Application
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to load products into washing machines, operate machines and clean products according to specifications and quality requirements.
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.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1 | Determine job requirements | 1.1 | Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) |
1.2 | Comply with work health and safety (WHS) requirements at all times | ||
1.3 | Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with SOPs | ||
1.4 | Identify job requirements from specifications, drawings, job sheets or work instructions | ||
2 | Prepare for wash | 2.1 | Identify and follow production schedule and work load priorities |
2.2 | Confirm washing machine loads and washing requirements | ||
2.3 | Prepare laundry chemicals for use | ||
2.4 | Identify and follow washing sequences for a given process or product | ||
2.5 | Undertake safety procedures, including the use of PPE when handling soiled product | ||
2.6 | Access operator manuals as required | ||
3 | Operate automatic washing extractor | 3.1 | Load automatic washing machine with correct weight according to workplace procedures |
3.2 | Dose and apply laundry chemicals, and select program according to load requirements | ||
3.3 | Operate washing machine in accordance with operating instructions | ||
3.4 | Monitor washing machine operation and identify and report any inconsistencies | ||
3.5 | Unload washing machine using correct manual handling techniques, where required | ||
4 | Operate manual washing extractor | 4.1 | Load manual washing extractor with correct weight according to workplace procedures |
4.2 | Dose and apply laundry chemicals according to load requirements | ||
4.3 | Operate washing machine in accordance with operating instructions | ||
4.4 | Monitor washing machine operation and identify and report any inconsistencies | ||
4.5 | Unload washing using appropriate manual handling techniques, where required | ||
5 | Complete wash | 5.1 | Transfer washing to next operation |
5.2 | Clean up spills and conduct housekeeping to maintain work area standards | ||
5.3 | Complete standardised documentation | ||
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include:
reading and following work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), safe work practices and other reference material
complying with relevant standards
interpreting production schedules and work load priorities
interpreting and applying washing specifications
calculating correct chemical dosage
using washing machines safely and efficiently on at least two (2) occasions
using and handling chemicals safely
applying workplace procedures
receiving and transferring information
maintaining documentation.
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence must be provided that demonstrates knowledge of:
safe work practices and procedures and use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
relevant Australian Standards
manual and automatic machine operation and program selection
characteristics and hazards of chemicals and dispensing systems
safe handling of laundry chemicals
work health and safety (WHS) and environmental aspects related to workplace and machine and equipment operation and manual handling, including consumable or hazardous materials
workplace procedures
WHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures
procedures for clean-up of spills
quality practices
practices for recording and reporting.
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must:
satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment, as set by the VET regulator
have vocational competency in operating washing machines, at least to the level being assessed, with relevant industry knowledge and experience.
Assessment should occur in operational workplace situations. Where this is not possible, or where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment must occur in a sufficiently rigorous simulated environment reflecting realistic operational workplace conditions. This must cover all aspects of workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.
Conditions for assessment must include access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required, including relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications associated with this unit.
Foundation Skills
This section describes those required skills (language, literacy and numeracy) that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
This field allows for different 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. | |
Workplace procedures include one or more of the following: | requirements prescribed by legislation, awards, agreements and conditions of employment SOPs work instructions PPE 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 WHS practices |
Australian Standards include: | the relevant industry or Australian Standards that are current at the time this unit is being undertaken |
Washing requirements include one or more of the following: | chemical types and dosage temperature settings water levels washing extractor program settings |
Sectors
Not applicable
Competency Field
Laundry operations