CPPCLO3020A
Clean using pressure washing

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to use pressure washing to clean surfaces. Pressure washing produces a variable stream of either water or cleaning chemical and is used as a replacement for hand scrubbing in large areas or where surfaces are very soiled. Some surfaces, such as cracked, painted or other sealed surfaces, may be sensitive to pressure washing.The unit requires the ability to assess the extent of the cleaning task through knowledge of the characteristics of the surface and the type of surface soiling. It is also necessary to apply understanding of client requirements and company policies and procedures in order to perform the task. Selecting the appropriate equipment, chemicals and cleaning methods is essential to performing the task safely and efficiently.In this unit work is conducted from ground level. CPPCLO3036A Clean at high levels describes work conducted over two metres above ground level.

Application

This unit of competency supports employees without managerial or supervisory responsibilities. The work may be performed in teams or individually. Performance would usually be carried out under routine supervision and within company guidelines.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1

Assess area for suitability for pressure washing.

1.1

Area to be pressure washed is assessed, work order is reviewed according to company requirements, and issues are clarified with appropriate persons.

1.2

Hazards and risks in work site are identified and controlled according to company, legislative and occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements.

1.3

Type and condition of surface are identified by observation according to work order and company requirements.

1.4

Soil type is identified by observation according to work order and company requirements.

1.5

Work site access requirements are identified according to work order and company requirements.

1.6

Size and usage pattern of work site are determined to ensure safety of personnel and efficient use of equipment and chemicals.

1.7

Effectiveness and suitability of a pressure wash is assessed according to work order and legislative, OHS, company and environmental requirements.

1.8

Cleaning techniques are selected according to work order, manufacturer specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements.

1.9

Pre-existing damage is identified and reported to appropriate persons according to company requirements.

2

Select equipment and chemicals.

2.1

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is selected and used according to manufacturer specifications, and OHS and company requirements.

2.2

Equipment and chemicals are selected for work order according to OHS and company requirements.

2.3

Operational effectiveness of equipment is checked according to manufacturer specifications and company requirements.

2.4

Equipment is adjusted to suit operator’s requirements according to manufacturer specifications and OHS requirements.

2.5

Chemicals are prepared according to manufacturer specifications, and OHS and company requirements.

3

Prepare work site.

3.1

Hazards in work site are confirmed and risks are controlled and reassessed according to legislative, OHS and company requirements.

3.2

Signage and barriers are installed as required to maximise public safety during the cleaning operation according to work order, and OHS and company requirements.

3.3

Items requiring protection from pressure spray are covered and secured according to work order and company requirements.

3.4

Work restrictions affecting completion of work order are identified and appropriate persons are notified.

4

Clean work site.

4.1

Heavily soiled areas are prepared using cleaning techniques according to manufacturer specifications and company requirements.

4.2

Pressure washing is conducted using equipment, PPE and chemicals and according to manufacturer specifications and company requirements.

4.3

Work is performed according to work order, manufacturer specifications and legislative, OHS and company requirements.

5

Tidy work site.

5.1

Collected soil and waste are disposed of according to client specifications, work order, manufacturer specifications and legislative, OHS, company and environmental requirements.

5.2

Signage and barriers are removed according to work order, and OHS and company requirements.

6

Clean and safety check equipment, and store equipment and chemicals.

6.1

Equipment and PPE are cleaned according to manufacturer specifications and environmental, OHS and company requirements.

6.2

Equipment and PPE are safety checked according to manufacturer specifications and OHS requirements and required maintenance is recorded according to company requirements.

6.3

Equipment and PPE are stored and maintained to allow ready access according to manufacturer specifications, and OHS and company requirements.

6.4

Chemicals are stored according to manufacturer specifications, and OHS and company requirements.

Required Skills

Required skills

customer service skills to:

establish rapport with clients

gain clients’ trust

identify client expectations

interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of backgrounds

language, literacy and numeracy skills to:

communicate clearly and concisely verbally and in writing

perform mathematical calculations required for diluting and mixing chemicals as specified on product labels

read and interpret directions and safety instructions, including:

chemical labels

equipment manuals

material safety data sheets (MSDS)

request advice or further information

seek and receive feedback

source, organise and record information

planning and organising skills to schedule and roster work

problem-solving skills to manage contingencies

skills to work safely when:

handling and disposing of chemicals

handling and disposing of waste

identifying hazards and controlling risks

manual handling

selecting equipment and chemicals

working at heights

self-management skills to work alone and in a team

teamwork skills to lead teams

Required knowledge

company management structure and procedures, including:

biological and viral control

emergency response and evacuation procedures

environmental protection procedures

injury, dangerous occurrence and incident reporting

OHS procedures

quality systems

legislation, regulations, codes of practice and industry advisory standards that apply to cleaning using pressure washing, including OHS legislation

routes of entry and potential symptoms of exposure to chemicals

safe work practices for using:

chemicals

equipment, including PPE

pressure washing, including:

equipment and its functions

pressure washing methods, including:

cleaning methods for surfaces where there are restrictions or limitations on pressure washing

preparation requirements of areas for pressure washing

types of surfaces, their characteristics and suitability for pressure washing

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 practical demonstrations of cleaning using pressure washing involving at least two different surfaces and two different work site environments.

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:

identify hazards associated with pressure washing

identify surface and soil types

use safe and efficient pressure cleaning methods

select cleaning equipment and chemicals

comply with company and legislative requirements

achieve outcomes in relation to customer work order and company requirements.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

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

Resource implications for assessment include access to:

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

suitable equipment and chemicals

PPE

equipment operating manuals and MSDS

work order instructions, work plans and schedules, and policy documents

assessment instruments, including personal planner and assessment record book.

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, such as:

CPPCLO2037A Clean external surfaces

CPPCLO3021A Clean industrial machinery.


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.

Work order information may include:

access to work site, including:

access and egress points

timing of access

budget allocations

completion times and dates

human resource requirements to complete the work tasks

job requirements and tasks

legislative and local government requirements

OHS requirements and emergency response procedures

requirements for working in isolated and remote locations

resource requirements, such as equipment and materials

specific client requirements, such as:

dress and presentation requirements

relationships with other activities

use of signage and barriers

work schedules

work site contact persons

work site requirements for specific industries, such as:

hospitals and medical centres

nursing homes

retail food courts

schools

tourism and hospitality.

Company requirements may include:

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 badges, cards or passes

company policies and procedures, including:

access and equity policy, principles and practice

OHS policies and procedures, including control procedures

maintenance procedures for equipment and 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 procedures

personnel practices and guidelines

quality and continuous improvement processes and standards

records and information systems and processes

training materials (induction, refresher and new skills)

using contractors.

Appropriate persons may include:

clients

colleagues

managers

persons in control of work sites

supervisors.

Hazards may include:

allergic reactions to chemicals or equipment, including latex allergies

biological and animal waste

bites and stings

blood and blood-stained products

confined or restricted spaces

contaminated clothing, materials or 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 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

temperature extremes

ultraviolet light

unsafe manual-handling techniques, including awkward and repetitive postures

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

work in unfamiliar isolated or remote environments.

Legislative requirements may include:

Australian standards, quality assurance and certification requirements

award and enterprise agreements

industry advisory standards and codes, such as:

building codes

dangerous goods codes

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

anti-discrimination and diversity policies

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.

Occupational health and safety (also known as workplace health and safety) requirements may relate to:

allergic reactions, such as contact dermatitis

communication devices for remote and isolated locations, such as:

mobile phone

two-way radio

dermatoxicological control and prevention measures

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

hazard identification and risk assessment mechanisms

health surveillance and monitoring, such as regular blood testing

hierarchy of hazard control procedures

maintaining clear access

national and industry standards and codes of practice

OHS control procedures, such as:

health and safety plans

job plans

job safety analyses

risk assessments

safe operating practices and procedures

safe system of work statements

safe work instructions

work method statements

reporting injury and dangerous occurrences

routes of entry and potential symptoms of exposure to chemicals

safe work practices for equipment, PPE and chemical storage, including interpretation of:

MSDS

hazardous substance information, such as long latency periods

safety training, induction and refresher training

selection and use of PPE and clothing appropriate to the hazard

ultraviolet light

up-to-date electrical test and tag compliance

use of chemicals according to MSDS

use of residual current devices

use, storage and maintenance of equipment according to manufacturer specifications and equipment operating manuals.

Surface may be:

brick

car parking areas

concrete

concrete driveways

entertainment seating

external walls, gutters and fascia boards

factory floors

fronts of buildings, such as awnings and facades

garages

industrial kitchens

machinery and equipment

painted surfaces

polyresin

surfaces encompassing new technologies

stairwells

steps

wood.

Soil types may include:

algae and moss

graffiti made with ink, texta and paint

grease and oil

pollution marks and soil on structures, including:

bridges

buildings

outdoor furniture

statues.

Personnel may include:

client’s staff members

colleagues

general public

venue, facility, shopping centre staff and management.

Equipment may include:

brooms

cloths

hoses

lances

microfibre products

pressure washers (electric or diesel)

squeegees

wet area electrical safety connections.

Chemicals may include:

acid cleaners

alkaline cleaners

low environmental-impact chemicals

neutral cleaners

solvent cleaners.

Environmental requirements may include:

clean-up, containment and isolation

company policies and guidelines

emergency chemical spill control measures

environmental protection agency and requirements of government departments, such as:

agriculture

emergency services

hazardous materials handling

local government regulations and by-laws

low-energy cleaning methods

low environmental-impact chemicals

low-moisture cleaning methods

low water-use equipment and water-efficient cleaning methods

non-chemical cleaning methods.

Cleaning techniques may include:

low-water cleaning methods

detailing

hand washing

pre-spraying

pressure water blasting

rinsing.

Manufacturer specifications may include:

equipment operating manuals

instructional guides

MSDS

other resources supplied by the manufacturer, such as:

laminated cards

notices

wall posters

product labels

safety instructions pre-printed on equipment.

Personal protective equipment may include:

ear muffs and plugs

gloves, such as non-permeable

goggles

high-visibility vests and clothing

overalls and other protective clothing

respirators

safety glasses

safety shoes

splash-proof face masks

sun protection

tongs

ultraviolet protection

wet-work clothing.

Signage and barriers may include:

physical barriers and restraints erected to restrict access to a site

signs complying with legislative requirements and Australian standards warning of danger or adverse conditions, including:

cleaning in progress

hazardous chemicals in use or present in work area.

Work restrictions may include:

amount of cleaning anticipated

client activity

employee level of literacy and communication skills

faulty or inappropriate equipment

site accessibility

site hazards

skills of work unit or team

staffing resources

time limitations.

Waste may be either solid or liquid and include:

chemicals past expiry date

obsolete equipment

packaging

removed soil

used cleaning cloths

used containers

used or unused chemicals

used or contaminated PPE

used or unused chemicals.


Sectors

Cleaning operations


Employability Skills

his unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

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