Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to load articles into water-based cleaning machines and process to specifications and quality requirements.

Application of the Unit 

This unit applies to loading articles and involves water-based cleaning machine operation and monitoring procedures.

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 planning and organising for the safe and effective use of wet cleaning processes and technology. This unit also requires the ability to read and apply wet cleaning information that includes counting, weighing, measuring volumes, temperatures using appropriate instruments and gauges, check the quality of outcomes and identify operational problems.

Prerequisites 

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Prepare for wet cleaning

1.1 Production schedule and work load priorities are correctly identified

1.2 Machine and equipment  loads are accurately determined by weight or classification

1.3 Weighing machines are operated and size of load is determined by correctly reading indicator scales

1.4 Wet cleaning schedules are followed for a given process or article

1.5 Machine operator instructions are correctly followed

1.6 Records are completed

1.7 Workplace procedures and instruction are read and interpreted

2 Operate wet cleaning machine

2.1 Machine is loaded with correct weight for machine according to product classification manufacturers' specifications, workplace procedures and OHS practices 

2.2 Wet cleaning program is correctly determined for type of wash

2.3 Water levels and temperature are correctly selected for load type

2.4 Appropriate additives are correctly added to machine

2.5 Machine is operated in accordance with operating instructions

2.6 Additives and dosing system are prepared and monitored for correct operation and faults reported where appropriate

2.7 Articles are unloaded using correct manual handling techniques where required

2.8 Records are completed

2.9 Knowledge of operating processes are applied to perform required tasks

3 Monitor wet cleaning machine operation

3.1 Machine operation is checked for correct water, temperature and additives levels and program operation

3.2 Washing machine operational faults are reported

3.3 Discharge from washing machine is monitored in accordance with workplace and regulatory requirements

4 Sort and inspect articles

4.1 Articles are hung or sorted and inspected for stains, further work, etc. according to finishing requirements of the workplace

4.2 Articles are directed to correct area for finishing, drying or further processing

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

Demonstrates knowledge of:

• relevant OHS legislation, codes of practice, policies and procedures
• workplace or store policies and procedures
• machine operation, program selection, and monitoring procedures
• level of operator maintenance for between load servicing
• characteristics and hazards of additives and dosing systems
• safety and environmental aspects related to workplace and machine, or equipment operation and manual handling, including consumable or hazardous materials
• quality practices
• workplace practices
• practices for recording and reporting

Demonstrates skills to:

• determine load sizes
• use machines and related equipment
• use and handle additives and chemicals safely
• inspect articles for stains or further work
• 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 for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

• interpret production schedules and work load priorities
• load machine appropriately
• select program
• monitor operation

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

Context and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment may occur on the job or in an appropriately simulated environment and requires access to work areas, materials and equipment and to information on workplace practices and OHS practices.

Guidance information for 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 and equipment may include

• microprocessor
• computer controlled
• small wet cleaning machines in the 2.5 to 25 kg. capacity range
• weighing machines

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
• safe handling of sharp objects, chemicals, dangerous or hazardous substances
• other OHS practices relevant to the job and enterprise

Sector 

Dry Cleaning Operations