Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 3:17 AM AWST
23/07/2026 3:17 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Manage sterile stock
Manage sterile stock
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTSTE306C
HLTSTE306C
State Code
D8512
D8512
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
02/08/2011
Field of Education
019909 - Laboratory Technology
Original Release Date
02/08/2011
Nominal Hours
30
Description
DescriptorThis unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required apply procedures for handling, storage and maintenance of sterile stockThe range of functions is prescribed around known standards, guidelines, policies and procedures
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Store sterile stock
- 1.1 Select and wear attire in compliance with organisation policies and procedures
- 1.2 Identify the dedicated area for storing sterile stock
- 1.3 Store sterile stock in compliance with AS/NZS 4187
- 1.4 Clean sterile stock area in accordance with AS/NZS 4187 and organisation policies and procedures
- 1.5 Restrict access and minimise traffic in the sterile stock area
- 1.6 Follow hand washing guidelines for handling sterile stock
- 1.7 Decant sterile stock supplied in external containers/packaging prior to transfer into the sterile stock area
- 1.8 Comply with relevant OHS and manual handling requirements
2. Maintain packaging integrity
- 2.1 Comply with sterile stock rotation practices and shelf life according to AS/NZS 4187 and organisation policies and procedures
- 2.2 Minimise handling of sterile stock in accordance with AS/NZS 4187
- 2.3 Inspect items for packaging integrity, labelling and batch control in accordance with AS/NZS 4187 and organisation policies and procedures
- 2.4 Follow organisation procedures when stock is non-conforming, ie packaging integrity and sterility is compromised eg dropped, wet, contaminated
- 2.5 Complete dust covering and labelling in accordance with AS/NZS 4187 and organisation policies and procedures
3. Maintain stock levels
- 3.1 Identify, remove and re-process/discard stock not complying with inventory control guidelines
- 3.2 Assess stock/impress levels in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
- 3.3 Prepare, fill and dispatch/distribute stock/impress orders to relevant destination in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
- 3.4 Follow organisation procedures when supplying non-routine/urgent orders
- 3.5 Communicate and report supply discrepancies in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
4. Transport sterile stock
- 4.1 Clean and maintain trolleys and containers
- 4.2 Prepare designated equipment, eg trolleys, bins etc
- 4.3 Load and handle transport equipment in accordance with OHS and Infection Control guidelines
- 4.4 Follow designated route and timetable for transporting sterile stock
- 4.5 Comply with transport protocols for sterile stock
5. Complete quality management requirements
- 5.1 Follow batch control identification procedures in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
- 5.2 Complete sterile stock ordering/request documentation in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
- 5.3 Identify, report and document quality or procedural problems according to organisation policies and procedures
- 5.4 Identify situations requiring recall
- 5.5 Follow recall procedures and complete recall documentation according to AS/NZS 4187
RANGE STATEMENT
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any 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.
Imprest items may include:
Sterile stock
Consumables
Sterile equipment
Compromised stock may include:
Stock incorrectly packaged
Stock torn or opened
Stock wet at the end of sterilising cycle
Stock placed on a dirty surface
Stock with no sterilising indicator
Factors that compromise sterile stock may include:
Contaminated surfaces
Moisture
Incorrect temperature
Sunlight
Vermin and insects
Poor packaging technique
Sharp objects and elastic bands
Incorrect handling
Influence on shelf life may include:
Choice of packaging material
Storage and handling conditions
Product deterioration
Design of packaging
Attire may include:
Gown
Hair protection
Overshoes
Theatre attire
Gloves
Personal protective clothing
Lists/carts may include:
Storage containers
Trolleys
Stock lists
Recall processes may relate to procedures to be followed in relation to:
Stock recalled by manufacturer or supplier
Stock recalled by the Therapeutic Goods Administration
Stock recalled by the organisation
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any 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.
Imprest items may include:
Sterile stock
Consumables
Sterile equipment
Compromised stock may include:
Stock incorrectly packaged
Stock torn or opened
Stock wet at the end of sterilising cycle
Stock placed on a dirty surface
Stock with no sterilising indicator
Factors that compromise sterile stock may include:
Contaminated surfaces
Moisture
Incorrect temperature
Sunlight
Vermin and insects
Poor packaging technique
Sharp objects and elastic bands
Incorrect handling
Influence on shelf life may include:
Choice of packaging material
Storage and handling conditions
Product deterioration
Design of packaging
Attire may include:
Gown
Hair protection
Overshoes
Theatre attire
Gloves
Personal protective clothing
Lists/carts may include:
Storage containers
Trolleys
Stock lists
Recall processes may relate to procedures to be followed in relation to:
Stock recalled by manufacturer or supplier
Stock recalled by the Therapeutic Goods Administration
Stock recalled by the organisation
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
Context of and specific resources for assessment:
Assessment should replicate workplace conditions as far as possible
Simulations may be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible. Acceptable simulation requires:
handling sterile stock procedures in compliance with standards, policies and procedures
completing routine and non-routine orders of sterile stock
dealing with non-conformity or non-compliance
Resources essential for assessment include access to:
relevant workplace or appropriately simulated environment where assessment can take place
Australian Standards, government and organisation policies and procedures
sterile stock, ordering systems, stock management systems, transport schedules and transport equipment
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
Context of and specific resources for assessment:
Assessment should replicate workplace conditions as far as possible
Simulations may be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible. Acceptable simulation requires:
handling sterile stock procedures in compliance with standards, policies and procedures
completing routine and non-routine orders of sterile stock
dealing with non-conformity or non-compliance
Resources essential for assessment include access to:
relevant workplace or appropriately simulated environment where assessment can take place
Australian Standards, government and organisation policies and procedures
sterile stock, ordering systems, stock management systems, transport schedules and transport equipment
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C5133 | HLTSTE4A | Control sterile stock | Unit of competency |
| C9512 | HLTSTE306B | Manage sterile stock | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WD293 | HLTSTE306D | Manage sterile stock | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D040 | HLT31107 | Certificate III in Sterilisation Services | Qualification |