Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:09 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Maintain a clean room' environment

Maintain a clean room' environment

Unit of competency
National Code
PRMCL14B
State Code
S4316
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
30/03/2009
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
26/11/2004
Field of Education
039909 - Cleaning
Original Release Date
26/11/2004
Nominal Hours
6
Description
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required for maintaining a 'clean room' environment. Clean rooms are specialist facilities in that the presence of dust presents a hazard to the safe and efficient operation of electronic and other sensitive equipment. Some clean rooms may be pressurised to reduce the amount of dust entering the room. Clean rooms may be used for specialised computer installations, computer equipment repairs, PABX units, manufacturing electronic components environments, laboratories and some sterile rooms for food manufacturing. Cleaning in a clean room environment is a specialised field of cleaning. This unit is intended as an introduction to this type of cleaning and focuses on the need to exercise caution in selection of cleaning methods to ensure safety of personnel and equipment.The unit requires the ability to assess the extent of the cleaning task through knowledge of the characteristics of a clean room environment and by applying and understanding client requirements and 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.
Notes
Elements and 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 companyrequirements1.3 Identify types of 'clean room' surfaces to be cleaned by observation and assess potential for damage to clean room equipment in accordance with manufacturers' specifications, work order and company requirements1.4 Identify soil types on surfaces by observation in accordance with work order and company requirements1.5 Determine the size and usage pattern of the work site to ensure safety of personnel and efficient use of equipment and chemicals1.6 Identify and report any pre-existing damage at the work site 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 requirements2.2 Select equipment and chemicals appropriate for the work order in accordance with OHS and company requirements2.3 Check operational effectiveness of equipment in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and company requirements2.4 Adjust equipment to suit operator's requirements in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and OHS requirements2.5 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 companyrequirements3.2 Install appropriate signage and barriers to maximise public safety during the cleaning operation in accordance with work order and OHS and company requirements3.3 Remove furniture and fittings that impede the cleaning operation in accordance with work order and company requirements3.4 Plan cleaning procedures moving from the highest to the lowest point in the work site in accordance with work order and OHS and company requirements3.5 Locate client approved power outlet(s) for electrical cleaning equipment prior to use in accordance with work order and company requirements3.6 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 Remove soil and clean all surfaces using appropriate equipment, PPE, chemicals and cleaning technique(s) in accordance with work order, manufacturers' specifications and OHS and company requirements4.2 Conduct all work in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and legislative, OHS and company requirements
5 Tidy work site
  • 5.1 Remove signage and barriers in accordance with work order and OHS and company requirements5.2 Dispose of all collected soil and waste in accordance with client specifications, work order, manufacturers' specifications and environmental, legislative, 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 requirements6.2 Safety-check equipment and PPE in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and OHS requirements and record any required maintenance in accordance with company requirements6.3 Store and maintain equipment and PPE to allow ready access and re-use in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and OHS and company requirements6.4 Store chemicals in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and OHS and company requirements
Appropriate person(s) may include
clients
colleagues
managers
person(s) in control of work site(s)
supervisors.

Chemicals may include
acid cleaners
alkaline cleaners
neutral cleaners
solvent cleaners.

Clean room' is a specialised facility that may accommodate
electronic manufacturing environment
laboratories
PABX equipment
specialised computer installation
sterile food manufacturing environments.

Cleaning technique(s) may include
buffing
damp mopping
dust mopping
spot cleaning
steam cleaning
surface wiping with anti-static, lint-free cloths
vacuum cleaning
vacuuming with crevice tool on hard to access surfaces.

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
defined resource parameters
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.

Damage to clean room' equipment may include
damage caused by liquids getting into or moisture accumulating in:
electrical and other cabling
equipment casing
electrostatic or electromagnetic contamination
falling or airborne dust
loosening of cables or wiring.

Environmental requirements may include
clean-up, containment and/or isolation
company policies and guidelines
environmental protection agency and government department regulations and guidelines
hazardous materials handling
local government regulations/bylaws.

Equipment may include
access equipment:
'A' frame ladders
extension poles
cleaning equipment:
anti-static duster
broom
bucket
buffing machine with brushes and pads
damp mop
dust mop
dust pan
garbage bin
glass cleaning equipment
lint-free, anti-static cleaning cloth
scourer
vacuum cleaner fitted with micron filters and bags
vacuum crevice tool
wheeled cleaner's trolley.

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
emergency procedures for eye and skin contact, inhalation and ingestion of toxic substances
hazard identification and risk assessment mechanisms
hazard reporting
health surveillance and monitoring (including blood testing)
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
facility/building staff/management
fellow workers (colleagues).

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
are negligent, careless or cause an accident
commit a criminal offence
commit acts of disloyalty such as revealing confidential information
use abusive language.

Soil types may include
dust
litter.

Surfaces may include
bench tops/work stations
equipment casing
cabling
ceilings
fittings:
cameras
lights
monitors
skylights
smoke detectors
sprinkling systems
furniture
glass
hard floor surfaces
soft floor surfaces (special dust-catching carpets)
vents and grills.

Waste may be either solid or liquid and include
chemicals past the expiry date
obsolete equipment
packaging
soil
used cleaning cloths
used containers
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.

Critical aspects of competency
Accurate identification of the types of surfaces and fittings.
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.
Knowledge of the impact of dust, moisture, electrical current and magnetic fields on sensitive electronic equipment.
Knowledge of range of cleaning equipment and chemicals suitable for using with sensitive equipment.
Awareness of applicable legislation, regulations, codes of practice and industry advisory standards.
Company management structure and reporting procedures.
Company procedures and practices.
Emergency response and evacuation procedures.
Injury, dangerous occurrence and incident reporting.
Knowledge and compliance with the correct handling procedures for using ladders.
Knowledge of biological and viral control procedures.
OHS legislation and 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:

maintaining hard floor surfaces
maintaining soft floor surfaces
cleaning glass surfaces
maintaining ceiling surfaces and fittings
spot cleaning
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 and critical analysis
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.

Resources required to assess this unit

The following resources should be available:

access to a suitable work site venue
access to suitable equipment and chemicals
access to personal protective equipment
access to equipment operating manuals and MSDS
work order instructions, work plans and schedules and policy documents
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.

Communicating ideas and information
Identify and communicate to team members, mechanical, chemical and equipment requirements in accordance with company policy, OHS and other legislative requirements. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Collect and analyse information from management and client to ensure correct applications are carried out. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Organise and prioritise work tasks to meet work order and company requirements. (1)

Working with others and in teams
Share information about equipment, OHS, legislative requirements, techniques and team process to complete tasks safely and within designated timelines. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Calculate area(s) to be cleaned and measure and carry out chemical applications. (1)

Solving problems
Communicate with management and client to gain information to resolve problems. (2)

Using technology
Record data for future use such as stock control. (1)

Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WC110 CPPCLO3014A Maintain 'clean room' environments Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
WC110 CPPCLO3014A Maintain 'clean room' environments Unit of competency