Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to determine requirements for wash loads and control and monitor washing machine operation and processing of product to required specifications and quality.

Application of the Unit 

This unit applies to controlling washing machine operation and involves chemical dispensing and monitoring procedures to required specifications.

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 may relate to:

• chemical specifications, handling and use
• machines manual over-riding technology application
• identification of faults
• manual handling for loading and unloading machines
• safe use of machines
• quality control requirements
• working in confined spaces

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.

This unit is applied according to OHS and workplace practices of the enterprise, 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 of wash loads, machinery and chemicals required for washing operations, as well as the application of knowledge of the technology used to ensure optimal outcomes. This unit also requires the ability to access and interpret information to determine washing requirements and monitor washing performance. Problem solving skills may also be required to identify operational faults.

Prerequisites 

LMTLA2002A

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Determine wash requirements

1.1 Production schedule and work load priorities are identified

1.2 Washing extractor loads are accurately determined by counting, weight, volume or classification

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

1.4 Washing sequences are selected for a given process or product

1.5 Chemical dispensing is selected for chemical dosing system, where relevant

1.6 Washing requirements  are determined for specific loads

1.7 Operator manuals are accessed as required

2 Monitor washing

2.1 Washing machine operation is monitored for correct water, temperature and chemical levels

2.2 Chemicals and dosing system are monitored for correct operation

2.3 Program operation is monitored to ensure correct function

2.4 Washing extractor operational faults are reported

2.5 Required documentation  is completed

3 Classify product

3.1 Product is classified and sorted according to finishing requirements

3.2 Product is directed to correct area for finishing

3.3 Work area is checked for maintenance to housekeeping standards

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Demonstrates knowledge of:

• workplace policies and procedures
• machine operation, program selection, and monitoring procedures
• level of operator responsibility for equipment maintenance and monitoring
• characteristics and hazards of chemicals and dispensing systems
• safety and environmental aspects related to workplace and machine and equipment operation and manual handling, including consumable or hazardous materials
• OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures
• quality practices

practices for recording and reporting

Demonstrates skills to:

• ensure load sizes are within machine limits
• use machines and related equipment, including dispensing and dosing systems
• prepare and monitor chemicals safely
• interpret material safety data sheets (MSDS)
• use protective equipment
• classify and sort product
• 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:

• interpret production schedules and work load priorities
• select washing sequences
• select and prepare chemicals
• determine wash load requirements and extractor settings
• control and 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.

Washing requirements may include:

• chemical dosage or formula settings
• washing extractor program settings

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 workplace

Required documentation may include:

• information on wash load, program settings, chemical dosage
• completion of standardised forms
• information on wash efficiencies such as wash times
• faults or inconsistencies

Sector 

Laundry Operations