This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to maintain glass surfaces, including windows, in a range of workplace contexts.

The unit applies to individuals performing glass and window cleaning services, but may be applied to other custodial-cleaning roles. It includes the ability to assess the cleaning task, apply and follow workplace safety measures, and understand client requirements.

It applies to individuals who perform their duties alone or in a team environment, under routine supervision and without supervisory responsibilities.

Different states and territories may also have regulatory frameworks applicable to this unit or require a working at height licence. Users are advised to check for regulatory limitations.

A person must demonstrate the ability to:

select and use glass cleaning maintenance equipment and cleaning agents; and

to clean, using a different technique in each instance:

one internal glass surface with dry soiling;

one internal glass surface with wet soiling;

one external glass surface with dry soiling; and

one external glass surface with wet soling.

Performance must include:

selecting, using, and maintaining personal protective equipment (PPE);

manual handling techniques;

communicating effectively with supervisor or clients;

understanding, clarifying, and following supervisor or client instructions;

safely using glass surface cleaning equipment and preparing and using cleaning agents;

disposing of collected soil and waste; and

using efficient cleaning methods

A person demonstrating competency in this unit must identify:

standard glass surfaces; including float glass, toughened, and non-toughened glass

the main types of wet and dry soiling and effects on glass surfaces

glass surface cleaning techniques and industry standard equipment including;

pre-spraying, scraping, spot cleaning, squeegeeing and wiping

buckets, chamois cloths, lamb’s wool applicator, lint-free cloths, microfibre products, cobwebber, ladders, extension pole, glass scraper and hose

cleaning solutions for glass; glass cleaners, solvent cleaners and surfactants.

workplace requirements for undertaking all aspects of maintain glass surfaces including:

key workplace health and safety, hygiene and environmental regulations

use of safety data sheet (SDS) and selection, care and use of PPE

safe handling and usage of cleaning equipment and cleaning agents

methods for communicating and clarifying work requirements with supervisors and clients; verbally, in person or via phone, via electronic medium such as text and email, electronic or written reports

workplace procedures for:

health and safety, hygiene and environmental care

communicating and clarifying work requirements with supervisor, team members or client

notifying supervisor, team members or client of work completion; verbal communication in person or by phone, written communication including hard copy cleaning schedules, text or electronic form

use and care of equipment; including checking electrical safety tags to ensure safe use of equipment

tidying work areas, disposing of soil and waste, cleaning equipment and PPE, and storing equipment and chemicals

reporting incidents; accidents and injury, damage to or breakages in the cleaning area or cleaning equipment, theft and threats to personal security

As a minimum, assessors must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.

Assessment of performance must be undertaken in the workplace and/or under realistic workplace conditions which reflect:

the use of industry-standard equipment such as, glass cleaning agents, ladders, pressure hoses, dry and wet lint free cloths, lint free towels, microfibre clothes and squeegees.

performing tasks/activities to the level of proficiency and within timelines that would be expected in a workplace; and

following standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints.

Assessors are responsible for ensuring that candidates have access to:

appropriate documents, materials, tools equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry;

legislation and regulations; and

workplace policies and procedures.

Not Applicable

Cleaning Operations