This unit applies to the dry cleaning of leather, suede or other fabrics requiring special treatment and handling. . It also applies to the dry cleaning of garments such as wedding gowns, vintage clothes or other garments requiring special treatment and handling.

Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities. Work may be self-directed and unsupervised.

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 problem solving skills to determine dry cleaning requirements of complex garments. It also requires the application of skills associated with planning and organising for the safe and effective use of dry cleaning processes and technology. This unit also requires the ability to read and apply dry cleaning information, check the quality of outcomes and identify operational problems.

Prerequisites

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Determine dry cleaning requirements

1.1 Garment is analysed to identify fabric, trim and features that require special processing

1.2 Garment labelling is interpreted

1.3 Spotting requirements of garment are identified

1.4 Customer requirements are identified

1.5 Dry cleaning processes for garment are determined

1.6 Information is sought to support skill development when garment dry cleaning requirements are difficult to identify

1.7 Dry cleaning requirements are documented and where required communicated with team members

2 Perform dry cleaning

2.1 Garment is tagged for identification

2.2 Machine and solvents are prepared for dry cleaning

2.3 Spotting is conducted

2.4 Program is correctly selected for garment requirements

2.5 Additive dispensing is correctly selected and prepared for dosing system, where relevant

2.6 Machine is operated in accordance with operating instructions and OHS practices

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

2.8 Machine operation and dry cleaning procedures are monitored

2.9 Garment is unloaded using correct manual handling techniques where required

2.10 Records are completed

2.11 Knowledge of machine operating processes are applied to perform required tasks

3 Inspect garment and complete operations

3.1 Garment is inspected to determine further cleaning or finishing requirements

3.2 Further cleaning or finishing is conducted

3.3 Documentation is completed and garment prepared for customer collection

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

Demonstrates knowledge of:

cleaning requirements of special fibres and fabrics

handling and cleaning procedures for complex garments such as wedding gowns

machine operation, program selection, and monitoring procedures for complex garments

use of solvents for complex garments

environmental aspects related to workplace, and machine or equipment operation and manual handling, including consumable or hazardous materials

OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures

quality practices

workplace practices

practices for recording and reporting

Demonstrates skills to:

determine cleaning requirements for complex garments

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 dry cleaning requirements for complex garments

handle complex garments

select and apply processes

monitor and complete dry cleaning 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.

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.

Dry cleaning processes may include

selection of solvents

spotting processes

checking of garment cleaning requirements

timing of dry cleaning processes

use of machines and equipment

drying and pressing processes

Solvents may include

perchlorethylene

white spirit

hydrocarbons

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 enterprise

Sector

Dry Cleaning Operations

This unit contains employability skills.