Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the skills and knowledge required in the preparation, control and monitoring of continuous batch or tunnel washers.

Application of the Unit 

This unit applies to the processing of laundry through continuous batch or tunnel washers including the determining the order of washing, controlling and monitoring continual washers, and processing of product to laundry specifications.

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 using advanced technologies in laundry operations. This unit also requires the ability to apply problem solving, planning and organising strategies when determining washing requirements and ensuring quality outcomes are achieved. Communication skills are applied when interpreting production schedules and completing records.

Prerequisites 

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Prepare for wash

1.1 Type of continuous batch washer  and operational requirements are correctly identified

1.2 Production schedule and work load priorities are determined

1.3 Laundry chemical requirements are identified according to wash classification

1.4 Washing program is selected according to wash classification

1.5 Correct water pH and temperature is determined

1.6 Machine is started-up correctly, and operator instructions are followed

2 Operate continuous batch washer

2.1 Conveyor is loaded and weigh scale interpreted

2.2 Correct weight is achieved, according to product classification and machine manufacturers' specification and OHS practices 

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

2.4 Conveyor is unloaded using appropriate manual handling techniques

2.5 Laundry is transferred to next area for extraction and spinning

2.6 Loading and unloading of washer is ensured to meet work load requirements

3 Monitor washing

3.1 Inner cage is checked periodically to ensure optimum Dip level is maintained

3.2 Washer operation is monitored to ensure correct temperature and chemical levels are sustained

3.3 Operational faults are documented and reported

4 Finalise washing

4.1 Final load is removed and completion of work load is confirmed

4.2 Washer is shut down correctly, or washing conditions changed to meet new load classification requirements

4.3 Work area is cleaned and all housekeeping requirements met

4.2 Records are completed

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level

Demonstrates knowledge of:

• mechanical function and key features of continuous batch washing machines
• functional differences between continual and ordinary washers, their advantages and disadvantages
• classification of laundry and relevant program selection
• work-load requirements for continuous batch washing
• monitoring procedures
• requirements for maintaining optimum Dip levels
• level of operator responsibility for equipment maintenance and monitoring
• characteristics and hazards of chemicals and dispensing systems
• hazards associated with the removal of wet laundry from continuous conveyor
• 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
• workplace policies and procedures
• quality practices
• practices for recording and reporting

Demonstrates skills to:

• classify wash load correctly and select appropriate washing conditions
• ensure wash loads and associated chemicals meet requirement for continuous loading
• use machines and related equipment, including dispensing and dosing systems
• prepare and monitor chemicals safely
• classify and sort product
• maintain quality requirements for each stage of the process
• determine and maintain optimum Dip levels
• safely remove wet washing from continuous conveyor
• shut down washer
• 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:

• apply continuous batch washing operational and safety procedures
• interpret production schedules and work load priorities
• select washing conditions
• prepare chemicals
• 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.

Type of continuous batch washers include:

• top washer
• bottom washer

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

Sector 

Laundry Operations