Elements and Performance Criteria

A clinical setting may include:
Hospital ward
Residential care facility
Medical, allied health or other practitioner's rooms
A specific health care area eg sterilising unit, clinic, laboratory

Safety protocols may include:
The principle OHS Act in each state and territory and relevant national OHS standards
Infection control policy and procedures
Organisational policy
Established procedures
State, territory and national legislation and standards
Manufacturers' instructions
Use of cleaning products in accordance with organisational policy and procedure

Personal protective equipment may include:
Gloves
Safety glasses
Safety shoes
Face masks
Overalls
Hair nets
Hearing protection
Caps
Clothing used to maintain hygiene standards or
Clothing used as prescribed in manufacturers of chemicals or equipment
Signage

Cleaning equipment may include a range of:
Brooms
Mops
Brushes
Dusters / dusting and washing rags
Buckets
Hoses
Spotting agent dispensers
Wands
Sprayers
Pile lifter and auto sweeping
Air blowing
Vacuum cleaning
Scrubbing machines
Dry foam machine
Wands
Extraction machinery
Steam cleaners

Manufacturers' specifications and safety information is:
Pre-printed on chemical containers
On material data safety sheets
On laminated safety cards at the work site
On wall posters

Cleaning agents may be:
Chemicals mixed on the job or pre-mixed
Neutral pH detergents
Acidic cleaners
Graffiti remover

Cleaning operations may include:
Sweeping
Dusting
Scrubbing
Spotting
Polishing and buffing
Vacuuming
Mopping

Hazards and risks may include:
Clinical waste, body fluids or tissue
Slippery surfaces
Loose electrical fittings
Broken glass
High bacteria growths
Needle stick injuries
Sharp surfaces
Fumes from cleaning agents
Allergic reactions
Client's cleaning chemical mixtures
Unlabelled cleaning chemical containers

Surface types may include:
Floors, walls and ceilings
Fabric upholstery
Carpet
Rugs/mats
Coir matting
Concrete
Terrazzo
Vinyl
Slate
Ceramic
Wood/parquetry/polished wood
Marble
Plastic/acrylic
Laminate
Glass
Metal
Granite
Brick
Rubber
Synthetic grass
Benches and shelves
Furniture and equipment surfaces

Wet areas may include:
Restroom
Toilet
Bathroom/ensuite/spa
Wash up area
Kitchen, beverage area or servery
Laundry
Scrub area
Pan or utility room, clinic or treatment area
Sink

Waste may be:
Wet or dry
Paper
Dust
Food
Plant waste
Animal hair/fur
Clinical waste
Syringes
Body fluids and tissue

Critical aspects of evidence must include:
Compliance with OHS policies and procedures including infection control in a clinical setting
Correct use of relevant cleaning equipment and cleaning agents to achieve required cleaning standard
Effective and safe handling of waste in accordance with organisational waste management policy

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units:
This unit may be assessed with other selected units from the group of cleaning competencies if relevant, depending upon the cleaning content and responsibilities of the role

Essential knowledge required includes:
Range and extent of cleaning responsibilities in relation to other aspects of the worker's role
Infection control policy and procedures
Other organisational policies and procedures relating to work performance
Correct hygiene procedures
OHS implications of work

Essential skills required includes:
Selection and use of equipment and cleaning agents effectively
Use of procedures appropriate to the cleaning area and purpose
Minimisation of disruption to the work environment
Minimisation of safety hazards for self and others
Use of time management strategies to set priorities
Effective communication to constructively achieve planned outcomes
Use equipment, signage and technology relevant to work safely and competently
Recognition and adaptation to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions among staff and others
Numeracy skills - the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and recording numbers
Reading and writing skills - literacy competence required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by organisation. The level of skill may range from the ability to understand symbols used in occupational health and safety signs, to reading workplace safety pamphlets or procedure manuals, to reading labels. Literacy support available in the workplace may range from having access to support or assistance from expert/mentor/supervisor, to having no communication supports available. Literacy may be required in English or a community language.
Oral communication skills - language competence required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation. Assessors should look for skills in asking questions, providing clear information, listening to and understanding workplace instructions, and clarifying workplace instructions when necessary. The organisation may require competence in English or community language, depending on client group.

Resource implications:
Resource requirements for this unit include all the relevant resources commonly provided in the health service setting. Specific tools may include:
Relevant policies and procedures manuals
Cleaning schedules
Other documentation relevant to the work context such as:
Floor plans
Instructions for the use of equipment and chemicals
Specific instructions for staff

Method of assessment:
Assessment may include:
Observation of work performance
Written tasks
Interviewing and questioning
Formal appraisal systems
Staff/client feedback
Portfolio/CV
Supporting statement of supervisor(s)
Authenticated evidence of relevant work experience and/or formal/informal learning
Case studies and scenarios as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to achieve required cleaning outcomes in specific work environments and communities

Context of assessment:
This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of work conditions. Assessment may be conducted on more than one occasion to cover a variety of circumstances.