CPPCCL3019A
Inspect sites prior to cleaning or treatment

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to complete an initial analysis of a site prior to the carpet-cleaning process to ensure proper diagnosis of the cleaning need. The unit requires the ability to analyse potential hazards and risks, assess the condition of the carpet or upholstery, and communicate with the client to ensure a proper understanding of the client’s needs and expectations.The unit does not address, but supplements, the detailed identification of carpet fibre and construction that is contained in CPPCCL2006A Identify carpet fibre and construction.

Application

This unit of competency supports those working in the carpet-cleaning industry as an employee or a self-employed business owner. The unit applies to those operating within the scope of their defined roles and responsibilities, typically working autonomously. They are responsible for ensuring the appropriate cleaning technique is identified and that the client understands the potential outcomes of the process.

The unit must be applied strictly according to occupational health and safety (OHS) and waste-disposal requirements.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1

Conduct pre-work site assessment.

1.1

Approval to access and inspect premises is gained from client.

1.2

Risks and hazards that must be addressed to enable cleaning to occur are identified.

1.3

Strategies to address hazards are identified and communicated to client.

1.4

Access to site is identified and negotiated with client.

2

Assess condition of carpet and reason for cleaning.

2.1

Discussions are held with client to determine age, usage patterns, and previous history of cleaning and care of carpet or upholstery.

2.2

Soil or stain type and reasons for seeking cleaning service are discussed with client.

2.3

Analysis of carpet or upholstery is conducted to assess level of wear and tear, level and nature of staining, and carpet or fabric fading.

2.4

Client is consulted to determine whether carpet or fabric is under warranty.

2.5

Age, mobility and needs of people and pets that are on premises are identified to determine their impact on cleaning process.

3

Determine and communicate approach to cleaning

3.1

Cleaning approach for carpet or upholstery is identified according to manufacturer specifications.

3.2

Cleaning techniques that conform to company procedures and requirements and legislative and industry requirements are identified.

3.3

Cleaning techniques to achieve the desired outcomes are identified following consideration of gathered information.

3.4

Limitations of achievable results are determined and communicated to the client.

3.5

Cleaning technique and requirements for care after cleaning process are determined and communicated to client.

Required Skills

Required skills

analytical skills to assess basic workplace risks and hazards

customer service skills to:

establish rapport with clients

gain clients’ trust

identify and respond to client requirements

interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of backgrounds

language and literacy skills to:

communicate clearly and concisely verbally and in writing

explain carpet-cleaning processes and expected outcomes to clients

negotiate solutions to contingencies

read and interpret directions and safety instructions, including:

work instructions

material safety data sheets (MSDS)

specifications

request advice or further information

seek, receive and respond to feedback

source, organise and record information

problem-solving skills to manage contingencies

Required knowledge

carpet characteristics, including:

carpet construction

carpet types

dying methods

features of fibres, piles and yarns

installation methods

cleaning options for carpet, including:

drying times

low-moisture methods

pre-spotting and stain-removal methods

water-efficient methods

company management structure and procedures, including:

biological and viral control

customer service standards

emergency response and evacuation procedures

environmental protection procedures

hazard and risk assessment

injury, dangerous occurrence and incident reporting

OHS procedures

quality systems

legislation, regulations, codes of practice and industry advisory standards that apply to own work practices

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

This unit of competency could be assessed by observing a practical demonstration of a site inspection prior to the cleaning process.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the required skills and knowledge specified in this unit.

In particular the person should demonstrate the ability to:

communicate with customers to elicit the required information and negotiate access

determine site risks

diagnose textile condition and determine cleaning techniques to be used.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge may be conducted in an off-site context and must comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards’ requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include access to:

range of actual or simulated work environments

clients with differing needs and expectations

industry documentation and relevant codes and standards.

Method of assessment

Assessment methods must:

satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Property Services Training Package

include direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions, with questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application

reinforce the integration of employability skills with workplace tasks and job roles

confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments.

Guidance information for assessment

Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Assessment processes and techniques should as far as is practical take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed.

This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function.


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Risks and hazards include:

allergic reactions to chemicals and equipment, including latex allergies

biological and animal waste

bites and stings

blood and blood-stained products

confined and restricted spaces

contaminated clothing, materials and equipment

damaged or inappropriate equipment

dust and fibres

electrical hazards arising from:

cables

electrical fittings:

switches

lights

untested electrical equipment

fatigue

fire

gas

heights

inadequate lighting and ventilation

infectious and zoonotic diseases, such as:

Q fever

scabies

mobile equipment and vehicle hazards around plant and vehicles

moving or unguarded machinery and parts

noise

occupational violence and bullying

poor personal hygiene practices

spill, splash and spray

release of substances with negative environmental impact

synergistic chemical reactions, such as:

hazardous incompatibility

reactivity

syringes or other sharps

ultraviolet light

unsafe manual-handling techniques, including awkward and repetitive postures

unsafe underfoot conditions, such as slippery, uneven and rough surfaces

unrestricted people access

waste and waste disposal

work in extremes of temperature

work in unfamiliar, isolated or remote environments.

Soil or stain type may include:

beverages

blood

candle wax

chewing gum

cigarette butts

dust

dye stuffs

food

grease

heavy dirt build-up

hospital waste

hydrocarbons

industrial and chemical waste

lipstick

nail polish

oil

paper

plant stains

rainwater

shoe polish

tar.

Impact on cleaning process by residents may:

require:

erection of additional barriers or signage

notification of relevant authority for access (parking and/or security)

physical barring of access to newly cleaned site

provision of advice to client about post-cleaning access

use or non-use of particular chemicals

restrict time in which cleaning can be undertaken.

Company procedures and requirements may include:

business and performance plans

client communication procedures

client confidentiality procedures

client service standards

client-specific contractual requirements

communication channels and reporting procedures

company goals, objectives, plans, systems and processes

company issued identification badge, card or pass

company policies and procedures, including:

access and equity policy, principles and practice

OHS policies and procedures, including control procedures

maintenance procedures for equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE)

those relating to own role, responsibility and delegation

work site access security clearance procedures

company service standards

dress and presentation requirements

duty of care, code of conduct and code of ethics

emergency response and evacuation procedures

employer and employee rights and responsibilities

environmental protection requirements

personnel practices and guidelines

quality and continuous improvement processes and standards

records and information systems and processes

training materials (induction, refresher and new skills)

use of contractors.

Legislative and industry requirements may include:

industry advisory standards and codes, such as:

building codes

dangerous goods codes

relevant commonwealth, state and territory legislation and local government regulations that affect company operation, including:

anti-discrimination and diversity

chemical controls

chemical registers and manifests

consumer protection

energy conservation

environmental protection

equal employment opportunity

freedom of information

industrial equipment certificates of competency or licences

industrial relations

OHS Acts and regulations

privacy

public health

trade practices

water conservation

workplace consultative arrangements.


Sectors

Carpet cleaning


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.