1. Safe Handling and Management of Surgical Loan Kits
Training Program for
CSSD
Based on The National Guide – Design and Handling of Surgical Instrument Transport Cases – May 2011
Specific for CSSD facilities
“Guidelines for Integrating OHS into Industry Training Packages” – Safe Work Australia website – Note the above the link to this document
Consideration for FSRACA / SRACA to develop and register the training package as per AQTF (Australian Quality Training Framework) standards for vocational education and training.
The National Training Information Service records all training package qualifications and units of competency, and accredited courses. This training package can be considered for inclusion in the TAFE course for Sterilisation Technicians

2. The Training Program
Developed by the CSSD Education Group of the National Working Party
Based on the National Guide – Design and Handling of Surgical Instrument Transport Cases – May 2011
Generic package – able to be adapted for each individual Health Service Organisation (HSO)
Individual needs should be taken into account
Each (HSO) shall have a policy and process for the complete management of surgical loan kits
Each (HSO) should also have a process for managing staff who do not follow the procedures
Trainers:
Use the Session Plan which forms part of this program – include how training is provided, resources required, special needs
This training program is to be delivered by your facilities’ manual handling coordinators, in conjunction with CSSD managers
This training program will form part of CSSD induction process and on-going manual handling training for CSSD
Provide participants with a copy of The National Guide
Individual needs include language, literacy and numeracy levels; those who have had a history of injury and discomfort
Some progression and improvements have been made in the introduction of manual handling aids and changes to manual handling practice in the Sterilising industry by other states over the last 8 years. However, there were challenges in implementing changes nationally. 2

3. The Training Program Session Title:
Safe Handling and Management of Surgical Loan Kits
Learning Outcomes:
At completion of this training program the participants should be able to:
Identify and control hazards in the loan set area
Follow the safe operating procedures for receipt and dispatch of surgical instrument transport cases
Use the equipment safely – transport case, lifters, trolleys
Trainers:
Training can be conducted on-site
SOPs are based on the National Guide – Processes for Hospitals
The outcomes will minimise manual handling risks and reduce discomfort and injuries
The outcomes will also lead to more streamlined processes that:
Reduces the number of loan sets delivered
Increased consignment sets
Initiation of temporary consignments as required 3

4. Definition:
Surgical Loan Kit is a combination of fully laden surgical instrument transport cases and prostheses tubs on loan to Health Service Organisation for a surgical operation.
The National Guide provides practical guidance
Appropriate lifting equipment must be used when handling transport cases and surgical instrument trays
Trays 5kg - 7kg – use appropriate controls, including decanting
Definition as per Page 3 of the National Guide 4

5. Pre-start checklist according to your (HSO)– Loan Set Area
Check for hazards – access and egress, how/where it arrives and leaves, prepare workstation and surrounds.
Report hazards and equipment issues, use of repair tags, maintenance issues
Equipment checks – mobile and/or fixed lifters are in good working order and are charged for the day.
Ensure wheeled platforms are in situ with transport cases – bottom of stack
Trainers:
Provide template of Checklist – Loan Set Area
Show participants how to complete this checklist when checking environment and equipment
Checklists should reflect these points and participants are trained in the completion of checklists at beginning of shifts
Ensure the lifting equipment is stable and operates smoothly and is fully charged.
Ensure equipment is fit for purpose 5

6. Safe Operating Procedures
Based on Processes for HSO – National Guide
RECEIPT
‘Unpacking Surgical Loan Set Transport Cases’
DESPATCH
‘Packing Surgical Loan Set Transport Cases’
These two SOPs are based on the Processes for Hospitals in the National Guide
Trainers:
Provide SOP template to participants
SOP templates can be laminated and displayed at prominent areas of the Loan Set Area
The SOPs template can be incorporated into a competency-based assessment tool to train CSSD staff – each facility can adapt when developing their assessment tool 6

7. Model transport case Generic size End opening Slip sheets
Wheeled platform (dolly)
Stackable feature aimed at maximum height of two cases; able to place 1 x tub on top (locked into place)
Height to maximum of 1350 mm and weight of 80 kg
Employers should be mindful of those SLS trays that are outside design specifications within this Guide
In this instance, carry out manual handling risk assessment
Use safe/correct manual handling processes 7

8. Demonstration Video
The Video you are about to see will demonstrate the safe operating procedure for ;
The unpacking of surgical instrument sets from the transport cases.
Packing surgical loan instrument sets into transport cases.

9. Featured Health Service Organisation
This HSO is able to demonstrate minimal handling of the trays of the instrument sets
Specific area designed to load directly onto the washer disinfector trolleys.
All checking and handling of each tray is completed as it is unloaded onto the workstation.
The safe operating procedure supplied with this training package should be adjusted to individual HSO.
Trainer.
HSO to adjust SOP to reflect your HSO environment and processes.

10. Click onto the link to view the demonstration video.10

11. Practical Demonstration
Using the Safe Operating Procedures
Unpacking of Surgical Loan Set Transport Cases
Packing of Surgical Loan Set Transport Cases
Using appropriate equipment – lifters and trolleys
Supervision – buddy system
Trainers:
Practical Demonstration should take place on-site
Ensure all participants are provided with SOPs
Allow ample time for participants to read and understand SOPs and complete practical demonstration 11

12. Assessment
Completion of Tasks as per the Safe Operating Procedures - Practical
Completion of Competency-based assessment form/checklist
Quiz, questionnaire or other assessment methods
Consideration of individual needs
Trainers:
Determine the length of time required to conduct assessments; how often the assessments are conducted
Consider individual needs – Culturally and Linguistically Diverse workforce; those with differing literacy levels; disabilities; prior injuries
Assessments can include:
quiz
questionnaire – problem-solving
Tool box talk – open questions
Consideration for individual learning plans for participants that need additional support if they are not yet deemed competent; buddy system 12

13. Evaluation Use of discomfort surveys as part of evaluation
Pre & Post Evaluation forms to identify areas of improvement for training, processes
Feedback
Supervision
- buddy system
- ongoing supervision by Manager and/or Manual
Handling Coordinator
Trainers:
Discomfort Survey can be used as part of evaluating effectiveness of new system using the new transport case – See Appendix C of Code of Practice – Hazardous Manual Tasks (Safe Work Australia)
Design Evaluation Form to suit needs of each health care facility
Distribute Evaluation Forms at end of session
Evaluation Forms are used as a tool for continuous improvement
Managers:
Supervision of staff may include the buddy system for new staff and if any ongoing supervision required for those who do not follow procedures 13

14. Resources
National Guide – Design and Handling of Surgical Instrument Transport Cases – May 2011
Safe Work Australia –
State and Territory Regulators
State and Territory Departments of Health
Adapt for each State and Territory 14

15. Resources Australian Capital Territory- Worksafe ACT
Commonwealth – Comcare
New South Wales – Work Cover Authority of NSW
New Zealand – Ministry of Business, innovation and employment- health and safety
Northern Territory- NT Worksafe

16. Resources
Queensland – Workplace Health and safety Queensland, Department of Justice and Attorney – General (WHSQ)
South Australia – Safe Work SA
Tasmania- Workplace Standards Tasmania
Victoria- WorkSafe Victoria
Western Australia – WorkSafe WA