SKILL  KNOWLEDGE  SAFETY

HLTFA403A - Manage first aid in the workplace

Description

This unit addresses the establishment and maintenance of facilities to enable or facilitate the provision of appropriate first aid in the workplace

Pre/Co-Requisites

This unit should be assessed either after or in conjunction with achievement of the following related competency unit:

Application

The skills and knowledge described in this competency unit are suitable for those in nominated workplace first
aider roles

Training Package users should ensure implementation is consistent with any specific workplace and/or relevant legislative requirements in relation to OHS and provision of first aid

Application of these skills and knowledge should be contextualised as required to address specific industry, enterprise or workplace requirements and to address specific risks and hazards and associated injuries

Performance Criteria

1. Establish a workplace first aid facility
1.1 Plan a first aid facility in the workplace to address workplace and legislative requirements
1.2 Identify potential workplace hazards and assess associated risks as a basis for determining first aid resource requirements
1.3 Identify and prepare first aid equipment and resources required to address identified workplace requirements
1.4 Identify personnel requirements in line with legislative and workplace requirements
1.5 Establish and maintain links with relevant first aid bodies and professional organisations to maintain currency in the field and for referral purposes
1.6 Access and provide information in the workplace to encourage risk minimisation and facilitate access to first aid facilities as appropriate

2. Manage a workplace first aid facility
2.1 Monitor and maintain availability of adequate resources to support workplace first aid response
2.2 Conduct regular inspections of stock and equipment to ensure currency and operational readiness in line with workplace requirements
2.3 Ensure equipment is recovered and reprocessed and that waste is disposed of safely according to legislative and workplace procedures
2.4 Ensure equipment and resources are stored and maintained in line with relevant legislation and manufacturer’s/supplier’s instructions
2.5 Contribute to the review of risks in the workplace and validation of organisation policies and procedures relating to the provision of first aid
2.6 Contribute to planning for response to major workplace incidents
2.7 Deploy appropriate equipment, resources and personnel to ensure timely and effective first aid response in line with workplace requirements
2.8 Use safe manual handling techniques

3. Manage workplace first aid records
3.1 Ensure documentation is completed as required according to legislation and workplace procedures
3.2 Maintain first aid records in line with legislative requirements and workplace security practices
3.3 Send relevant documents to appropriate bodies in line with workplace and legislative requirements
3.4 Maintain confidentiality of records and information in line with privacy principles and statutory and/or organisation policies

4. Evaluate the provision of first aid in the workplace
4.1 Evaluate management of workplace incidents and develop an action plan in consultation with relevant parties to improve first aid response in the workplace if required
4.2 Participate in debriefing/evaluation in order to improve future operations and address individual needs
4.3 Ensure first aid response is provided in a culturally aware, sensitive and respectful manner
4.4 Implement and evaluate workplace management procedures in accordance with risk assessment
4.5 Formulate and review contingency planning to identify and select alternative management principles and procedures as required

Required Skills & Knowledge

Essential Knowledge:
  • Working knowledge of:
    • Legal responsibilities and duty of care
    • Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) Guidelines relating to provision of first aid
    • Procedures for dealing with major and minor accidents in the workplace
    • How to gain access to and interpret material safety data sheets (MSDSs)
    • Company/organisation standard operating procedures (SOPS)
    • Priorities of management in first aid
    • Occupational health and safety requirements in the provision of first aid
    • First aiders’ skills and limitations in relation to first aid response in the workplace
    • First aid risk assessment practices and procedures
    • Safe storage and handling of medication in the workplace
  • First aid equipment and resources to manage injuries and illnesses addressed in HLTFA301B: Apply first aid and HLTFA402B: Apply advanced first aid
  • First aid management procedures for conditions identified in the Range Statement
  • Infection control principles and procedures, including using standard precautions
  • State/territory regulations, legislation and policies relating to:
    • workplace first aid provision
    • occupational health and safety requirements in the provision of first aid
    • first aid training
    • currency of first aid skills and knowledge
  • Stress management techniques and available support
  • Social issues, with particular reference to workplace culture, issues and resources and associated organisation requirements:
    • importance of first aid response to be culturally aware, sensitive and respectful
    • debriefing counselling procedures
    • consent and confidentiality
    • own skills and limitations

Essential Skills:
  • Manage a first aid response in an identified workplace context
  • Assess workplace first aid requirements
  • Maintain first aid equipment and resources in operational condition
  • Conduct an initial casualty assessment and prioritisation
  • Conduct/review first aid risk assessment
  • Plan an appropriate first aid response in line with established first aid principles, ARC Guidelines and/or State/Territory regulations, legislation and policies and respond appropriately to contingencies in line with own level of skills and knowledge
  • Apply first aid principles in the workplace
  • Implement OHS guidelines
  • Demonstrate:
    • safe manual handling
    • adequate infection control procedures – use of standard precautions
    • consideration of the welfare of casualties and first aiders
    • incident management skills
    • safe storage and handling procedures for pressurised gases
    • safe storage and handling of medication in the workplace
  • Interpret, use and maintain records of the range of documentation required by the workplace and regulatory authorities
  • Communicate effectively and assertively and show leadership in an incident
  • Use high level literacy and numeracy skills as required to read, interpret, address and communicate guidelines, protocols and reporting requirements
  • Make prompt and appropriate decisions relating to managing an incident in the workplace

Range Statement

Workplace first aid facility may involve:
  • First aid room/clinic
  • First aid kits suited to specific workplace needs
  • First aid equipment and resources
  • Availability of personnel trained to provide first aid

Workplace first aid management must take into account:
  • Workplace policies and procedures
  • Industry/site specific regulations, codes
  • Workplace OHS requirements
  • State and territory workplace health and safety legislative requirements

Workplace and legislative requirements for a first aid facility include:
  • State/territory regulations, legislation and policies
  • Specific industry requirements, regulations and/or OHS issues
  • Specific hazards present in the workplace
  • Number of employees in the workplace
  • Number of different workplace sites/locations
  • Proximity to local services, including doctors, hospital, ambulance and other emergency services

First aid resources may include but are not limited to (Non-consumables):
  • Equipment, such as:
    • oxygen resuscitation/cylinders
    • AED
    • thermometers
    • auto-injectors
    • back boards
    • stretchers
    • soft bag resuscitator
    • first aid kit
    • casualty’s medication
    • analgesic inhalers
    • analgesic gas equipment
    • resuscitation mask or barrier
    • spacer device
    • cervical collars
    • Personal Protective Equipment
  • Relevant texts and documentation, such as:
    • Australian Resuscitation Council Guidelines
    • first aid principles, policies and procedures
    • reference materials including MSDSs, relevant
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations
    • first aid code of practice/compliance codes
    • workplace records and blanks
  • Communication systems and equipment

First aid resources may include but are not limited to (Consumables):
  • First aid kits, including bandages, tape, scissors, splinter removers, antiseptic, eye management, disinfectants, resuscitation masks, emergency numbers and contacts, etc
  • Dressings
  • Ointments
  • Cold packs
  • Analgesics
  • Splints
  • Sharps disposal
  • Bio-hazardous waste bags/bins
  • Medical grade oxygen
  • Bandages
  • Medication
  • Personal protective equipment
  • Eye wash
  • Disinfectants
  • Bronchodilators

Workplace hazards and risks may include:
  • Hazards associated with workplace equipment, machinery, substances and processes
  • Environmental risks
  • Risks associated with first aid response involving:
    • first aid equipment (oxygen cylinders, AED)
    • exposure to blood and other body substances
    • risk of further injury to the casualty
    • risks associated with the proximity of other workers and bystanders

First aid bodies and professional organisations may include:
  • Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC)
  • Support Groups
  • Registered Providers/Authorities
  • Emergency services

First aid management skills must include:
  • Administration of analgesic gases in accordance with ARC Guidelines, state/territory regulations, legislation and policies and industry requirements
  • CPR
  • Infection control
  • AED (where available)

First aid management must account for:
  • Location and nature of the workplace
  • Environmental conditions e.g. electricity, biological risks, weather, motor vehicle accidents
  • Location of emergency services personnel
  • Number of casualties and potential casualties
  • Use and availability of first aid equipment, resources and pharmaceuticals
  • Types of dangers/risks to the casualty and any others in the vicinity of the situation
  • Confined spaces, subject to industry need

Documentation may include:
  • Incident/injury reports
  • Casualty history forms
  • Disease notification
  • Workcover forms
  • Medication registers
  • Workers' compensation
  • Day book
  • Pre-participation records (sport)
  • Medical histories
  • Management records
  • Stock records
  • Infection control records
  • Training records
  • First aid risk assessment

Evidence Guide

Critical aspects of assessment:
  • Assessment must include demonstrated evidence of specified Essential Knowledge and Essential Skills identified in this competency unit
  • Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
  • Currency of first aid knowledge and skills is to be demonstrated in line with state/territory regulations, legislation and policies, ARC and industry guidelines

Interdependence of units:
Competence in this unit may be assessed individually or with other related competency units, such as:
  • Occupational health and safety
  • Risk assessment
  • Emergency procedures

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










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