Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range 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 Statement is provided as a guide only and lists are not exhaustive. The following variables may be present for this unit:

Mortuary area may include:

tables

floors

walls.

Mortuary instruments and equipment may include:

personal protective equipment

positioning devices

sterilisation equipment (autoclave)

sterilisation chemicals and solutions

dressing table

disinfectant hand solution, paper towels and soap

body grooming equipment

pedestal lamps

linen

first aid kit

packs of padding

cotton packer

plastic sheeting for wrapping bodies

waterproof tape

capsules for transporting babies

aneurysm needle

scissors (various types)

forceps

nasal tube aspirator.

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.

Infection control practices may include:

checking for infectious/transmittable disease

using personal protective equipment

sterilising apparatus/instruments

providing sterile storage areas for instruments

use of disinfectants

safe removal and disposal of soiled/contaminated garments

safe ventilation

avoiding invasive procedures on bodies

immunisation

periodic X-rays

seeking medical advice

recording injury and incidence

reporting injury and incidence

providing first aid kit

performing first aid as necessary

labeling clothing.

Personal protective equipment may include:

disposable gloves

heavy duty gloves

barrier gown/suit

waterproof overshoes

waterproof aprons

splash proof masks

eye goggles

face visor

hair cover.

Social, cultural or religious requirements may include:

dress standards (Middle Eastern, Asian, European, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders)

gender of embalming personnel

perceived inappropriate behaviour

time required between death and burial/cremation

orientation of the deceased person

restrictions on methods of embalming permissible.

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

Public Health Act

Environment Protection Act

Local Government Acts

Funeral Services Industry Code of Practice

Worksafe Australia Certification and Standards.

Cleaning of mortuary area may include:

general cleaning of surfaces

disinfection/sterilisation of surfaces

waste disposal including infectious waste

storage of instruments/apparatus/equipment

laundering of linen.

The following components relate directly to this unit's Performance Criteria and Range Statement 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:
Maintenance of the dignity of the deceased person at all times.
Presentation of a correctly cleaned and disinfected body.
Correct use of disinfectants and equipment.
Correct use of personal protective equipment.
Implementation of and adherence to infection control practices.
Adherence to OHS procedures for the disposal of contaminated biowaste.

Underpinning Knowledge and Skills
The following knowledge, understanding and skills are essential to perform this unit to the required standard:
Knowledge of first aid, manual handling techniques and relevant OHS and infection control requirements and procedures.
Knowledge of germicidal properties of typical sprays and soaps.
Knowledge of and ability to use mortuary instruments, equipment and materials.
Knowledge of correct disposal methods and procedures for contaminated bio-wastes.
Verbal and non-verbal communication skills, including:
listening skills
ability to receive and give directions.
Literacy and numeracy skills, including:
ability to interpret and understand written documentation
ability to accurately complete required documentation
computer literacy.
Knowledge and understanding of and respect for social, religious and cultural differences and traditions.
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.
Life experience and common sense.
Planning skills, organisational skills, time management skills.
Stress management skills and the ability to manage emotions.
Personal integrity, ethics and accountability.

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:
WFSPCS203A Carry out mortuary OHS procedures
WFSPCS201A Carry out infection and contamination control practices
WFSMWK302A Prepare to perform body preparation
WFSMWK304A Set facial features
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:

dressing in an appropriate manner for conducting preparatory procedures
performing the removal of wrappings, inspecting and cleansing cavities/body
relieving rigor mortis
cleaning up mortuary area, instruments, protective clothing and equipment
demonstrating empathy, confidentiality and tact in relation to performing the required tasks.
Written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding of relevant procedures with regard to cleansing and disinfecting deceased bodies. 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 Statement.
Industry codes of practice and relevant legislation and regulations.
Access to a range of appropriate tools, instruments, and protective equipment.
A qualified workplace assessor and/or a technical expert working in partnership with the assessor.

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.
Communicating ideas and information
By communicating with colleagues ideas and information relevant to cleansing and disinfecting deceased bodies before and during procedures. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
By gathering procedural and performance related information before and during procedures, selecting and collating this data in a suitable format and evaluating it for action. (2)

Planning and organising activities
By planning activities and procedures for self and colleagues associated with cleansing and disinfecting deceased bodies. (2)

Working with others and in teams
By involving colleagues in preparation, removal of wrapping and clothing, cleaning and disinfecting, relieving of rigor mortis, and cleaning up and by encouraging participation and contribution. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Mathematical ideas and techniques are likely to be involved in preparing material and equipment. (1)

Solving problems
By independently resolving all routine issues with preparation, removal of wrapping and clothing, cleaning and disinfecting, relief of rigour mortis, and clean up; accessing suitable support within or outside the organisation to resolve non-routine problems. (2)

Using technology
By using technology for internal and external communication purposes. (1)