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HLTSTE002 Current

Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare, assemble and package cleaned reusable medical devices according to manufacturer’s instructions.
This unit applies to individuals working under general supervision and within established procedures in a range of health service organisations.
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.

What You'll Learn

1.

  • 1.1 Select and wear appropriate attire and ensure personal hygiene preparations are followed
  • 1.3 Test packing equipment in readiness for use and accurately document results

2.

  • 2.1 Sort items according to priority, specialties and packaging requirements and product families
  • 2.3 Inspect items for functionality and completeness according to organisation requirements
  • 2.4 Follow safe procedures for insulation testing as required
  • 2.5 Use illuminated magnifier appropriately
  • 2.6 Identify loan items and implantable items
  • 2.7 Identify, report, remove and/or replace damaged/faulty items and items due for preventative maintenance
  • 2.8 Report missing items according to organisation policies and protocols

3.

  • 3.1 Select, inspect and prepare instrument trays or rigid sterilisation containers against checklists
  • 3.3 Disassemble/loosen multi-part instruments and re-assemble to ensure sterilant contact on all surfaces according to manufacturer’s instructions
  • 3.4 Lubricate according to manufacturer instructions
  • 3.5 Prepare hollow ware items with all openings facing the same direction
  • 3.6 Protect delicate and sharp items in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
  • 3.7 Use chemical indicators according to standards

4.

  • 4.1 Select packaging systems with reference to sterilisation method
  • 4.3 Interpret operating instructions for packaging equipment and use equipment safely
  • 4.4 Pack, secure and label sterile barrier systems to comply with aseptic removal principles
  • 4.5 Assemble and package thermally disinfected reusable medical devices for transfer to appropriate location
  • 4.6 Complete accurate quality assurance documentation

Assessment Requirements

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 for the inspection, assembly, packaging and labelling of reusable medical devices on at least 3 occasions
• operated and monitored equipment on at least 3 occasions, including illuminated magnifier
• completed accurate quality assurance documentation
• addressed relevant work health and safety, infection control and manual handling requirements
• identified and responded to routine process and maintenance problems and variations

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:
• packaging in relation to client safety, and implications of negligence
• existence and basic requirements of AS/NZS 4187, and its role in packaging
• features of inspection and test equipment and processes, including:
• air guns
• lighted magnification
• heat sealer
• height adjustable work stations
• insulation testing
• labelling systems
• instrument checklists
• wrapping and packaging materials and techniques:
• relationship of sterile barrier systems and wrapping material to sterilisation method used
• sealing materials
• single use and reusable sterile barrier systems
• rigid reusable container systems
• classes of chemical indicators
• identification and traceability systems
• performance qualification for packaging
• features of quality assurance documentation
• 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:
• wrapping and packaging materials
• heat sealing equipment
• sterile barriers systems
• reusable medical devices:
• personal hygiene hair ware
• quality assurance documentation
• procedures to be followed by the candidate
• modelling of industry operating conditions, including:
• speed and timing requirements for the checking and packaging process
• presence of situations requiring problem solving
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors

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Last updated from training.gov.au: 17 April 2026