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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Determine job requirements
  2. Prepare to use dry cleaning chemicals and solvents
  3. Identify chemical control measures
  4. Apply safe handling of dry cleaning chemicals and solvents

Range Statement

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Workplace procedures include one or more of the following:

requirements prescribed by legislation, awards, agreements and conditions of employment

SOPs

work instructions

oral, written and visual communication

quality practices, including responsibility for maintenance of own work quality and contribution to quality improvement of team or section output

housekeeping

tasks related to environmental protection, waste disposal, pollution control and recycling

WHS practices

Australian Standards include:

the relevant industry or Australian Standards that are current at the time this unit is being undertaken

Access information on dry cleaning chemicals and solvents includes the following:

identifying relevant regulations and codes of practice relating to the control of hazardous substances

assessing workplace information and workplace procedures regarding the safe handling of cleaning chemicals

identifying chemicals and their characteristics

differentiating between toxic agents, corrosives, reactives, and flammables and combustibles

Dry cleaning chemicals and solvents include one or more of the following:

perchlorethylene

white spirit

hydrocarbon

liquid silicon

detergent

chlorine bleach

oxybleach

builder

starch

fabric conditioner

laundry sour

caustic alkali

Workplace information includes the following:

SDS for hazardous substances

workplace procedures

signage and labelling

verbal instruction

Risks include one or more of the following:

mixing of chemicals

spills and leaks in the workplace

chemical fires

exposure to perchlorethylene or other cleaning chemicals via absorption

inhalation or ingestion

Performance Evidence

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include:

reading and following work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), safe work practices and other reference material

identifying risks and control measures

complying with industry regulations and codes of practice that govern the control of chemicals in the workplace

differentiating between toxic agents, corrosives, reactives, and flammables and combustibles

locating and interpreting safety data sheets (SDS) and other available safety information on dry cleaning chemicals

identifying procedures for responding to accidents, incidents and emergencies according to procedures for the cleaning chemical

accurately identifying and measuring dry cleaning chemicals for at least five (5) different garment types

using personal protective equipment (PPE)

demonstrating procedures to act upon accidents and emergencies according to procedures for the cleaning chemical

transferring, storing and disposing of cleaning chemicals safely and with respect to environmental considerations

maintaining accurate records.

Knowledge Evidence

Evidence must be provided that demonstrates knowledge of:

safe work practices and procedures and use of PPE

Australian Standards, industry regulations and codes of practice that govern the control of chemicals in the workplace

characteristics of different chemicals and solvents used in the dry cleaning industry: toxic agents, corrosives, reactives, and flammables and combustibles

workplace procedures relating to dry cleaning chemical use

personal responsibilities in the control of dry cleaning chemicals in the workplace:

following work health and safety (WHS) procedures

following workplace procedures

following environmental procedures

reporting incidents

using PPE

risks of exposure to chemicals by absorption, inhalation and ingestion

health risks arising from exposure to cleaning chemicals

the meaning of common SDS terms

risks associated with operating machinery or equipment that use cleaning chemicals

procedures for the safe and cost-effective measuring and mixing of chemicals and other agents

workplace procedures for reporting emergencies or WHS issues, control of chemical spills and fires, hazard identification and control measures

reporting and documentation requirements.