Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to perform general cleaning duties to maintain a clinical area in a clean, tidy and fit for use condition.
This unit applies to a variety of workers in the community services and health industry. Tasks may be performed under limited supervision and under predetermined guidelines as part of a broader health or community services role or as part of a specialised cleaning role.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements define the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria specify the level of performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare to clean safely | 1.1 Use personal protective equipment in accordance with workplace requirements 1.2 Check and set up cleaning equipment in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and organisation procedures 1.3 Select suitable cleaning agents and measure and prepare in accordance with manufacturer safety guidelines and organisation procedures 1.4 Barricade work site and install appropriate signs to isolate area being cleaned |
2. Clean and maintain surfaces in clinical areas | 2.1 Identify surface type and texture and select suitable cleaning equipment, agent and method/s 2.2 Remove dirt, soil, stains and spillages from surfaces and clean and dry in accordance with organisation procedures |
3. Ensure maintenance of cleaning standards | 3.1 Maintain wet areas in an odour, soil and hazard free condition 3.2 Clean unit or location to achieve a low bacteria condition as required by organisation 3.3 Ensure surfaces and areas are regularly cleaned in accordance with the organisation established cleaning schedules and routines 3.4 Follow all infection control procedures to minimise cross-contamination |
4. Manage waste | 4.1 Assess all waste for health and safety risks and handle in accordance with relevant organisation and workplace health and safety (WHS) requirements 4.2 Remove waste promptly according to established procedures to maintain a clean and tidy area and avoid build-up of unpleasant odours 4.3 Spot clean waste receptacles and surrounds and replace soiled liners to minimise build-up of odour and to maintain a soiled-free appearance |
5. Store equipment and cleaning agents safely | 5.1 Clean and dry equipment before storage 5.2 Store cleaning agents in accordance with manufacturer instructions and organisation policy |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:
followed organisation procedures, including selecting correct equipment and agents, to undertake cleaning of a clinical setting with the following hazards:
clinical waste
body fluid spill
sharps.
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:
organisation procedures relating to cleaning, including:
schedules and routines
use of cleaning agents
surface type requirements
sharps handling
manual handling
infection control
gross tissue samples
surface types and textures and suitable cleaning equipment, agents and methods
manufacturers’ guidelines for cleaning equipment and agents
range and extent of cleaning responsibilities in relation to other aspects of the worker's role
cleaning hazards, including:
clinical waste, body fluids and tissue
slippery surfaces
loose electrical fittings
broken glass
high bacteria growths
needle stick injuries
sharp surfaces
fumes from cleaning agents
allergic reactions
client's cleaning chemical mixtures
unlabelled cleaning chemical containers
types of cleaning agents, including:
chemical mixed on the job or pre-mixed
neutral PH detergents
acidic cleaners
graffiti remover.
Assessment Conditions
Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that reflects workplace conditions. The following conditions must be met for this unit:
use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:
cleaning schedules and routines
clinical setting and items to be cleaned
personal protective equipment
cleaning agents and equipment
modelling of industry operating conditions.
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The Foundation Skills describe those required skills (language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills) that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.