CPPCLO3036A
Clean at high levels

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to clean a range of surfaces and sites above easy reach from the ground. This unit is used in cleaning situations where the cleaning activity occurs at heights above two metres from the ground or floor surface and is typically manual or ‘hands on’. The cleaning activity may occur either indoors or outdoors and involves use of specialised equipment to access the area to be cleaned. Safety is an important issue for cleaners involved in cleaning work at high levels.The unit requires the ability to assess the extent of the cleaning task through knowledge of characteristics of surfaces, sites and soiling. It also requires 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.

Application

This unit of competency supports employees without managerial or supervisory responsibilities. Where ladders are being used or where required for safety reasons, the work is usually done in pairs.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1

Assess area to be cleaned.

1.1

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

1.2

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

1.3

Types of surfaces and sites are identified by observation according to work order and company requirements.

1.4

Soil types are identified by observation according to work order and company requirements.

1.5

Access equipment and cleaning techniques are selected according to work order, and OHS 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

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

Access equipment and other equipment and chemicals for work order are selected 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 during cleaning operation according to work order, and OHS and company requirements.

3.3

Drop sheets are placed on floor, furniture and equipment 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

Dry dust and cobwebs are removed according to work order and company requirements.

4.2

Difficult to reach areas are vacuumed according to work order and company requirements.

4.3

Fittings are wiped according to work order and company requirements.

4.4

Chemical solution is rinsed from all surfaces according to work order and company requirements.

4.5

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

5

Tidy work site.

5.1

Drop sheets are removed according to work order and company requirements.

5.2

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

5.3

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

Access equipment, other 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

organisational skills to plan and organise work

problem-solving skills to manage contingencies

skills to work safely when:

cleaning glass

handling and disposing of chemicals

handling and disposing of waste

identifying hazards and controlling risks

manual handling

working at heights

self-management skills to work alone and in a team

Required knowledge

safe use of equipment in line with manufacturer specifications

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 at high levels, including:

Australian standards and codes of practice for the safe use of ladders

certificate of competency requirements for elevated work platform, scaffolding and industrial rope access

OHS legislation

routes of entry and potential symptoms of exposure to chemicals

safe work practices for using:

chemicals

equipment, such as:

access equipment

PPE

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 at high levels involving at least 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 type and characteristics of surface and site to be cleaned

use safe and efficient cleaning methods

select required access equipment

select required 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 venue with surfaces at high levels

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:

CPPCLO2010A Clean ceiling surfaces and fittings

CPPCLO2037A Clean external surfaces.


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)

use of 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.

Surfaces and sites may include:

sites, such as:

building sites

ceilings

industrial machinery

internal and external windows

vaulted ceilings

surfaces, such as:

brick

concrete

metal

paint

plastic

render

surfaces encompassing new technologies

timber.

Soil types may include:

cobwebs

dust

graffiti made with ink, texta and paint

mould and mildew.

Access equipment may include:

bosuns chairs

building maintenance units

elevated work platforms, such as:

cherry pickers

scissor types

extension poles

industrial rope access

ladders, including extension ladders

scaffolding

water-fed extension brooms.

Cleaning techniques may include:

dusting

low-water cleaning methods, such as using microfibre cleaning products

rinsing

scrubbing

spot cleaning

window cleaning

wiping.

Personnel may include:

client’s staff members

colleagues

general public

venue, facility, shopping centre staff and management.

Equipment may include:

anti-static dusters

cobwebbers and extensions

drop cloths and sheets

garbage bags

glass cleaning equipment

lint-free and anti-static cleaning cloths

microfibre products

pressure sprays

scouring pads

scrapers

scrubbing brushes and brooms

vacuum cleaners.

Chemicals may include:

acid cleaners

alkaline cleaners

low environmental-impact chemicals

neutral cleaners

solvent cleaners.

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 harnesses

safety shoes

splash-proof face masks

sun protection

ultraviolet protection

wet-work clothing.

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.

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 contaminated PPE

used or unused chemicals.

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.


Sectors

Cleaning operations


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.