Elements and Performance Criteria

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.
Applications of high temperature and low vapour steam-cleaning techniques may suit:
fabrics and upholstery, including blinds and curtains
linoleum
ovens and other cooking equipment
porcelain
removal of:
chewing gum
mould from spas and swimming pool surrounds
wax build-up on floors
sanitising mattresses
stainless steel, stone and other hard surfaces
tiles and grout
windows and glass
wooden surfaces (low-temperature and low-moisture only)
cleaning in:
commercial and high use premises, including:
aged care facilities
hospitality venues
hospitals
supermarkets
private residences.
Benefits of high-temperature and low-vapour steam cleaning include:
deodorising
effective cleaning
efficiency and time effectiveness
environmentally responsible cleaning resulting from reduced water usage and no exposure to chemicals
fast drying due to use of dry vapour
lower costs resulting from lowered water, electricity and chemical use
sanitising effect that kills bacteria, dust mites and bed bugs.
Company procedures may include:
client-specific contractual requirements
documentation and information systems and processes
legal and organisational policy or guidelines
legislation relevant to the operation
organisational service standards
personnel practices and guidelines outlining work roles, responsibilities and delegations
using electronic job scheduling and communication devices.
Steam-cleaning equipment includes:
steam-cleaning machines of varying sizes and with differing bar pressures, such as 4.5 bars, 6 bars, 8 bars and 10 bars
attachments for various cleaning purposes and surfaces, including:
brushes:
brass
nylon
stainless steel
nozzles
squeegees
steam lances.
Risks and hazards may include:
allergic reactions to chemicals or equipment, including latex allergies
biological and animal waste
bites and stings
blood and blood-stained products
confined or restricted spaces
contaminated clothing, materials or equipment
damaged or inappropriate equipment
dust and fibres
electrical hazards arising from:
cables
electrical fittings:
switches
lights
untested electrical equipment
fatigue
fire
gas
heights
inadequate lighting and ventilation
infectious and zoonotic diseases, such as:
Q fever
scabies
mobile equipment and vehicle hazards around plant and vehicles
moving or unguarded parts
noise
occupational violence and bullying
poor personal hygiene practices
spill, splash and spray
release of substances with negative environmental impact
synergistic chemical reactions, such as:
hazardous incompatibility
reactivity
syringes or other sharps
temperature extremes
ultraviolet light
unsafe manual-handling techniques, including awkward and repetitive postures
unsafe underfoot conditions, such as slippery, uneven and rough surfaces
work in unfamiliar isolated or remote environments.
Cleaning techniques include:
adjusting steam volume to meet needs, including starting task with lower volume and increasing as required
cleaning inside fittings with steam prior to fitting onto handpiece to remove grit and grime
cleaning small area on hard surfaces with steam and immediately vacuuming or mopping residue before surface dries
selecting accessory or fitting to machine appropriate for task
selecting temperature for surface, with consideration given to fabrics being cleaned according to manufacturer instructions and only on low temperature
starting with smaller attachments and working up to larger attachments
using correct temperature to steam clean protein-based stains that may set on fabrics if temperature is too high
using light detergent pre-mist for heavier stains
working from the outside to the inside of horizontal surfaces
working from the top to the bottom of vertical surfaces.
Work is planned to ensure:
sufficient towels and cloths for mopping and cleaning up
cleaning in sequence using one accessory or attachment to maximise use of time
tasks are sequential to ensure efficiency, particularly when a range of surfaces is to be steam cleaned.

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
This unit of competency could be assessed by observing practical demonstration of cleaning using high-temperature, low-vapour, steam-cleaning techniques in either a simulated, commercial or residential setting.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the required skills and knowledge specified in this unit.
In particular the person should demonstrate the ability to:
communicate effectively with clients to communicate benefits of steam-cleaning techniques, elicit required information, and negotiate access to site
use effective analytical skills to determine site risks
clean to the required standard using steam-cleaning equipment on both horizontal and vertical surfaces.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge may be conducted in an off-site context. It is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards’ requirements.
Resource implications for assessment include access to:
range of actual or simulated work environments
clients with differing needs and expectations
suitable equipment
PPE
equipment operating manuals and MSDS
industry documentation and relevant codes and standards.
Method of assessment
Assessment methods must:
satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Property Services Training Package
include direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions, with questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application
reinforce the integration of employability skills with workplace tasks and job roles
confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments.
Guidance information for assessment
Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.
Assessment processes and techniques should as far as is practical take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed.
This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function.