PRMCL40A
Prepare for work in the cleaning industry

This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to prepare for work in the cleaning industry. The unit applies to knowledge of legislative and company requirements, industry information and future learning opportunities. It requires the ability to follow work instructions, use mathematical calculations to prepare chemicals and perform basic cleaning activities while applying company policies and procedures. The knowledge and ability to select appropriate equipment, chemicals and methods to perform a task safely and efficiently is essential.

Application

Not Applicable


Prerequisites

Not Applicable


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Identify roles and responsibilities

1.1 Demonstrate a commitment to complying with applicable legislation, occupational health and safety (OHS) and company requirements related to employment in the cleaning industry

1.2 Identify the various roles and responsibilities of appropriate persons related to employment within the cleaning industry

1.3 Demonstrate a commitment to understanding the rights and responsibilities of employees and employers

1.4 Demonstrate a commitment to a high level of personal presentation and hygiene in accordance with company requirements

2 Work safely and effectively in the cleaning industry

2.1 Discuss preparation, cleaning and tidying of different work sites in accordance with OHS and company requirements

2.2 Identify different soil types and surface types of areas to be cleaned and suitable cleaning technique(s) in accordance with company requirements

2.3 Identify selection of equipment, chemicals and Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for cleaning technique(s) in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements

2.4 Select and use equipment and chemicals in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements

2.5 Discuss safety-check, maintenance and storage requirements of equipment, PPE and chemicals in accordance with manufacturers' specifications, OHS and company requirements

3 Follow routine instructions

3.1 Demonstrate routine work order procedures are received, understood and followed in correct sequence in accordance with company requirements

3.2 Demonstrate all work orders are carried out in accordance with company requirements

3.3 Record routine information in accordance with company requirements

4 Identify future career opportunities

4.1 Discuss possible career opportunities in accordance with company requirements

4.2 Discuss development opportunities and potential learning pathways with appropriate person(s)

Required Skills

Refer to Evidence Guide

Evidence Required

The evidence guide identifies the requirements to be demonstrated to confirm competence for this unit. Assessment must confirm sufficient ability to use appropriate skills and knowledge to prepare for work in the cleaning industry. Assessment of performance should be over a period of time covering all categories within the range statement that are applicable in the working environment.

Critical aspects of competency

Accurately identify type and condition of different areas to be cleaned.

Safe and efficient cleaning methods.

Selection of appropriate cleaning equipment and chemicals.

Outcomes achieved in relation to customer work order, legislation and company requirements.

Knowledge needed to achieve the performance criteria

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this unit in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below.

Types of surfaces.

Knowledge of the range of cleaning equipment and chemicals.

Awareness of applicable legislation, regulations, codes of practice and industry advisory standards.

Awareness of OHS legislation and procedures.

Communication and negotiation techniques.

Company management structure and reporting procedures.

Company procedures and practices.

Emergency response and evacuation procedures.

Injury, dangerous occurrence and incident reporting.

Awareness of routes of entry and potential symptoms of exposure from chemicals.

Specific skills needed to achieve the performance criteria

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These are:

sweeping

mopping

buffing

using glass squeegee

applying correct manual handling techniques

communicating clearly and concisely using written and verbal modes

customer service

handling and disposal of chemicals safely

performing the mathematical calculations required for the dilution and mixing of chemicals as specified on product labels

reading and responding appropriately to directions and safety instructions in equipment manuals and MSDS and on chemical labels

requesting advice or further information

seeking and receiving feedback

sourcing, organising and recording information

working on an individual basis and within a team.

Other units of competency that could be assessed with this unit

Competence in this unit may be assessed in conjunction with:

PRMCL41A Apply basic communication skills

PRMCMN101A Follow workplace safety arrangements.

Resources required to assess this unit

The following resources should be available:

access to a suitable work site or venue

access to suitable equipment and chemicals

access to personal protective equipment

access to equipment operating manuals and MSDS

work order instructions and work plans

assessment instruments, including personal planner and assessment record book.

Gaining evidence to assess this unit

For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, the competency should be demonstrated over a period of time and be observed by the assessor.

The competency is to be demonstrated in a range of situations that may include customer/workplace interruptions and involvement in related activities normally experienced in the workplace.

Assessment of competency may be made through practical demonstration in the work environment or in a simulated work environment.

Key competency levels

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life that are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added.

Information below highlights how these processes are applied in this unit of competency.

1

Perform the process

2

Perform and administer the process

3

Perform, administer and design the process

How can communication of ideas and information be applied?

1

Confirm own role and responsibilities with colleagues and supervisors to ensure compliance with work order and company requirements such as OHS.

How can information be collected, analysed and organised?

1

Collect and analyse information regarding work site in line with company procedures.

How are activities planned and organised?

1

Organise and prioritise work tasks to meet work order and company requirements.

How can teamwork be applied?

1

Provide support and assistance to team members to complete work tasks within designated timelines and to meet company requirements.

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied?

1

Calculate floor area to be cleaned and measure and carry out chemical applications.

How can problem-solving skills be applied?

1

Discuss with management/clients/site managers, supervisors and team members how to help solve problems that may arise.

How can the use of technology be applied?

1

Record data for future use such as stock control.


Range Statement

The range statement links the required knowledge and organisational and technical requirements to the workplace context. It describes any contextual variables that will be used or encountered when applying the competency in work situations. It allows for different work practices and work and knowledge requirements as well as for differences between organisations and workplaces. The following variables are listed in alphabetical order and may be present for this particular unit.

Appropriate person(s) may include:

colleagues

managers

person(s) in control of work site(s)

supervisors.

Chemicals may include:

acid cleaners

alkaline cleaners

neutral cleaners

solvent cleaners.

Cleaning technique(s) may include:

air blowing

buffing

dusting

mopping

scrubbing

sweeping

vacuuming.

Company requirements may include:

access and equity policy, principles and practice

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 badge/card/pass

company policy and procedures

company service standards

dress and presentation requirements

duty of care, code of conduct, code of ethics

emergency response and evacuation procedures

maintenance procedures for equipment and PPE

OHS control procedures (e.g. health and safety plans, job plans, job safety analysis, risk assessments, safe operating practices/procedures, safe work instructions, work method statements, safe system of work statements)

OHS policies and procedures

personnel practices and guidelines

policies and procedures relating to own role, responsibility and delegation

quality and continuous improvement processes and standards

records and information systems and processes

rights and responsibilities of employees and employers

training (induction, refresher and new skills) materials

use of contractors

work site access security clearance procedures.

Development opportunities may include:

career pathways

in-house training programs

job rotation

mentoring opportunities

New Apprenticeships.

Environmental requirements may include:

clean-up, containment and/or isolation

company policies and guidelines

environmental protection agency and government department regulations and guidelines

hazardous materials handling

local government regulations/bylaws.

Equipment may include:

brooms

buckets

cloths

floor polisher

mops

squeegee

vacuum cleaner.

Legislative requirements may include:

Australian Standards, quality assurance and certification requirements

award and enterprise agreements

codes of practice

national industry standards

relevant Commonwealth/state/territory legislation and local government regulations that affect company operation:

anti-discrimination and diversity

availability of chemical registers/manifests

chemical controls

consumer protection

environmental protection issues

equal employment opportunity

freedom of information

industrial equipment certificates of competency or licences

industrial relations

OHS Acts and regulations

privacy

trade practices

workplace consultative arrangements.

Manufacturers' specifications may include:

equipment operational manuals

instructional guides

material safety data sheets

other resources supplied by the manufacturer (such as laminated cards notices, wall posters)

product labels

safety instructions pre-printed on equipment.

Occupational health and safety* (OHS) requirements may relate to:

allergic reactions (contact dermatitis, etc)

communication devices for remote and isolated locations e.g. mobile phone, two-way radio, etc

dermatoxicological control and prevention measures

hazard identification and risk assessment mechanisms

hazard reporting

hierarchy of hazard control procedures

injury, dangerous occurrence and incident reporting requirements

keeping access ways clear from obstruction

maintaining clear access ways

maintenance procedures for equipment and PPE

national industry standards/codes of practice

OHS control procedures (e.g. health and safety plans, job plans, job safety analysis, risk assessments, safe operating practices/procedures, safe work instructions, work method statements, safe system of work statements)

protection from hazardous substances, noise and dust

protection of people in the workplace

routes of entry and potential symptoms of exposure from chemicals

safety training (induction and refresher)

ultraviolet light

up-to-date electrical test and tag compliance

use of chemicals in accordance with labels

use, storage and maintenance of equipment in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and equipment operating manuals

use, storage and maintenance of personal protective equipment and clothing.

* Also known as occupational safety and health or workplace health and safety

Personal protective equipment (PPE) may include:

ear muffs/plugs

gloves - non-permeable

goggles

high-visibility vests/clothing

overalls and other protective clothing

respirator

safety glasses

safety shoes

splash-proof face masks

sun protection

tongs

ultraviolet protection

wet-work clothing.

Rights and responsibilities of employees may relate to:

confidentiality and privacy rights

duty of care

knowing the appropriate personnel for reporting purposes

knowing the location of manuals and/or related documents

knowing the terms and conditions of own employment

knowing the workplace procedures

protection from discrimination and sexual harassment.

Rights and responsibilities of employers may relate to:

duty of care

providing a safe environment free from discrimination and sexual harassment (see relevant state and Commonwealth anti-discrimination legislation)

providing a safe workplace in accordance with OHS legislation, codes of practice, regulations and standards

providing information and training in work tasks, OHS and other employment related matters

the right to dismiss you if you (see the Commonwealth Workplace Relations Act 1996):

are negligent, careless or cause an accident

commit a criminal offence

commit acts of disloyalty such as revealing confidential information

use abusive language.

Soil types may be wet or dry and include:

algae and moss

animal hair and fur

beverages (drinks)

built-up dirt in corners and edges

cigarette butts

dust

food

graffiti (ink, texta, paint)

grease and oil

heavy, encrusted dirt

other building debris

paper

pollution marks and soil on buildings, bridges, outdoor furniture and statues.

Surface types may include:

furniture and fittings

glass

hard floors

soft floors

walls.

Work order information may include:

access to work site and egress points

completion times/dates

insufficient people to complete the work task(s)

job requirements and tasks

legislative requirements and local government

OHS requirements and emergency response procedures

resource requirements - equipment and chemicals

specific client requirements e.g. relationships with other activities, dress and presentation requirements

use of signage and barriers

work schedules

working in isolated and remote locations

work site contact person(s).


Sectors

Not Applicable


Employability Skills

Not Applicable


Licensing Information

Not Applicable