Unit of competency

Modification History

Application

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes to clean external surfaces in a range of workplace contexts.

The unit applies to cleaning personnel who perform cleaning tasks on external surfaces. It includes the ability to assess the cleaning task, understand client requirements and follow workplace safety procedures.

It applies to individuals who perform their duties alone or in a team environment, under routine supervision and without supervisory responsibilities.

Please note: Working above 2.2 metres of height may require a working at height licence. Different states and territories may have regulatory frameworks applicable to this unit. Users are advised to check for regulatory limitations.

Pre-requisite Unit

Nil

Competency Field

Unit Sector

Cleaning Operations

Elements and Performance Criteria

Foundation Skills

Range of Conditions

Not Applicable

Unit Mapping Information

No equivalent unit.

Links

An Implementation Guide to this Training Package is available at the VETNet website at - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=6f3f9672-30e8-4835-b348-205dfcf13d9b

Assessment requirements

Modification History

Performance Evidence

A person must demonstrate the ability to:

• select and use external surface cleaning maintenance equipment and cleaning agents to clean; and
• maintain, using a different technique in each instance, four different types of external surfaces, including at least:

• one external surface with dry soiling; and
• one external surface with wet soiling.

Performance must include:

• selecting, using, and maintaining personal protective equipment (PPE);
• manual handling techniques;
• communicating effectively with supervisor or clients;
• understanding, clarifying, and following supervisor or client instructions;
• safely using cleaning equipment and preparing and using cleaning agents;
• disposing of collected soil and waste; and
• using efficient cleaning methods.

Knowledge Evidence

A person demonstrating competency in this unit must identify:

• the effects of wet and dry soils on external surfaces including: timber, tile, laminate, painted surface and canvas
• cleaning techniques and equipment including:

• scrubbing, mopping, sweeping, polishing, vacuum and pressure cleaning
• industry-standard equipment such as, glass cleaning agents, ladders, pressure hoses, dry and wet lint free cloths, lint free towels, microfibre clothes, mops, and squeegees.
• cleaning agents; cleaning solutions for external surfaces; including hard surface cleaning solutions for brick and glass, low environmental impact cleaning solutions, solvent cleaners, stain removal agents
• manufacturers’ instructions for mixing and using cleaning chemicals and stain remover

• workplace requirements for undertaking all aspects for maintenance of external surfaces including:

• key workplace health and safety, hygiene and environmental regulations
• use of safety data sheets (SDS) and selection, care and use of PPE
• identifying and understanding the requirements of manufacturers’ instructions for mixing and using cleaning chemicals
• safe handling and usage of cleaning equipment and cleaning agents
• manual handling techniques for moving furniture and fittings

• methods for communicating and clarifying work requirements with supervisors and clients; verbally, in person or via phone, via electronic medium such as text and email, electronic or written reports
• workplace procedures for:

• health and safety, hygiene and environmental care
• communicating and clarifying work requirements with supervisor, team members or client
• notifying supervisor, team members or client of work completion; verbal communication in person or by phone, written communication including hard copy cleaning schedules, text or electronic form
• use and care of equipment; including checking electrical safety tags to ensure safe use of equipment
• tidying work areas, disposing of soil and waste, cleaning equipment and PPE, and storing equipment and chemicals
• reporting incidents; accidents and injury, damage to or breakages in the cleaning area or cleaning equipment, theft and threats to personal security

Assessment Conditions

As a minimum, assessors must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.

Assessment of performance must be undertaken in the workplace and/or under realistic workplace conditions which reflect:

• the use of industry-standard equipment such as, glass cleaning agents, ladders, pressure hoses, dry and wet lint free cloths, lint free towels, microfibre clothes, mops, and squeegees.
• performing tasks/activities to the level of proficiency and within timelines that would be expected in a workplace; and
• following standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints.

Assessors are responsible for ensuring that candidates have access to:

• appropriate documents, materials, tools equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry;
• legislation and regulations; and
• workplace policies and procedures.

Links

An Implementation Guide to this Training Package is available at the VETNet website at - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=6f3f9672-30e8-4835-b348-205dfcf13d9b