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Unit of competency details

HLTSTE003 - Sterilise loads (Release 2)

Summary

Usage recommendation:
Current
Mapping:
MappingNotesDate
Supersedes HLTSTE303D - Sterilise loadsThis version was released in HLT Health Training Package release 2.0 and meets the requirements of the 2012 Standards for Training Packages. Significant changes to the elements and performance criteria. New evidence requirements for assessment, including volume and frequency requirements. Significant change to knowledge evidence. Removed prerequisite. 05/Aug/2015

Release Status:
Current
Releases:
ReleaseRelease date
2 (this release) 07/Dec/2021
(View details for release 1) 06/Aug/2015

Companion volumes:
Unit of competency Assessment requirements

Delivery:
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Classifications

SchemeCodeClassification value
ASCED Module/Unit of Competency Field of Education Identifier 030717 Plant And Machine Operations  

Classification history

SchemeCodeClassification valueStart dateEnd date
ASCED Module/Unit of Competency Field of Education Identifier 030717 Plant And Machine Operations  02/Nov/2015 
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Unit of competency

Modification History

Release 

Comments 

Release 2

Minor change. Correction of typographical error. Equivalent outcome.

Release 1

This version was released in HLT Health Training Package release 2.0 and meets the requirements of the 2012 Standards for Training Packages.

Significant changes to the elements and performance criteria. New evidence requirements for assessment, including volume and frequency requirements. Significant change to knowledge evidence. Removed prerequisite.

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. Check and document additional load release tests.

4.7. 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.

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.

Unit Mapping Information

This version was released in HLT Health Training Package release 2.0 and meets the requirements of the 2012 Standards for Training Packages.

Significant changes to the elements and performance criteria. New evidence requirements for assessment, including volume and frequency requirements.

Significant change to knowledge evidence. Removed prerequisite.

Links

Companion Volume implementation guides are found in VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=ced1390f-48d9-4ab0-bd50-b015e5485705

 

Assessment requirements

Modification History

Release 

Comments 

Release 2

Minor change. Correction of typographical error. Equivalent outcome.

Release 1

This version was released in HLT Health Training Package release 2.0 and meets the requirements of the 2012 Standards for Training Packages.

Significant changes to the elements and performance criteria. New evidence requirements for assessment, including volume and frequency requirements. Significant change to knowledge evidence. Removed prerequisite.

Performance Evidence

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

Knowledge Evidence

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.

Links

Companion Volume implementation guides are found in VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=ced1390f-48d9-4ab0-bd50-b015e5485705

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