Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1

Assess area to be cleaned.

1.1

Area is assessed and work order  reviewed according to company requirements , and issues are clarified with appropriate persons . 

1.2

Hazards  are identified and risks controlled in work site according to company, legislative  and occupational health and safety  (OHS) requirements .

1.3

Type, condition and colour-fastness of carpet  are identified by observation and/or testing  according to company requirements.

1.4

Soil  type causing stain or spot is identified by observation according to work order and company requirements.

1.5

Cleaning techniques  are selected according to work order and company requirements.

1.6

Characteristics of work site are determined to ensure safety of personnel  and efficient use of equipment  and chemicals .

1.7

Extent of damage is identified and reported to appropriate persons according to company requirements.

2

Select equipment and chemicals.

2.1

Personal protective equipment  (PPE) is selected and used according to manufacturer specifications , and OHS and company requirements.

2.2

Equipment and chemicals are selected for work order according to OHS and company requirements.

2.3

Operational effectiveness of equipment is checked according to manufacturer specifications and company requirements.

2.4

Equipment is adjusted to suit operator’s requirements according to manufacturer specifications and OHS requirements.

2.5

Chemicals are prepared according to manufacturer specifications, and OHS and company requirements.

3

Prepare work site.

3.1

Hazards in work site are confirmed and risks controlled and reassessed according to legislative, OHS and company requirements.

3.2

Furniture and fittings that impede cleaning operation are removed according to work order, and OHS and company requirements.

3.3

Signage and barriers  are installed as required to maximise public safety during cleaning operation according to work order, and OHS and company requirements.

3.4

Work restrictions  affecting completion of work order are identified and appropriate persons are promptly notified.

4

Clean work site.

4.1

Soil is removed using cleaning techniques, equipment, PPE and chemicals according to manufacturer specifications and legislative, OHS and company requirements.

4.2

Treated area is compared with surrounding surface to determine need for further action according to work order and company requirements.

4.3

Results are reported to appropriate persons according to company requirements.

4.4

Work is performed according to work order, manufacturer specifications and legislative, OHS and company requirements.

5

Tidy work site.

5.1

Collected soil and waste  are disposed of according to client specifications, work order, manufacturer specifications and company, legislative, OHS and environmental requirements .

5.2

Furniture and fittings are replaced according to client requests, work order and OHS requirements.

5.3

Signage and barriers are removed according to work order, and OHS and company requirements.

6

Clean and safety check equipment, and store equipment and chemicals.

6.1

Equipment and PPE are cleaned according to manufacturer specifications and environmental, OHS and company requirements.

6.2

Equipment and PPE are safety checked according to manufacturer specifications and OHS requirements, and required maintenance is recorded according to company requirements.

6.3

Equipment and PPE are stored and maintained to allow ready access according to manufacturer specifications, and OHS and company requirements.

6.4

Chemicals are stored according to manufacturer specifications, and OHS and company requirements.

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• customer service skills to:

• establish rapport with clients
• gain clients’ trust

• analytical skills to:

• identify composition of stains and spots
• identify fibres and carpet types
• select cleaning strategies
• select chemicals to suit carpets, stains and spots

• interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of backgrounds
• language, literacy and numeracy skills to:

• communicate clearly and concisely verbally and in writing
• explain carpet-cleaning processes and expected outcomes to the client
• perform mathematical calculations required for diluting and mixing chemicals
• read and interpret directions and safety instructions, including:

• chemical labels
• equipment manuals
• material safety data sheets (MSDS)

• request advice or further information
• seek and receive feedback
• source, organise and record information

• problem-solving skills to manage contingencies
• self-management skills to work alone and in a team
• skills to work safely when:

• handling and disposing of chemicals
• identifying hazards and controlling risks
• manual handling

Required knowledge 

• carpet characteristics, including:

• carpet types
• features of fibres

• cleaning equipment and chemicals, including:

• low environmental-impact chemicals
• low-moisture use equipment
• oxidising and reducing chemicals

• cleaning methods for carpet, including:

• heat transfer process
• pre-spotting and stain-removal methods
• testing methods
• water-efficient methods

• correct techniques for performing:

• extraction cleaning
• heat transfer
• treatments using:

• oxidising agents, such as bleaches
• reducing agents, such as dye strippers

• company management structure and procedures, including:

• biological and viral control
• emergency response and evacuation procedures
• environmental protection procedures
• injury, dangerous occurrence and incident reporting
• OHS procedures
• quality systems

• legislation, regulations, codes of practice and industry advisory standards that apply to carpet cleaning
• safe work practices for using:

• chemicals
• equipment, including PPE

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

This unit of competency could be assessed by observing demonstrations of advanced stain removal on at least two different types of carpet.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the required skills and knowledge specified in this unit.

In particular the person should demonstrate the ability to:

• identify type and characteristics of the carpet
• classify the type of stain or spot
• comply with company and legislative requirements
• achieve outcomes in relation to customer work order and company requirements
• apply safe and efficient stain and spot removal methods
• select cleaning equipment and chemicals.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge may be conducted in an off-site context and must comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include access to:

• suitable work site or venue with carpets
• equipment operating manuals and MSDS
• PPE
• suitable equipment and chemicals
• assessment instruments, including personal planner and assessment record book
• work order instructions, work plans, schedules and policy documents.

Method of assessment

Assessment methods must:

• satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Property Services Training Package
• include direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions, with questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application
• reinforce the integration of employability skills with workplace tasks and job roles
• confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments.

Guidance information for assessment

Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Assessment processes and techniques should as far as is practical take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed.

This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function.

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. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Work order  information may include:

• access to work site, including:

• access and egress points
• timing of access

• budget allocations
• completion times and dates
• human resource requirements to complete the work tasks
• job requirements and tasks
• legislative and local government requirements, including environmental protection requirements
• OHS requirements and emergency response procedures
• requirements for working in isolated and remote locations
• resource requirements, such as equipment and materials
• specific client requirements such as:

• dress and presentation requirements
• relationships with other activities

• use of signage and barriers
• work schedules
• work site contact persons.

Company requirements  may include:

• 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 or pass
• company policies and procedures, including:

• access and equity policy, principles and practice
• OHS policies and procedures, including control procedures
• maintenance procedures for equipment and PPE
• those relating to own role, responsibility and delegation
• work site access security clearance procedures

• company service standards
• dress and presentation requirements
• duty of care, code of conduct and code of ethics
• emergency response and evacuation procedures
• employer and employee rights and responsibilities
• environmental protection requirements
• personnel practices and guidelines
• quality and continuous improvement processes and standards
• records and information systems and processes
• training materials (induction, refresher and new skills)
• use of contractors.

Appropriate persons  may include:

• clients
• colleagues
• managers
• persons in control of work sites
• supervisors.

Hazards  may include:

• allergic reactions to chemicals and equipment, including latex allergies
• biological and animal waste
• bites and stings
• blood and blood-stained products
• confined and restricted spaces
• contaminated clothing, materials and equipment
• damaged or inappropriate equipment
• dust and fibres
• electrical hazards arising from:

• cables
• electrical fittings:

• switches
• lights

• untested electrical equipment

• fatigue
• fire
• gas
• heights
• inadequate lighting and ventilation
• infectious and zoonotic diseases, such as:

• Q fever
• scabies

• mobile equipment and vehicle hazards around plant and vehicles
• moving or unguarded machinery and parts
• noise
• occupational violence and bullying
• poor personal hygiene practices
• spill, splash and spray
• release of substances with negative environmental impact
• synergistic chemical reactions, such as:

• hazardous incompatibility
• reactivity

• syringes or other sharps
• ultraviolet light
• unsafe manual-handling techniques, including awkward and repetitive postures
• unsafe underfoot conditions, such as slippery, uneven and rough surfaces
• unrestricted people access
• waste and waste disposal
• work in extremes of temperature
• work in unfamiliar, isolated or remote environments.

Legislative requirements  may include:

• Australian standards, quality assurance and certification requirements
• award and enterprise agreements
• industry advisory standards and codes, such as:

• building codes
• dangerous goods codes

• relevant commonwealth, state and territory legislation and local government regulations that affect company operation, including:

• anti-discrimination and diversity policies
• chemical controls
• chemical registers and manifests
• consumer protection
• energy conservation
• environmental protection
• equal employment opportunity
• freedom of information
• industrial equipment certificates of competency or licences
• industrial relations
• OHS Acts and regulations
• privacy
• public health
• trade practices
• water conservation
• workplace consultative arrangements.

Occupational health and safety  (also known as workplace health and safety) requirements  may relate to:

• allergic reactions, such as contact dermatitis
• communication devices for remote and isolated locations, such as:

• mobile phone
• two-way radio

• dermatoxicological control and prevention measures
• emergency procedures for eye and skin contact, inhalation and ingestion of toxic substances
• hazard identification and risk assessment mechanisms
• health surveillance and monitoring, such as regular blood testing
• hierarchy of hazard control procedures
• injury and dangerous occurrence reporting
• maintaining clear access ways
• national and industry standards and codes of practice
• OHS control procedures, such as:

• health and safety plans
• job plans
• job safety analyses
• risk assessments
• safe operating practices and procedures
• safe system of work statements
• safe work instructions
• work method statements

• routes of entry and potential symptoms of exposure to chemicals
• safe work practices for equipment, PPE and chemical storage, including interpretation of:

• MSDS
• hazardous substance information, such as long latency periods

• safety, induction and refresher training
• selection and use of PPE and clothing appropriate to the hazard
• ultraviolet light
• up-to-date electrical test and tag compliance
• use of chemicals according to MSDS
• use of residual current devices
• use, storage and maintenance of equipment according to manufacturer specifications and equipment operating manuals.

Carpet  may include carpet, mats and rugs made from:

• mixed blends
• natural fibres, such as:

• organic (plant) fibres, such as cotton and sisal
• silk
• wool

• synthetic fibres, such as:

• acrylic
• nylon
• polyester
• polypropylene.

Testing  may include:

• burn test
• chemical test
• sink and float test.

Soil  causing spots that contain dyes and pigments and are not removed through normal cleaning may include:

• beverages
• blood
• candle wax
• dye stuffs
• food
• human and animal waste
• lipstick and makeup
• medicine
• nail polish
• oil
• plant stains
• shoe polish
• tar
• timber stains.

Cleaning techniques  may include:

• chemical treatment followed by transfer method using hand application
• chemical treatment followed by extraction spot cleaning
• dye stripping
• heat transfer with a steam iron
• using oxidisation.

Personnel  may include:

• client’s staff members
• colleagues
• general public
• venue, facility, or shopping centre staff and/or management.

Equipment  may include:

• carpet groomers
• carpet spot-cleaning kits
• cloths, such as towelling
• extraction units, such as:

• self-contained
• vehicle-mounted
• wet vacuum systems

• eye droppers
• garbage bins
• hair dryers
• nylon bristle brushes
• scrapers and spatulas
• sponges
• spray equipment (pressurised or unpressurised)
• steam generators
• steam irons.

Chemicals  may include:

• acid chemicals
• alkaline chemicals
• low environmental-impact chemicals
• neutralising chemicals
• oxidation chemicals, such as bleaches
• reduction chemicals, such as dye strippers
• solvents.

Personal protective equipment  may include:

• ear muffs and plugs
• gloves, such as non-permeable
• high-visibility vests and clothing
• overalls and other protective clothing
• respirators
• safety glasses or goggles
• safety shoes
• splash-proof face masks
• sun protection
• tongs
• ultraviolet protection
• wet-work clothing.

Manufacturer specifications  may include:

• equipment operating manuals
• instructional guides
• MSDS
• other resources supplied by the manufacturer, such as:

• laminated cards
• notices
• wall posters

• product labels
• safety instructions pre-printed on equipment.

Signage and barriers  may include:

• physical barriers and restraints erected to restrict access to a site
• Australian standards, warning of danger or adverse conditions, including:

• cleaning in progress
• hazardous chemicals in use or present in work area.

Work restrictions  may include:

• amount of cleaning anticipated
• client activity
• employee level of literacy and communication skills
• faulty or inappropriate equipment
• site accessibility
• site hazards
• skills of the work unit or team
• staffing resources
• time limitations.

Waste  may be either solid or liquid and include:

• chemicals past expiry date
• litter
• machine or vehicle exhaust emissions
• obsolete equipment
• packaging
• soil
• used containers
• used or contaminated PPE
• used or unused chemicals.

Environmental requirements  may include:

• clean-up, containment and isolation
• company policies and guidelines
• emergency chemical spill control measures
• environmental protection agency and requirements of government departments, such as:

• agriculture
• emergency services
• national parks and wildlife

• hazardous materials handling
• local government regulations and by-laws
• low-energy carpet-cleaning methods
• low environmental-impact chemicals
• low-moisture cleaning methods
• low water-use equipment and other water-efficient cleaning methods
• non-chemical carpet-cleaning methods.