Application
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 assessment of carpet or fabric cleaning needs. 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 confirm client needs and expectations.
The unit supports carpet cleaners who work alone or in teams. It applies in a range of commercial and residential work sites.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit of competency at the time of endorsement.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions. | ||
1. | Conduct pre-work site assessment. | 1.1. | Approval to access and inspect premises is gained from client. |
1.2. | Hazards are assessed, and risks are controlled and communicated to client. | ||
1.3. | Future access requirements are identified and negotiated with client. | ||
2. | Assess condition of carpet and upholstery. | 2.1. | Age, usage patterns, and history of carpet or upholstery care are confirmed with client. |
2.2. | Level of wear and tear, soil type, and carpet or fabric fading are identified and documented. | ||
2.3. | Age, mobility and needs of people and pets on premises are identified to determine potential impact of work, which is then communicated to client. | ||
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 achieve desired outcomes and satisfy company procedures and legislative requirements are identified following analysis of gathered information. | ||
3.3. | Cleaning technique, limitations of achievable results, and requirements for care after cleaning process are determined and communicated to client. | ||
Evidence of Performance
A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy the requirements of the elements, performance criteria, foundation skills and range of conditions of this unit.
The person must also inspect and assess the condition of two different types of carpet and one upholstered piece of furniture, and provide recommendations on suitable cleaning care for each.
In doing the above work, the person must:
identify site hazards and control risks before commencing the task
communicate with customers to obtain required information and negotiate access
diagnose textile condition and determine cleaning techniques to be used
communicate recommended cleaning approach to client.
Evidence of Knowledge
A person demonstrating competency in this unit must demonstrate knowledge of:
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 cleaning methods
pre-spotting and stain-removal methods
water-efficient cleaning methods.
Assessment Conditions
The following must be present and available to learners during assessment activities:
physical conditions:
suitable work site or venue with carpets and upholstery
relationships with team members and supervisor:
work may be conducted alone or as part of a team
relationship with client:
communication with the client is required to negotiate site access, gather information and communicate recommendations.
Timeframe:
as specified by the task.
Assessor requirements
As a minimum, assessors must satisfy the assessor requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) current at the time of assessment.
Foundation Skills
This section describes the language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills essential to performance in this unit but not explicit in the performance criteria. | |
Skill | Performance feature |
Oral communication skills to: | ask questions to clarify job requirements respond clearly and concisely to client questions. |
Reading skills to: | interpret directions and safety instructions, including: product labels safety data sheets (SDS). |
Writing skills to: | document assessment and recommendations for the cleaning approach, limitations, and after care requirements. |
Range Statement
This section specifies 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. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. | |
Hazards that must be assessed include: | biological and environmental contaminants chemical exposure via absorption, ingestion and inhalation chemical reactivity dust and fibre particulates electrical environmental allergens explosions fatigue fire manual handling noise poor ventilation slips, trips and falls syringes and sharps working in confined spaces. |
Soil types must include at least five of the following: | beverage 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. |
Sectors
Cleaning operations