This unit applies to operating washing machines and cleaning products according to specifications. It involves machine operation and monitoring procedures.

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

working in confined spaces

tasks related to environmental protection, waste disposal, pollution control and recycling

This unit requires the application of skills associated with planning and organising of wash loads, machinery and chemicals required for washing operations, as well as the application of knowledge of the technology used in the laundry industry. This unit also requires the ability to access and understand information relating to laundry tasks including information on chemicals and dosage.

Prerequisites

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Prepare for wash

1.1 Production schedule and work load priorities are correctly identified and followed

1.2 Washing machine loads and washing requirements are confirmed

1.3 Laundry chemicals are prepared for use

1.4 Washing sequences are identified and followed for a given process or product

1.5 Safety procedures, including the use of protective clothing, to be undertaken when handling soiled product are identified

1.6 Operator manuals are accessed as required

2 Operate automatic washing extractor

2.1 Automatic washing machine is loaded with correct weight according to workplace procedures and OHS practices

2.2 Laundry chemicals correctly dosed and applied according to load requirements

2.3 Program is selected according to load requirements

2.4 Washing machine is operated in accordance with operating instructions

2.5 Washing machine operation is monitored and any inconsistencies are identified and reported

2.6 Washing machine is unloaded using correct manual handling techniques where required

3 Operate manual washing extractor

3.1 Manual washing extractor is loaded with correct weight according to workplace procedures and OHS practices

3.2 Laundry chemicals are correctly dosed and applied according to load requirements

3.3 Washing machine is operated in accordance with operating instructions

3.4 Washing machine operation is monitored and any inconsistencies are identified and reported

3.5 Washing is unloaded using appropriate manual handling techniques where required

4 Complete wash

4.1 Washing is transferred to next operation

4.2 Housekeeping is conducted to maintain work area standards

4.3 Standardised documentation is completed

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

Demonstrates knowledge of:

machine operation and program selection

characteristics and hazards of chemicals and dispensing systems

safe handling of laundry chemicals

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

workplace procedures

OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures

procedures for clean up of spills

quality practices

practices for recording and reporting

Demonstrates skills to:

use and handle chemicals safely

maintain quality requirements for each stage of the process

communicate effectively within the workplace

apply defined procedures

receive and transfer information

read, interpret, and follow information on work specifications , standard operating procedures and work instructions, and other reference material

maintain accurate records

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:

interpret production schedules and work load priorities

interpret and apply washing specifications

calculate correct chemical dosage

use washing machines safely and efficiently

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.

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.

Washing requirements may include:

chemical types and dosage

temperature settings

water levels

washing extractor program settings

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

Laundry Operations

This unit contains employability skills.