appropriately load items for sterilisation, and to release sterilised items for distribution. This competency unit does not deal with ethylene oxide sterilisation.
This unit applies to individuals working under general supervision and within established procedures in a range of health service organisations, including hospitals and specialist sterilisation facilities.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements define the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance required to demonstrate achievement of the element |
1. Prepare sterilisation equipment | 1.1 Clean and check steriliser, and accessory equipment according to manufacturer’s recommendations 1.2 Conduct, interpret and record performance test cycles 1.3 Interpret and accurately document results from physical and chemical tests |
2. Load steriliser | 2.1 Select sterilisation method according to reusable medical devices (RMD) manufacturer requirements 2.2 Assign appropriate cycle and batch control number and complete documentation correctly 2.3 Check packaging, sealing and labelling for compatibility with organisation policies and procedures 2.4 Check load content and configuration for compliance with annual steriliser performance qualification 2.5 Load steriliser to ensure sterilant contact and according to manufacturer’s recommendations 2.6 Add additional test items such as biological indicator or process challenge device according to organisation protocol |
3. Operate steriliser | 3.1 Check steriliser function for sterilant availability 3.2 Check function of physical process recording accessories 3.3 Select appropriate cycle in accordance with organisation policies and procedures 3.4 Identify, report and action faults according to manufacturer’s recommendations and organisation policies and procedures |
4. Unload and release sterilised loads | 4.1 Check and interpret sterilisation cycle parameters and chemical monitors, and record results on completion of cycle 4.2 Remove sterilised load immediately on completion of cycle 4.3 Remove compromised items, dismantle for reprocessing and record details 4.4 Unload cooled load using appropriate handling techniques 4.5 Complete documentation of the sterilising cycle for parametric release 4.6 Complete documentation of the sterilising cycle for parametric release 4.7 Check and document additional load release tests 4.8 If used, incubate and check results of biological indicators |
5. Comply with quality management requirements | 5.1 Adhere to operational monitoring and testing, performance qualification and maintenance of sterilisers and associated equipment 5.2 Comply with documentation requirements for sterilising cycles, batch control and load release control 5.3 Report and document all steriliser faults/malfunction and load non-conformance/non-compliance 5.4 Store and archive documentation in accordance with organisation policies and procedures |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:
followed established procedures, work processes and national standards to prepare, operate, load and unload sterilisers and release the sterilised loads on at least three occasions, including:
correctly interpreting test results
accurately completing all documentation for cycles, tests and load content, including specialised items
addressing relevant work health and safety, infection control and manual handling requirements
identifying and responding to routine problems within delegated authority
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:
terminology used in sterilising and methods of sterilisation used in Australia
environmental conditions required for efficient functioning of a sterilisation area, including:
quarantine protocols
conditions and parameters for successful sterilisation
cleaning protocols and special requirements for sterilisers, trolleys and carriages
features of sterilisation process that influence sterilisation outcomes, including:
cycle stages and physical parameters that determine sterilisation outcomes
differences between methods of low temperature sterilisation processes including hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid
the biocidal action of chemical sterilants and impact on sterilisation outcomes
monitoring equipment and procedures
features of steam sterilisation that influence sterilisation outcomes, including:
cycle stages and physical parameters that influence sterilisation outcomes
principles of steam generation and steam quality that impact on sterilisation outcomes
significant mechanical components of steam sterilisers
the biocidal action of steam under pressure and the impact on sterilisation outcomes
monitoring equipment and procedures
performance testing:
air removal test
process challenge device
leak rate test
physical, chemical and biological monitoring devices
requirements of quality assurance documentation, including release processes
safe work practices in the sterilisation work area:
manual task risk factors and how to control for them
infection control
personal hygiene
Assessment Conditions
Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that reflects workplace conditions. The following conditions must be met for this unit:
use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:
steam sterilisers
reusable medical devices
personal protective equipment
quality assurance print outs and documentation
workplace procedures to be followed
modelling of industry operating conditions, including:
speed and timing requirements for the sterilisation process
presence of situations requiring problem solving
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The Foundation Skills describe those required skills (language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills) that are essential to performance. |
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency. |