CSSD Technician

The CSSD technician is responsible for the execution of procedures and tasks to clean, prepare, pack and sterilize unsterile instruments, linen, and consumables and supply sterile requirements to theatre and other auxiliary departments in the hospital. Furthermore, the CSSD technician is responsible for ensuring that the surgical instruments received from theatre are cleaned correctly and adhere to sterilisation procedures.

Further Role Breakdown:

• Duties will include, but are not limited to:
• Actively participate as a member of a team to achieve goals.
• Cleaning of the CSSD and decontamination area.
• Check that all sterilizing equipment is in good working order and service records are maintained.
• Ensure the Bowie Dick test is done daily with the first load of the autoclave.
• Ensure the Heat-resistant spore test (A-test) is done daily for autoclave and hot air oven (Bacillus stearothermophilis).
• Wash and care for instruments according to the correct procedure.
• Ensure that all required instruments for specific theatre lists of the day are sterile and ready for utilization.
• Packs must be assembled for booked theatre lists the day before and also for emergencies.
• Autoclave packs, instruments, and basins as needed for the lists and the hospital.
• Active involvement in own professional development to maintain a satisfactory level of skill and knowledge.
• Work effectively and cooperatively with others to establish and maintain good working relationships that are mutually beneficial.
• Develop collaborative relationships to help accomplish work goals.
• Complete all relevant documentation and report all abnormalities to the person in charge of the CSSD.
• Ensure that all documentation is maintained accurately and timeously reflecting CSSD procedures and care.
• Leave CSSD clean and tidy at the end of the day’s lists and prepared for the next day before going off duty.
• Ensure all stock is well controlled and managed appropriately.
• Maintain a therapeutic, clean, and safe environment that is free from medico-legal hazards.
• Adhere to the facility's medical waste management principles and all other waste management principles.
• Maintain a safe working environment in accordance with the Machinery and Occupational Safety Act.
• Report and act upon potential/actual risks identified.
• Assume responsibility for maintaining competence in emergency procedures.
• Project a positive professional image.
• Promote and maintain good working and interpersonal relationships with management, colleagues, and doctors.

Requirements

• Grade 12 or equivalent NQF level 4 qualification.
• Certificate of completion of CSSD training.
• Minimum of 2 years in a hospital/CSSD environment.
• Previous CSSD experience is essential.
• Knowledge and understanding of cleaning and disinfection processes and agents.
• Knowledge of Infection Control & Prevention.
• Knowledge of storage of sterile sets.
• Knowledge of safety hazards in CSSD and Theatre.
• Understanding of the different instruments and their uses.
• Knowledge of planning, organisational skills, ordering of supplies, and quality assurance.
• Planning and organizing.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work well under pressure and to maintain effectiveness during changing conditions.
• The ability to display a good customer-focus by developing and sustaining productive customer relationships.
• The ability to prioritise by managing time and resources to ensure that work is completed effectively and timeously.
• Ability to produce work of a high-quality standard by accurately checking processes and tasks.
• The ability to maintain a satisfactory level of technical and professional skill or knowledge by keeping abreast of current developments and trends in the medical related field impacting on the post.