This unit of competency applies to operators who are responsible for implementing spotting procedures within a dry cleaning operation. It requires skill in spotting all types of stains on common as well as special fabrics, and involves the use of standard and specialist spotting agents. The identification of common stains and required spotting procedure without implementing spotting procedures is covered by LMTDC2011A Identify pre- and post-spotting requirements. 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 requires the application of skills associated with problem solving to identify stains and determine cleaning requirements, as well as an application of technical language, literacy, numeracy and technology used in a wide range of spotting techniques. Demonstrated skills in initiative and learning are required to undertake a range of spotting challenges. This unit also requires the ability to plan and organise pre- and post-spotting requirements to ensure efficient and effective dry cleaning operations using appropriate measurement techniques and equipment. |
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Identify spotting agents | 1.1. Types ofspotting agents are identified and classified 1.2. Applications of spotting agents to specific stain types are determined 1.3. Application procedures for spotting agents are identified 1.4. Safety and handling requirements of spotting agents are considered |
2. Identify stain | 2.1. Procedures for identifying the type of stain are followed 2.2. Type of stain and its characteristics are correctly identified |
3. Determine spotting requirements | 3.1. Special fabrics are identified 3.2. Fabric requirements are determined prior to selection of spotting agent 3.3. Appropriate spotting agent is identified according to stain characteristic and fabric requirements 3.4. Spotting requirements for common stains are identified and appropriate method selected 3.5. Advanced spotting processesand procedures are considered and appropriate method selected 3.6. Information is sought to support skill development when stains or spotting techniques are difficult to identify |
4. Prepare to carry out spotting procedure | 4.1. Work area is prepared according to procedural requirements and resource requirements 4.2. Factors affecting spotting procedures are identified and control measures implemented 4.3. Personal protective equipment is correctly applied 4.4. Spotting agents are prepared and mixed according to manufacturers' instructions, workplace procedures and occupational health and safety (OHS) practices. |
5. Carry out spotting procedure | 5.1. Fabrics or materials are handled according to fabric requirements 5.2. Machine or equipment is operated in accordance with manufacturer's instructions, workplace procedures and OHS practices 5.3. Spotting technique is applied correctly in accordance with workplace procedures and spotting agent directions 5.4. Article is dried correctly 5.5. Article is hung or stored correctly, labelled, and taken to the correct area for dry cleaning 5.6. Relevant documentation is completed |
|
Required skills |
Required skills include: identifying particular stains and their removal procedures identifying special fabrics selecting appropriate spotting agent selecting appropriate spotting technique preparing work area identifying factors affecting efficacy of process and implementing control measures using personal protective equipment preparing and mixing spotting agents accurately using related measuring and other dispensing or dosing equipment correctly applying spotting technique drying article hanging, storing, labelling and transferring article recording non-removable stains and defects maintaining quality requirements for each stage of the process documenting, assessing and transferring information reading, interpreting and following information on work specifications, standard operating procedures,work instructions and other reference material maintaining accurate records communicating within the workplace sequencing operations meeting specifications clarifying and checking task-related information carrying out work according to OHS practices |
Required knowledge |
Required knowledge includes: the range of spotting agents and their application to specific stains application procedures for spotting agents the differences between oxidising and reducing bleaches rules for bleaching acceleration processes safety and handling and storage requirements of spotting agents procedures for stain identification types of stains and their characteristics the characteristics and qualities of special fabrics requirements for handling and care of fabrics during the spotting process characteristics of fibres, fabrics, and dyes or colours, and the effects of the spotting procedure spotting techniques and procedures machinery and equipment requirements of spotting techniques factors affecting the spotting process personal protective equipment required for spotting procedures measuring equipment and numeracy relevant to preparing solutions workplace procedures for the mixing and preparing of spotting agents procedures for operating machines and equipment associated with spotting processes workplace or store policies and procedures environmental aspects of related to workplace and machine or equipment operation and manual handling OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures quality practices workplace practices practices for recording and reporting |
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package. | |
Overview of assessment | |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | It is essential that types of stains can be identified on a range of fabrics, as identified in the range statement. Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that: fabric characteristics and care requirements are identified prior to selection of spotting procedure spotting agents and procedure selected are appropriate to the type of stain, fibre and fabric, and dye and colour characteristics spotting activity is conducted according to workplace procedures and the needs of the specific garment or item safety standards for handling spotting agents are applied during all work activity spotting procedure applied, including agents used, is documented workplace quality standards are achieved in dry cleaning outcome. |
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 procedures and OHS practices. |
Method of assessment | This unit may be assessed independently or in combination with other relevant units. |
Guidance information for assessment | Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed. |
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. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included. | |
Legislative/regulatory requirements | All work must comply with relevant federal and state or territory legislative or regulatory requirements |
Types of special spotting agents | Types of special spotting agents include: wet-side and dry-side agents: sodium thiosulphate formic acid oxalic acid iodine acetone methyl alcohol oxidising and reducing bleaches digestion agents solvents detergents |
Safety and handling requirements | Safety and handling requirements may include: personal protective equipment procedures for use of certain types of container materials (e.g. plastic and metal) flammability solubility sample testing requirements requirements for mixing and diluting |
Procedures for identifying the type of stain | Procedures for identifying the type of stain may include: considering the information provided by the customer identifying the colour of the stain identifying the feel or odour of the stain |
Type of stain | Types of stain may include: organic or non-organic dye stains albumin stains protein stains vegetable adhesives mustard tomato sauce wine |
Special fabrics | Special fabrics may include: taffeta satin crepe chiffon moire fabrics embossed fabrics pile fabrics velvet metallic fabric pigment print flock prints acetate sharkskin sequins wools and silks smooth silks and cottons |
Fabric requirements | Fabric requirements may include: tamping requirements brushing requirements special needs for keeping fabric flat or not rinsing needs procedures for use of certain equipment and chemicals susceptibility to breaks and creasing side of fabric upon which to apply spotting |
Advanced spotting processes and procedures | Advanced spotting processes include: digestion bleaching Advanced spotting procedures include: steam treatment synthetic detergent treatment ammonia action chemical action oxidising reducing |
Resource requirements | Resource requirements may include: spotting board drying cabinet tumbler spotting brushes spatula towel cheesecloth blotters relevant machines and equipment |
Factors affecting spotting procedures | Factors affecting spotting procedures time temperature moisture pH concentration |
Workplace procedures | Workplace procedures 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 |
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 |
Relevant documentation | Relevant documentation may include: information about the procedure employed customer invoicing customer pick up information |
Unit sector | Dry Cleaning and Laundry Operations |
This unit contains employability skills. |
Not applicable.