This unit applies to the safe preparation, use and storage of laundry chemicals according to industry regulations and codes of practice that govern the control of chemicals in the workplace. Chemicals may include chemicals used in commercial laundries such as detergents and bleaches.

Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities. Work is performed within defined procedures under direct supervision.

The unit is applied according to OHS and workplace practices of the enterprise, which may include:

Material Safety Data sheets (MSDS)

requirements prescribed by legislation, awards, agreements and conditions of employment

standard operating procedures

work instructions

oral, written and visual communication

quality practices, including responsibility for maintenance of own work quality, and contribution to quality improvement of team or section output

housekeeping

tasks related to environmental protection, waste disposal, pollution control and recycling

This unit requires the application of skills associated with self management when conducting work to ensure workplace safety procedures, personal protective equipment and personal responsibilities are followed to ensure the safety of self and others when working with cleaning chemicals. This unit also requires an ability to access and communicate information on cleaning chemicals.

Prerequisites

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Access workplace information on cleaning chemicals

1.1 Relevant regulations and codes of practice relating to the control of hazardous substances are identified

1.2 Workplace information regarding the safe handling of cleaning chemicals is accessed

1.3 Workplace procedures relating to cleaning chemicals are identified

1.4 Personal responsibilities in working with cleaning chemicals are identified

1.5 Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for cleaning chemicals are identified and common terminology interpreted

2. Identify control measures

2.1 Risks associated with cleaning chemicals are identified

2.2 Measures for controlling risks associated with cleaning chemicals are identified

2.3 Personal Protective Equipment relevant to the use of cleaning chemicals are identified

3. Apply safe handling of cleaning chemicals

3.1 Personal Protective Equipment is used correctly

3.2 Work area is adequately ventilated and ignition sources eliminated

3.3 Cleaning chemicals are handled and stored according to OHS practices and workplace requirements.

3.4 Machinery and equipment associated with use of cleaning chemicals are operated safely

3.5 OHS issues, faults, or emergencies are reported to the relevant personnel

3.6 Accidents and emergencies are acted upon according to procedures for the cleaning chemical

3.7 Housekeeping is conducted and work area standards maintained

3.8 Cleaning chemicals are disposed of according to regulatory requirements, including MSDS recommendations

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level

Demonstrates knowledge of:

regulations and codes of practice which govern the control of cleaning chemicals in the workplace

workplace procedures relating to cleaning chemical use

personal responsibilities in the control of cleaning chemicals in the workplace

risks of exposure to chemicals by absorption, inhalation and ingestion

health risks arising from exposure to cleaning chemicals

the meaning of common MSDS terms

risks associated with operating machinery or equipment that use cleaning chemicals

procedures for the mixing of chemicals and other agents

correct use of Personal Protective Equipment

workplace procedures for the reporting of emergencies or OHS issues

workplace procedures for the control of chemical spills and fires

OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures

Demonstrates skills to:

differentiate between toxic agents, corrosives, reactives; and flammables and combustibles.

identify and locate MSDS and other available safety information on cleaning chemicals

read, interpret, and follow information on work specifications, standard operating procedures and work instructions, Material Safety Data Sheets, and other reference material

use Personal Protective Equipment

transfer, store and dispose of cleaning chemicals safely

maintain accurate records

communicate within the workplace

sequence operations

meet specifications

clarify and check task-related information

carry out work according to OHS practices

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

identify and apply workplace information on cleaning chemicals

apply safety procedures in working with cleaning chemicals used in the workplace

apply control measures to address risks

respond appropriately to accidents and incidents

complete required reporting and documentation.

Consistency in performance

Consistently applies skills and knowledge when:

organising work

completing tasks

identifying improvements

using workplace practices

using OHS practices

recording and reporting accidents and incidents

assessing operational readiness of equipment used and work processes

recognising and adapting to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions

completing work systematically with attention to detail without damage to goods and equipment

Resource implications

Access is required to real or appropriately simulated situations, including work areas, materials and equipment, and to information on workplace practices and OHS practices.

Context for assessment

Assessment may occur on the job or in an appropriately simulated environment.

Interdependent assessment

This unit may be assessed independently or in combination with other relevant units.

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. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Legislative/regulatory requirements

All work must comply with relevant Federal and State or Territory legislative or regulatory requirements.

Workplace information may include:

Material Safety Data Sheets for hazardous substances

workplace procedures

signage and labelling

verbal instruction

Cleaning chemicals may include:

liquid silicon

detergent

chlorine bleach

oxybleach

builder

starch

fabric conditioner

laundry sour

caustic alkali

Personal responsibilities may include:

following OHS procedures

following workplace procedures

reporting incidents

using personal protective equipment

Risks may include:

mixing of chemicals

spills and leaks in the workplace

chemical fires

exposure to perchlorethylene or other cleaning chemicals via absorption, inhalation or ingestion

OHS practices may include:

OHS practices must include hazard identification and control, risk assessment and implementation of risk reduction measures specific to the tasks described by this unit, and may include:

Material Safety Data Sheets

manual handling techniques

standard operating procedures

Personal Protective Equipment

safe materials handling

taking of rest breaks

ergonomic arrangement of workplaces

following marked walkways

safe storage of equipment

housekeeping

reporting accidents and incidents

other OHS practices relevant to the job and enterprise

Common MSDS terms include:

acute effect

acute toxicity

asphyxiant

ceiling

carcinogen

chronic effect

chronic toxicity

combustible material

corrosive

decomposition

dermal

flash point

flammable material

ingestion

irritant

mutagen

oxidizer

pH

reactivity

sensitizer

solubility

STEL

teratogen

TLV

toxicity

toxic substance

TWA

Sector

Laundry Operations

This unit contains employability skills.