Unit of competency details

Modification History

Not Applicable

Unit Descriptor

Unit descriptor 

This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to clean ceiling surfaces and fittings. A number of terms are used that may apply to part or the entire unit. These include high dusting, cobwebbing, detailing and spot cleaning, as well as fully washing the ceilings and fittings. This unit applies to ceiling surfaces two to three metres high. The use of specialised equipment, cleaning methods and safety procedures is required for cleaning surfaces above this height.

The unit requires the ability to assess the extent of the cleaning task through a knowledge of the characteristics of the ceiling surface and fittings and the type of soiling, through understanding client requirements and applying company policies and procedures in order to perform the task. The work may be performed in teams or individually. The selection of appropriate equipment, chemicals and cleaning methods is essential for performing the task safely and efficiently. The work is usually done in pairs where ladders are being used.

Application of the Unit

Not Applicable

Licensing/Regulatory Information

Not Applicable

Pre-Requisites

Not Applicable

Employability Skills Information

Not Applicable

Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content

Not Applicable

Elements and Performance Criteria

Required Skills and Knowledge

Refer to Evidence Guide

Evidence Guide

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide identifies the requirements to be demonstrated to confirm competence for this unit. Assessment must confirm sufficient ability to use appropriate skills and knowledge to maintain ceiling surfaces and fittings. Assessment of performance should be over a period of time covering all categories within the range statement that are applicable in the working environment.

Critical aspects of competency 

• Accurate identification of the type and characteristics of the ceiling surface and fittings.
• Compliance with company and legislative requirements.
• Outcomes achieved in relation to customer work order and company requirements.
• Safe and efficient cleaning methods.
• Selection of appropriate cleaning equipment and chemicals.

Knowledge needed to achieve the performance criteria 

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this unit in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below.

• Types of ceiling surfaces and fittings and their characteristic features.
• Knowledge of range of cleaning equipment and chemicals suitable for using with ceiling surfaces and fittings.
• Awareness of applicable legislation, regulations, codes of practice and industry advisory standards.
• Awareness of OHS legislation and procedures.
• Communication and negotiation techniques.
• Company management structure and reporting procedures.
• Company procedures and practices.
• Emergency response and evacuation procedures.
• Injury, dangerous occurrence and incident reporting.
• Knowledge of biological and viral control procedures.
• Routes of entry and potential symptoms of exposure from chemicals.

Specific skills needed to achieve the performance criteria 

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These are:

• cleaning techniques for various surface types
• cleaning techniques for various types and textures of fittings
• applying correct manual handling techniques
• communicating clearly and concisely using written and verbal modes
• customer service
• handling and disposal of chemicals safely
• handling and disposal of contaminated and toxic waste
• performing the mathematical calculations required for the dilution and mixing of chemicals as specified on product labels
• planning and organising work
• problem solving
• reading, interpreting and responding appropriately to directions and safety instructions in equipment manuals and MSDS and on chemical labels
• requesting advice or further information
• seeking and receiving feedback
• sourcing, organising and recording information
• working on an individual basis or as part of a team.

Other units of competency that could be assessed with this unit 

Competence in this unit may be assessed in conjunction with PRMCL15B Maintain furniture and fittings and room dressing.

Resources required to assess this unit 

The following resources should be available:

• access to a suitable work site or venue with ceiling surfaces and fittings
• access to suitable equipment and chemicals
• access to personal protective equipment
• access to equipment operating manuals and MSDS
• work order instructions, work plans and schedules
• assessment instruments, including personal planner and assessment record book.

Gaining evidence to assess this unit 

For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, the competency should be demonstrated over a period of time and be observed by the assessor.

The competency is to be demonstrated in a range of situations that may include customer/workplace interruptions and involvement in related activities normally experienced in the workplace.

Assessment of competency may be made through practical demonstration in the work environment or in a simulated work environment.

Key competency levels 

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life that are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added.

Information below highlights how these processes are applied in this unit of competency.

Range Statement

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement links the required knowledge and organisational and technical requirements to the workplace context. It describes any contextual variables that will be used or encountered when applying the competency in work situations. It allows for different work practices and work and knowledge requirements as well as for differences between organisations and workplaces. The following variables are listed in alphabetical order and may be present for this particular unit.

Appropriate person (s ) may include:

• clients
• colleagues
• managers
• person(s) in control of work site(s)
• supervisors.

Ceiling  surfaces may be:

• flat, suspended or raked
• made of hard or absorbent materials.

Chemicals  may include:

• acid cleaners
• alkaline cleaners
• neutral cleaners
• solvent cleaners.

Cleaning technique (s ) may include:

• dusting
• rinsing
• spot cleaning
• wiping.

Company requirements  may include:

• access and equity policy, principles and practice
• 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/pass
• company policy and procedures
• company service standards
• dress and presentation requirements
• duty of care, code of conduct, code of ethics
• emergency response and evacuation procedures
• maintenance procedures for equipment and PPE
• OHS control procedures (e.g. health and safety plans, job plans, job safety analysis, risk assessments, safe operating practices/procedures, safe work instructions, work method statements, safe system of work statements)
• OHS policies and procedures
• personnel practices and guidelines
• policies and procedures relating to own role, responsibility and delegation
• quality and continuous improvement processes and standards
• records and information systems and processes
• rights and responsibilities of employees and employers
• training (induction, refresher and new skills) materials
• use of contractors
• work site access security clearance procedures.

Environmental requirements  may include:

• clean-up, containment and/or isolation
• company policies and guidelines
• environmental protection agency and government department regulations and guidelines
• hazardous materials handling
• local government regulations/bylaws.

Equipment  may include:

• access equipment:

• ladders
• 'A' frame ladders

• cleaning equipment:

• anti-static duster
• buckets
• cleaning cloth
• cobwebber and extension
• drop sheets
• fringe duster
• glass cleaning equipment
• lambswool applicators
• scourer
• sponges
• vacuum cleaner
• wall mate
• wheeled cleaner's trolley.

Fittings  may include:

• cameras
• ceiling fans
• ornamental hanging lights
• projected lights
• recessed lights
• skylights
• smoke detectors
• speakers
• sprinkling systems
• televisions
• vents and grilles.

Hazards  may include:

• allergic reactions to chemicals and/or equipment, including latex allergies
• biological waste
• bites and stings
• blood and blood-stained products
• broken glass and other sharp surfaces
• chemical containers and/or decanted chemical storage containers labelled incorrectly
• confined/restricted spaces
• contaminated clothing, chemicals and/or equipment
• damaged or inappropriate equipment
• dust and fibres
• electrical hazards arising from cables, electrical fittings (switches and lights) and untested electrical equipment
• environmental impact
• extremes of heat and temperature
• fatigue
• fire
• gas
• heights
• human waste (faeces, urine, vomit)
• inadequate lighting and ventilation
• infectious and zoonotic diseases e.g. scabies/Q fever
• inhaling chemical fumes
• leaks, spill, splash and spray
• manual handling techniques including awkward and repetitive postures
• mobile/vehicle hazards around plant and vehicles
• moving and/or unguarded machinery and equipment
• noise
• occupational violence and bullying
• poor manual handling techniques
• poor personal hygiene practices
• repetitive motion, force and vibration
• synergistic chemical reactions (hazardous incompatibility or reactivity)
• syringes or other sharps
• ultraviolet light
• underfoot conditions e.g. slippery, uneven and rough surfaces
• unrestricted people access
• waste and waste disposal
• work in isolated/remote environments.

Legislative requirements  may include:

• Australian Standards, quality assurance and certification requirements
• award and enterprise agreements
• codes of practice
• national industry standards
• relevant Commonwealth/state/territory legislation and local government regulations that affect company operation:

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

Manufacturers' specifications  may include:

• equipment operational manuals
• instructional guides
• material safety data sheets
• other resources supplied by the manufacturer (such as laminated cards notices, wall posters)
• product labels
• safety instructions pre-printed on equipment.

Occupational health and safety * (OHS ) requirements  may relate to:

• allergic reactions (contact dermatitis, etc)
• communication devices for remote and isolated locations e.g. mobile phone, two-way radio, etc
• dermatoxicological control and prevention measures
• hazard identification and risk assessment mechanisms
• hazard reporting
• hierarchy of hazard control procedures
• injury, dangerous occurrence and incident reporting requirements
• keeping access ways clear from obstruction
• maintaining clear access ways
• maintenance procedures for equipment and PPE
• national industry standards/codes of practice
• OHS control procedures (e.g. health and safety plans, job plans, job safety analysis, risk assessments, safe operating practices/procedures, safe work instructions, work method statements, safe system of work statements)
• protection from hazardous substances, noise and dust
• protection of people in the workplace
• routes of entry and potential symptoms of exposure from chemicals
• safety training (induction and refresher)
• ultraviolet light
• up-to-date electrical test and tag compliance
• use of chemicals in accordance with labels
• use, storage and maintenance of equipment in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and equipment operating manuals
• use, storage and maintenance of personal protective equipment and clothing.

* Also known as occupational safety and health or workplace health and safety 

Personal protective equipment  (PPE ) may include:

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

Personnel  may include:

• client's staff
• fellow workers (colleagues)
• general public
• venue/facility/building/shopping centre staff/management.

Rights and responsibilities of employees  may relate to:

• confidentiality and privacy rights
• duty of care
• knowing the appropriate personnel for reporting purposes
• knowing the location of manuals and/or related documents
• knowing the terms and conditions of own employment
• knowing the workplace procedures
• protection from discrimination and sexual harassment.

Rights and responsibilities of employers  may relate to:

• duty of care
• providing a safe environment free from discrimination and sexual harassment (see relevant state and Commonwealth anti-discrimination legislation)
• providing a safe workplace in accordance with OHS legislation, codes of practice, regulations and standards
• providing information and training in work tasks, OHS and other employment related matters
• the right to dismiss you if you (see the Commonwealth Workplace Relations Act 1996 ):

• are negligent, careless or cause an accident
• commit a criminal offence
• commit acts of disloyalty such as revealing confidential information
• use abusive language.

Signage and barriers  may include:

• physical barriers and restraints erected to restrict access to a site
• signs complying with legislative requirements and/or Australian Standards warning of danger and/or adverse conditions including cleaning in progress and hazardous chemicals are in use or present in the work area.

Soil  types may include:

• adhered soil
• cobwebs
• dust.

Waste  may be either solid or liquid and include:

• chemicals past the expiry date
• obsolete equipment
• packaging
• soil
• used containers
• used or unused chemicals
• used/contaminated personal protective equipment.

Work order  information may include:

• access to work site and egress points
• completion times/dates
• insufficient people to complete the work task(s)
• job requirements and tasks
• legislative requirements and local government
• OHS requirements and emergency response procedures
• resource requirements - equipment and chemicals
• specific client requirements e.g. relationships with other activities, dress and presentation requirements
• use of signage and barriers
• work schedules
• working in isolated and remote locations
• work site contact person(s).

Work restrictions  may include:

• clean-up, containment and/or isolation
• company policies and guidelines
• environmental protection agency and government department regulations and guidelines
• hazardous materials handling
• local government regulations/bylaws.

Unit Sector(s)

Not Applicable

Functional Area:

Functional Area: Elective. Cleaning Operations