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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Assess area for suitability for pressure washing
   • Assess the area to be pressure washed and review work order in accordance with company requirements and clarify any issues with appropriate person(s)
   • Identify hazards and control risks in the work site in accordance with legislative, occupational health and safety (OHS) and companyrequirements
   • Identify type and condition of area or surface through observation in accordance with work order and company requirements
   • Identify soil type(s) through observation in accordance with work order and company requirements
   • Identify work site access requirements in accordance with the work order and company requirements
   • Determine the size and usage pattern of the work site to ensure safety of personnel and efficient use of equipment and chemicals
   • Assess the effectiveness and suitability of a pressure wash in accordance with work order and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements
   • Select cleaning technique(s) in accordance with work order, manufacturers' specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements
   • Identify and report any pre-existing damage at the work site to the appropriate person(s) in accordance with the work order and company requirements
2. Select equipment and chemicals
   • Select and use suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with manufacturers' specifications, OHS and company requirements
   • Select equipment and chemicals appropriate for the work order in accordance with OHS and company requirements
   • Check operational effectiveness of equipment in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and company requirements
   • Adjust mechanical equipment to suit operator's requirements in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and OHS requirements
   • Prepare chemicals in accordance with manufacturers' specifications, OHS and company requirements
3. Prepare work site
   • Confirm and reassess hazards and control risks in the work site in accordance with legislative, OHS and companyrequirements
   • Install appropriate signage and barriers to maximise public safety during the cleaning operation in accordance with work order and OHS and company requirements
   • Cover and secure items requiring protection from the pressure spray in accordance with the work order and company requirements
   • Identify any work restrictions affecting the completion of the work order instructions and advise promptly the appropriate person(s)
4. Clean work site
   • Prepare heavily soiled areas using appropriate cleaning technique(s) in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and company requirements
   • Conduct pressure washing using appropriate equipment, PPE and chemicals in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and company requirements
   • Conduct all work in accordance with work order, manufacturers' specifications and legislative, OHS and company requirements
5. Tidy work site
   • Dispose of all collected soil and waste in accordance with client specifications, work order, manufacturers' specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements
   • Remove signage and barriers in accordance with work order and OHS and company requirements
6. Clean, safety-check and store equipment and chemicals
   • Clean equipment and PPE in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and environmental, OHS and company requirements
   • Safety-check equipment and PPE in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and OHS requirements and record any required maintenance in accordance with company requirements
   • Store and maintain equipment and PPE to allow ready access in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and OHS and company requirements
   • Store chemicals in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and OHS and company requirements

Required Skills

Refer to Evidence Guide

Evidence Required

The evidence guide identifies the requirements to be demonstrated to confirm competence for this unit Assessment must confirm sufficient ability to use appropriate skills and knowledge to undertake a pressure washing clean Assessment of performance should be over a period of time covering all categories within the range statement that are applicable in the working environment

Critical aspects of competency

Accurate identification of the hazards associated with pressure washing

Accurate identification of the surface and soil types

Compliance with company and legislative requirements

Outcomes achieved in relation to customer work order and company requirements

Safe and efficient cleaning methods

Selection of appropriate cleaning equipment and chemicals

Knowledge needed to achieve the performance criteria

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this unit in the workplace to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below

Types of surfaces that are suitable for pressure washing

Restrictions or limitations on surfaces that can be pressure washed

Knowledge of pressurewashing equipment functions and common faults of the various lances

Preparation requirements of areas for pressure washing

National industry standardscodes of practice for use of pressure jets

Awareness of applicable legislation regulations codes of practice and industry advisory standards

Communication and negotiation techniques

Company management structure and reporting procedures

Company procedures and practices

Emergency response and evacuation procedures

Injury dangerous occurrence and incident reporting

Knowledge of biological and viral control procedures

OHS legislation and procedures

Routes of entry and potential symptoms of exposure from chemicals

Company structure and reporting channels

Specific skills needed to achieve the performance criteria

To achieve the performance criteria some complementary skills are required These are

selection of appropriate equipment and chemicals

applying correct manual handling techniques

communicating clearly and concisely using written and verbal modes

customer service

displaying team leadership

handling and disposal of contaminated and toxic waste

handling and disposal of chemicals safely

performing the mathematical calculations required for the dilution and mixing of chemicals as specified on product labels

planning and organising work

problem solving and critical analysis

reading interpreting and responding appropriately to directions and safety instructions in equipment manuals and MSDS and on chemical labels

requesting advice or further information

scheduling and rostering

seeking and receiving feedback

sourcing organising and recording information

working on an individual basis or as part of a team

Other units of competency that could be assessed with this unit

Competence in this unit may be assessed in conjunction with

PRMCLB Clean industrial machinery

PRMCL21B Clean industrial machinery

PRMCLA Clean external surfaces

PRMCL37A Clean external surfaces.

Resources required to assess this unit

The following resources should be available

access to a suitable work site or venues with a variety of surface types and soil types suitable for pressure washing

access to suitable equipment and chemicals

access to personal protective equipment

access to equipment operating manuals and MSDS

work order instructions work plans and schedules and policy documents

assessment instruments including personal planner and assessment record book

Gaining evidence to assess this unit

For valid and reliable assessment of this unit the competency should be demonstrated over a period of time and be observed by the assessor

The competency is to be demonstrated in a range of situations that may include customerworkplace interruptions and involvement in related activities normally experienced in the workplace

Assessment of competency may be made through practical demonstration in the work environment or in a simulated work environment

Key competency levels

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life that are required in all jobs They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions Some of these are covered by the key competencies although others may be added

Information below highlights how these processes are applied in this unit of competency

	Perform the process			Perform and administer the process		Perform administer and design the process
How can communication of ideas and information be applied						Confirm own role and responsibilities with colleagues and supervisors to ensure compliance with work order and company requirements such as OHS
How can information be collected analysed and organised						Collect and analyse information regarding work site in line with company procedures
How are activities planned and organised						Organise and prioritise work tasks to meet work order and company requirements
How can teamwork be applied						Provide support and assistance to team members to complete work tasks within designated timelines and to meet company requirements
How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied						Calculate surface area volume of waste to be cleared and measure and carry out chemical applications
How can problemsolving skills be applied						Discuss with managementclientssite managers supervisors and team members how to help solve problems that may arise
How can the use of technology be applied						Record data for future use such as stock control

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Range Statement

The range statement links the required knowledge and organisational and technical requirements to the workplace context. It describes any contextual variables that will be used or encountered when applying the competency in work situations. It allows for different work practices and work and knowledge requirements as well as for differences between organisations and workplaces. The following variables are listed in alphabetical order and may be present for this particular unit.

Appropriate person(s) may include:

clients

colleagues

managers

person(s) in control of work site(s)

supervisors.

Area or surface may be:

brick

car parks

concrete

concrete driveways

entertainment seating

external walls, gutters, fascia boards

factory floors

front of building e.g. awnings, facades

garages

industrial kitchens

machinery and equipment

painted surfaces

polyresin

stairwells

steps

wood.

Chemicals may include:

acid cleaners

alkaline cleaners

neutral cleaners

solvent cleaners.

Cleaning technique(s) may include:

detailing

hand washing

pre-spraying

pressure water blasting

rinsing.

Company requirements may include:

access and equity policy, principles and practice

business and performance plans

client communication procedures

client confidentiality procedures

client service standards

communication channels and reporting procedures

company goals, objectives, plans, systems and processes

company issued identification badge/card/pass

company policy and procedures

company service standards

defined resource parameters

dress and presentation requirements

duty of care, code of conduct, code of ethics

emergency response and evacuation procedures

maintenance procedures for equipment and PPE

OHS control procedures (e.g. health and safety plans, job plans, job safety analysis, risk assessments, safe operating practices/procedures, safe work instructions, work method statements, safe system of work statements)

OHS policies and procedures

personnel practices and guidelines

policies and procedures relating to own role, responsibility and delegation

quality and continuous improvement processes and standards

records and information systems and processes

rights and responsibilities of employees and employers

training (induction, refresher and new skills) materials

use of contractors

work site access security clearance procedures.

Environmental requirements may include:

clean-up, containment and/or isolation

company policies and guidelines

environmental protection agency and government department regulations and guidelines

hazardous materials handling

local government regulations/bylaws.

Equipment may include:

broom

cloths

hoses

lances

pressure washer (electric or diesel)

squeegee

wet area electrical safety connections.

Hazards may include:

allergic reactions to chemicals and/or equipment, including latex allergies

biological waste

bites and stings

blood and blood-stained products

broken glass and other sharp surfaces

chemical containers and/or decanted chemical storage containers labelled incorrectly

confined/restricted spaces

contaminated clothing, chemicals and/or equipment

damaged or inappropriate equipment

dust and fibres

electrical hazards arising from cables, electrical fittings (switches and lights) and untested electrical equipment

environmental impact

extremes of heat and temperature

fatigue

fire

gas

heights

human waste (faeces, urine, vomit)

inadequate lighting and ventilation

infectious and zoonotic diseases e.g. scabies/Q fever

inhaling chemical fumes

leaks, spill, splash and spray

manual handling techniques including awkward and repetitive postures

mobile/vehicle hazards around plant and vehicles

moving and/or unguarded machinery and equipment

noise

occupational violence and bullying

poor manual handling techniques

poor personal hygiene practices

repetitive motion, force and vibration

synergistic chemical reactions (hazardous incompatibility or reactivity)

syringes or other sharps

ultraviolet light

underfoot conditions e.g. slippery, uneven and rough surfaces

unrestricted people access

waste and waste disposal

work in isolated/remote environments.

Legislative requirements may include:

Australian Standards, quality assurance and certification requirements

award and enterprise agreements

codes of practice

national industry standards

relevant Commonwealth/state/territory legislation and local government regulations that affect company operation:

anti-discrimination and diversity

availability of chemical registers/manifests

chemical controls

consumer protection

environmental protection issues

equal employment opportunity

freedom of information

industrial equipment certificates of competency or licences

industrial relations

OHS Acts and regulations

privacy

trade practices

workplace consultative arrangements.

Manufacturers' specifications may include:

equipment operational manuals

instructional guides

material safety data sheets

other resources supplied by the manufacturer (such as laminated cards notices, wall posters)

product labels

safety instructions pre-printed on equipment.

Occupational health and safety* (OHS) requirements may relate to:

allergic reactions (contact dermatitis, etc)

communication devices for remote and isolated locations e.g. mobile phone, two-way radio, etc

dermatoxicological control and prevention measures

emergency procedures for eye and skin contact, inhalation and ingestion of toxic substances

hazard identification and risk assessment mechanisms

hazard reporting

health surveillance and monitoring (including blood testing)

hierarchy of hazard control procedures

injury, dangerous occurrence and incident reporting requirements

keeping access ways clear from obstruction

maintaining clear access ways

maintenance procedures for equipment and PPE

national industry standards/codes of practice

OHS control procedures (e.g. health and safety plans, job plans, job safety analysis, risk assessments, safe operating practices/procedures, safe work instructions, work method statements, safe system of work statements)

protection from hazardous substances, noise and dust

protection of people in the workplace

routes of entry and potential symptoms of exposure from chemicals

safety training (induction and refresher)

ultraviolet light

up-to-date electrical test and tag compliance

use of chemicals in accordance with labels

use, storage and maintenance of equipment in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and equipment operating manuals

use, storage and maintenance of personal protective equipment and clothing.

* Also known as occupational safety and health or workplace health and safety

Personal protective equipment (PPE) may include:

ear muffs/plugs

gloves - non-permeable

goggles

high-visibility vests/clothing

overalls and other protective clothing

respirator

safety glasses

safety shoes

splash-proof face masks

sun protection

tongs

ultraviolet protection

wet-work clothing.

Personnel may include:

client's staff

fellow workers (colleagues)

general public

venue/facility/building/shopping centre staff/management.

Rights and responsibilities of employees may relate to:

confidentiality and privacy rights

duty of care

knowing the appropriate personnel for reporting purposes

knowing the location of manuals and/or related documents

knowing the terms and conditions of own employment

knowing the workplace procedures

protection from discrimination and sexual harassment.

Rights and responsibilities of employers may relate to:

duty of care

providing a safe environment free from discrimination and sexual harassment (see relevant state and Commonwealth anti-discrimination legislation)

providing a safe workplace in accordance with OHS legislation, codes of practice, regulations and standards

providing information and training in work tasks, OHS and other employment related matters

the right to dismiss you if you (see the Commonwealth Workplace Relations Act 1996):

are negligent, careless or cause an accident

commit a criminal offence

commit acts of disloyalty such as revealing confidential information

use abusive language.

Signage and barriers may include:

physical barriers and restraints erected to restrict access to a site

signs complying with legislative requirements and/or Australian Standards warning of danger and/or adverse conditions including cleaning in progress and hazardous chemicals are in use or present in the work area.

Soil types may include:

algae and moss

graffiti (ink, texta, paint)

grease and oil

pollution marks and soil on buildings, bridges, outdoor furniture and statues.

Waste may be either solid or liquid and include:

chemicals past the expiry date

obsolete equipment

packaging

removed soil

used cleaning cloths

used containers

used or unused chemicals

used/contaminated personal protective equipment

water or water and chemical residue.

Work order information may include:

access to work site and egress points

budget allocations

completion times/dates

insufficient people to complete the work task(s)

job requirements and tasks

legislative requirements and local government

OHS requirements and emergency response procedures

resource requirements - equipment and chemicals

specific client requirements e.g. relationships with other activities, dress and presentation requirements

use of signage and barriers

work schedules

working in isolated and remote locations

work site contact person(s).

Work restrictions may include:

amount of cleaning anticipated

client activity

employee(s) level of literacy and/or communication skills

faulty or inappropriate equipment

site hazards

skills of the work unit/team

staffing resources

time limitations.

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