PRMCL04B Maintain a carpeted floor

Release: 1

PRMCL04B Maintain a carpeted floor

Modification History

Not Applicable

Unit Descriptor

Unit descriptor

This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required for the maintenance of carpeted floors. The unit applies to both manual and mechanical methods of maintaining a carpeted floor. It requires the ability to assess the extent of the cleaning task through understanding client requirements and applying company policies and procedures in order to perform the task. The selection of appropriate equipment, chemicals and methods is essential for performing the task safely and efficiently.

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

ELEMENT	PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
1 Assess area to be cleaned	1.1 Assess area to be cleaned and review work order in accordance with company requirements and clarify any issues with appropriate person(s) 1.2 Identify hazards and control risks in the work site in accordance with legislative, occupational health and safety (OHS) and company requirements 1.3 Identify type and condition of the carpeted floor through observation in accordance with work order and company requirements 1.4 Identify soil type through observation in accordance with work order and company requirements 1.5 Determine the size and usage pattern of the work site to ensure safety of personnel and efficient use of equipment and chemicals 1.6 Identify and report any pre-existing damage to the appropriate person(s) in accordance with company requirements
2 Select equipment and chemicals	2.1 Select and use suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with manufacturers' specifications, OHS and company requirements 2.2 Select equipment and chemicals appropriate for the work order in accordance with company requirements 2.3 Check operational effectiveness of equipment in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and company requirements
2.4 Adjust equipment to suit operator's requirements in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and OHS requirements 2.5 Prepare chemicals in accordance with manufacturers' specifications, OHS and company requirements
3 Prepare work site	3.1 Confirm and reassess hazards in the work site and control risks in accordance with legislative, OHS and company requirements 3.2 Remove furniture and fittings that impede the cleaning operation in accordance with work order and company requirements 3.3 Install appropriate signage and barriers to maximise public safety during the cleaning operation in accordance with work order and OHS and company requirements 3.4 Identify any work restrictions affecting the completion of the work order instructions and advise promptly the appropriate person(s)
4 Clean work site	4.1 Clean carpeted floor using appropriate equipment, PPE, chemicals and cleaning technique(s) in accordance with work order, manufacturers' specifications and OHS and company requirements 4.2 Identify the need for any follow-up action for spot and stain removal in accordance with the work order and company requirements
4.3 Conduct all work in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and legislative, OHS and company requirements
5 Tidy work site	5.1 Dispose of all collected soil and waste in accordance with client specifications, work order, manufacturers' specifications and environmental, legislative, OHS and company requirements 5.2 Replace all furniture and fittings in accordance with client requests, work order and OHS requirements
5.3 Remove signage and barriers in accordance with work order and OHS and company requirements
6 Clean, safety-check and store equipment and chemicals	6.1 Clean equipment and PPE in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and environmental, OHS and company requirements 6.2 Safety-check equipment and PPE in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and OHS requirements and record any required maintenance in accordance with company requirements 6.3 Store and maintain equipment and PPE to allow ready access in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and OHS and company requirements 6.4 Store chemicals in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and OHS and company requirements

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 carpeted floors. 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 carpeted floor.

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 carpeted floor surfaces and characteristic features.

Knowledge of the range of cleaning equipment and chemicals.

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:

sweeping

raking

vacuuming

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

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:

PRMCC02A Use bonnet cleaning

PRMCC07A Perform basic stain removal.

Resources required to assess this unit

The following resources should be available:

access to a suitable work site or venue with carpeted floors

access to suitable equipment and chemicals

access to personal protective equipment

access to equipment operating manuals and MSDS

work order instructions and work plans

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.

1	Perform the process	2	Perform and administer the process	3	Perform, administer and design the process
How can communication of ideas and information be applied?	1	Confirm own role and responsibilities with colleagues and supervisors to ensure compliance with work order and company requirements such as OHS.
How can information be collected, analysed and organised?	1	Collect and analyse information regarding work site in line with company procedures.
How are activities planned and organised?	1	Organise and prioritise work tasks to meet work order and company requirements.
How can teamwork be applied?	1	Provide support and assistance to team members to complete work tasks within designated timelines and to meet company requirements.
How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied?	1	Calculate floor area to be cleaned and measure and carry out chemical applications.
How can problem-solving skills be applied?	1	Discuss with management/clients/site managers, supervisors and team members how to help solve problems that may arise.
How can the use of technology be applied?	1	Record data for future use such as stock control.

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.

Carpeted floors may include:

carpet:

mixed blends

natural fibres e.g. wool, silk and organic (plant) fibres such as cotton and sisal

synthetic fibres e.g. nylon, polypropylene and acrylic

coir matting

mats and rugs

synthetic grass.

Chemicals may include:

acid cleaners

alkaline cleaners

neutral cleaners

solvent cleaners.

Cleaning technique(s) may include:

hand collection of waste

raking

sweeping

using a dust-pan and brush

vacuuming.

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.

Equipment may include:

accumulation (vacuum dust) bags

brooms (stiff bristle) e.g. deck fibre or millet

carpet rake

dustpan, scoop and brush

hoses and filters

vacuum machines:

back-mounted units

ducted systems

floor-based mobile systems

mechanical push sweepers

wet and dry systems

vacuum tools:

brushes

crevice tool

floor heads

power head

upholstery heads

variable pile height/adjustable heads.

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 can be wet or dry and may include:

beverages (drinks)

blood

candle wax

chewing gum

food

glue

grease/oil

human waste (faeces, urine, vomit)

lipstick

medicine

mud and dirt

nail polish

paint

shoe polish.

Waste may be either solid or liquid and include:

chemicals past the expiry date

disposable vacuum liner bags

litter

obsolete equipment

packaging

soil

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:

amount of cleaning anticipated

client activity

employee(s) level of literacy and/or communication skills

faulty or inappropriate equipment

site hazards

skills of the work unit/team

staffing resources

time limitations.

Unit Sector(s)

Not Applicable

Functional Area:

Functional Area: Elective. Cleaning Operations