Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to identify stains and select rewash methods for linen to meet laundry specifications and quality requirements.

Application of the Unit 

This unit applies to relating to product rewash procedures and operating machines. It involves chemical dispensing and monitoring procedures.

Laundry or operating procedures can relate to:

• manual handling
• safe handling of chemicals
• preparation of chemical products
• preparation of dispensing systems
• quality control requirements

Procedures and specifications may relate to:

• chemical specifications and handling and use
• machine manual overriding technology
• identification of faults
• manual handling for loading and unloading machines
• safe use of machines
• working in confined spaces
• quality control 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.

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

• 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 problem solving rewash requirements, planning and organising of rewash, as well as the application of knowledge of the technology used to ensure optimal washing outcomes.

Prerequisites 

LMTLA2002A

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Determine rewash requirements

1.1 Steps for identifying the stained product are followed in accordance with OHS practices , including use of personal protective equipment

1.2 Stain is identified and classified into categories

1.3 Rewash requirements for the identified stain and product type are determined

2 Carry out rewash procedure

2.1 Preparation for rewash is assessed in accordance with machine  operation procedures

2.2 Chemical products are prepared and used according to supplier and laundry requirements and prewash applied as required

2.3 Machine is operated in accordance with manufacturer's and workplace procedures

2.4 Washing extractor operation is monitored to ensure correct function

2.5 Operating faults are identified and reported

3 Complete rewash

3.1 Data is recorded and stored in accordance with industry and workplace procedures

3.2 Linen is transferred to next operation

3.3 Work area housekeeping standards are maintained

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Demonstrates knowledge of:

• characteristics of stains, their relevant identification procedures and removal techniques
• machine operation, program selection, and monitoring procedures
• characteristics and hazards of chemicals and dispensing systems
• infection control policies and procedures
• quality practices
• safety and environmental aspects related to workplace and machine and equipment operation and manual handling, including consumable or hazardous materials
• workplace practices
• OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures
• practices for recording and reporting

Demonstrates skills to:

• recognise, identify, and assess the range of common stains normally encountered
• use machines and related equipment, including dispensing and dosing systems
• prepare and monitor chemicals safely
• interpret material safety data sheets (MSDS)
• identify and tag out faulty machinery
• maintain quality requirements for each stage of the process
• document, assess, and transfer information
• read, interpret, and follow information on work specifications , standard operating procedures and work instructions, and other reference material
• 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:

• follow steps for correct stain identification
• select and determine appropriate rewash requirements for a range of applications
• prepare and use chemicals
• complete linen rewash safely and efficiently, to quality standards
• monitor process operation

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.

RANGE STATEMENT 

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.

Machine may include:

Microprocessor or computer controlled and can relate to various types of laundry equipment including:

• automatic washing extractors
• manual washing extractors
• continuous batch washers
• weighing machines
• chemical dosing equipment

OHS practices

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:

• 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

Sector 

Laundry Operations