Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:36 AM AWST
22/07/2026 5:36 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.
Apply topical treatments
Apply topical treatments
Unit of competency
National Code
CPPCCL3016A
CPPCCL3016A
State Code
WC088
WC088
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
15/09/2014
Field of Education
039909 - Cleaning
Original Release Date
15/09/2014
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to apply topical treatments to carpets, upholstery and soft furnishings. Topical treatments may be applied to surfaces to provide protection against the effects of odour, fire and soil.The unit requires the ability to assess the extent of the application task through understanding client requirements and characteristics of the carpet, upholstery and soft furnishings; and to apply 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 surfaces to be treated.
- 1.1 Surface is assessed and work order is reviewed according to company requirements, and issues are clarified with appropriate persons.
- 1.2 Hazards and risks in work site are identified and controlled according to company, legislative and occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements.
- 1.3 Type, condition and colour-fastness of carpet, upholstery or soft furnishing are identified by observation and/or testing according to work order and company requirements.
- 1.4 Application techniques are confirmed according to work order and company requirements.
- 1.5 Size and usage pattern of the work site are determined to ensure safety of personnel and efficient use of equipment and topical treatment chemicals.
- 1.6 Pre-existing damage is identified and reported to appropriate persons according to company requirements.
2 Select equipment and topical treatment chemicals.
- 2.1 Personalprotective equipment (PPE) is selected and used according to manufacturer specifications, and OHS and company requirements.
- 2.2 Equipment and chemicals are selected for work order according to OHS and company requirements.
- 2.3 Operational effectiveness of equipment is checked according to manufacturer specifications and company requirements.
- 2.4 Equipment is adjusted to suit operator’s requirements according to manufacturer specifications and OHS requirements.
- 2.5 Topical treatment chemicals are prepared according to manufacturer specifications, and OHS and company requirements.
3 Prepare work site
- 3.1 Hazards in the work site are confirmed and risks controlled and reassessed according to legislative, OHS and company requirements.
- 3.2 Furniture and fittings that impede cleaning operation are removed according to work order, and OHS and company requirements.
- 3.3 Signage and barriers are installed as required to maximise public safety during cleaning operation according to work order, and OHS and company requirements.
- 3.4 Work restrictions affecting completion of work order are identified and appropriate persons are promptly notified.
- 3.5 Surface area to be treated is prepared according to manufacturer specifications, work order and company requirements.
4 Perform treatment.
- 4.1 Treatment is performed using cleaning techniques, equipment, PPE and topical treatment chemicals according to manufacturer specifications and legislative, OHS and company requirements.
- 4.2 Treated area is compared with surrounding surface to determine need for further action according to work order and company requirements.
- 4.3 Work is performed according to work order, manufacturer specifications and legislative, OHS and company requirements.
5 Tidy work site.
- 5.1 Collected waste is disposed of according to client specifications, work order, manufacturer specifications and company, legislative, OHS and environmental requirements.
- 5.2 Furniture and fittings are replaced according to client requests, work order and OHS requirements.
- 5.3 Signage and barriers are removed according to work order, and OHS and company requirements.
6 Clean and safety check equipment, and store equipment and chemicals.
- 6.1 Equipment and PPE are cleaned according to manufacturer specifications and environmental, OHS and company requirements.
- 6.2 Equipment and PPE are safety checked according to manufacturer specifications and OHS requirements, and required maintenance is recorded according to company requirements.
- 6.3 Equipment and PPE are stored and maintained to allow ready access according to manufacturer specifications, and OHS and company requirements.
- 6.4 Topical treatment chemicals are stored according to manufacturer specifications, and OHS and company requirements.
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.
Work order information may include:
access to work site, including:
access and egress points
timing of access
budget allocations
completion times and dates
human resource requirements to complete work tasks
job requirements and tasks
legislative and local government requirements
OHS requirements and emergency response procedures
requirements for working in isolated and remote locations
resource requirements, such as equipment and materials
specific client requirements such as:
relationships with other activities
dress and presentation requirements
use of signage and barriers
work schedules
work site contact persons.
Company requirements may include:
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 or pass
company policies and procedures, including:
access and equity policy, principles and practice
OHS policies and procedures, including control procedures
maintenance procedures for equipment and PPE
those relating to own role, responsibility and delegation
work site access security clearance procedures
company service standards
dress and presentation requirements
duty of care, code of conduct and code of ethics
emergency response and evacuation procedures
employer and employee rights and responsibilities
environmental protection requirements
personnel practices and guidelines
quality and continuous improvement processes and standards
records and information systems and processes
training materials (induction, refresher and new skills)
use of contractors.
Appropriate persons may include:
clients
colleagues
managers
persons in control of work sites
supervisors.
Hazards may include:
allergic reactions to chemicals and equipment, including latex allergies
biological and animal waste
bites and stings
blood and blood-stained products
confined and restricted spaces
contaminated clothing, materials and 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 machinery and 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
ultraviolet light
unsafe manual-handling techniques, including awkward and repetitive postures
unsafe underfoot conditions, such as slippery, uneven and rough surfaces
unrestricted people access
waste and waste disposal
work in extremes of temperature
work in unfamiliar, isolated or remote environments.
Legislative requirements may include:
Australian standards, quality assurance and certification requirements
award and enterprise agreements
industry advisory standards and codes, such as:
building codes
dangerous goods codes
relevant commonwealth, state and territory legislation and local government regulations that affect company operation, including:
anti-discrimination and diversity
chemical controls
chemical registers and manifests
consumer protection
energy conservation
environmental protection
equal employment opportunity
freedom of information
industrial equipment certificates of competency or licences
industrial relations
OHS Acts and regulations
privacy
public health
trade practices
water conservation
workplace consultative arrangements.
Occupational health and safety (also known as workplace health and safety) requirements may relate to:
allergic reactions, such as contact dermatitis
communication devices for remote and isolated locations, such as:
mobile phone
two-way radio
dermatoxicological control and prevention measures
emergency procedures for eye and skin contact, inhalation and ingestion of toxic substances
hazard identification and risk assessment mechanisms
health surveillance and monitoring, such as regular blood testing
hierarchy of hazard control procedures
injury and dangerous occurrence reporting
maintaining clear access ways
national and industry standards and codes of practice
OHS control procedures, such as:
health and safety plans
job plans
job safety analyses
risk assessments
safe operating practices and procedures
safe system of work statements
safe work instructions
work method statements
routes of entry and potential symptoms of exposure to chemicals
safe work practices for equipment, PPE and chemical storage, including interpretation of:
MSDS
hazardous substance information, such as long latency periods
safety, induction and refresher training
selection and use of PPE and clothing appropriate to the hazard
ultraviolet light
up-to-date electrical test and tag compliance
use of chemicals according to MSDS
use of residual current devices
use, storage and maintenance of equipment according to manufacturer specifications and equipment operating manuals.
Carpet, upholstery and soft furnishings may include:
carpet, including:
mixed blends
natural fibres, such as:
organic plant fibres, such as cotton and sisal
silk
wool
synthetic fibres, such as:
acrylic
nylon
polypropylene
coir matting
drapes and blinds:
curtains
drapery
fabric blinds
fabric pelmets
loose cushions
mats and rugs
synthetic grass
upholstery:
fabric
fabric wall coverings
leather
room dividers
wall hangings.
Testing may include:
burn test
chemical test
sink and float test.
Application techniques may include using:
airless sprayers
powered sprayers
pump-up sprayers
rakes and brushes.
Personnel may include:
client’s staff
colleagues
general public
venue, facility, or shopping centre staff and/or management.
Equipment may include:
absorbent cloths
carpet rakes
chemical hand spray units
horse hair brushes
powered sprayers
pump-up sprayers.
Topical treatment chemicals may include:
antimicrobial agents
antistatic agents
deodorisers
fire retardants
low environmental-impact chemicals
protectors.
Personal protective equipment may include:
ear muffs and plugs
gloves, such as non-permeable
high-visibility vests and clothing
overalls and other protective clothing
respirators
safety glasses or goggles
safety shoes
splash-proof face masks
sun protection
tongs
ultraviolet protection
wet-work clothing.
Manufacturer specifications may include:
equipment operating manuals
instructional guides
MSDS
other resources supplied by the manufacturer, such as:
laminated cards
notices
wall posters
product labels
safety instructions pre-printed on equipment.
Signage and barriers may include:
physical barriers and restraints erected to restrict access to a site
signs complying with legislative requirements and Australian standards, warning of danger or adverse conditions, including:
cleaning in progress
hazardous chemicals in use or present in work area.
Work restrictions may include:
amount of cleaning anticipated
client activity
employee level of literacy and communication skills
faulty or inappropriate equipment
site accessibility
site hazards
skills of the work unit or team
staffing resources
time limitations.
Waste may be either solid or liquid and include:
chemicals past expiry date
litter
machine or vehicle exhaust emissions
obsolete equipment
packaging
soil
used containers
used or contaminated PPE
used or unused chemicals.
Environmental requirements may include:
clean-up, containment and isolation
company policies and guidelines
emergency chemical spill control measures
environmental protection agency and requirements of government departments, such as:
agriculture
emergency services
national parks and wildlife
hazardous materials handling
local government regulations and by-laws
low-energy cleaning methods
low environmental-impact chemicals
low-moisture cleaning methods
low water-use equipment and other water-efficient cleaning methods
non-chemical cleaning methods.
Work order information may include:
access to work site, including:
access and egress points
timing of access
budget allocations
completion times and dates
human resource requirements to complete work tasks
job requirements and tasks
legislative and local government requirements
OHS requirements and emergency response procedures
requirements for working in isolated and remote locations
resource requirements, such as equipment and materials
specific client requirements such as:
relationships with other activities
dress and presentation requirements
use of signage and barriers
work schedules
work site contact persons.
Company requirements may include:
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 or pass
company policies and procedures, including:
access and equity policy, principles and practice
OHS policies and procedures, including control procedures
maintenance procedures for equipment and PPE
those relating to own role, responsibility and delegation
work site access security clearance procedures
company service standards
dress and presentation requirements
duty of care, code of conduct and code of ethics
emergency response and evacuation procedures
employer and employee rights and responsibilities
environmental protection requirements
personnel practices and guidelines
quality and continuous improvement processes and standards
records and information systems and processes
training materials (induction, refresher and new skills)
use of contractors.
Appropriate persons may include:
clients
colleagues
managers
persons in control of work sites
supervisors.
Hazards may include:
allergic reactions to chemicals and equipment, including latex allergies
biological and animal waste
bites and stings
blood and blood-stained products
confined and restricted spaces
contaminated clothing, materials and 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 machinery and 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
ultraviolet light
unsafe manual-handling techniques, including awkward and repetitive postures
unsafe underfoot conditions, such as slippery, uneven and rough surfaces
unrestricted people access
waste and waste disposal
work in extremes of temperature
work in unfamiliar, isolated or remote environments.
Legislative requirements may include:
Australian standards, quality assurance and certification requirements
award and enterprise agreements
industry advisory standards and codes, such as:
building codes
dangerous goods codes
relevant commonwealth, state and territory legislation and local government regulations that affect company operation, including:
anti-discrimination and diversity
chemical controls
chemical registers and manifests
consumer protection
energy conservation
environmental protection
equal employment opportunity
freedom of information
industrial equipment certificates of competency or licences
industrial relations
OHS Acts and regulations
privacy
public health
trade practices
water conservation
workplace consultative arrangements.
Occupational health and safety (also known as workplace health and safety) requirements may relate to:
allergic reactions, such as contact dermatitis
communication devices for remote and isolated locations, such as:
mobile phone
two-way radio
dermatoxicological control and prevention measures
emergency procedures for eye and skin contact, inhalation and ingestion of toxic substances
hazard identification and risk assessment mechanisms
health surveillance and monitoring, such as regular blood testing
hierarchy of hazard control procedures
injury and dangerous occurrence reporting
maintaining clear access ways
national and industry standards and codes of practice
OHS control procedures, such as:
health and safety plans
job plans
job safety analyses
risk assessments
safe operating practices and procedures
safe system of work statements
safe work instructions
work method statements
routes of entry and potential symptoms of exposure to chemicals
safe work practices for equipment, PPE and chemical storage, including interpretation of:
MSDS
hazardous substance information, such as long latency periods
safety, induction and refresher training
selection and use of PPE and clothing appropriate to the hazard
ultraviolet light
up-to-date electrical test and tag compliance
use of chemicals according to MSDS
use of residual current devices
use, storage and maintenance of equipment according to manufacturer specifications and equipment operating manuals.
Carpet, upholstery and soft furnishings may include:
carpet, including:
mixed blends
natural fibres, such as:
organic plant fibres, such as cotton and sisal
silk
wool
synthetic fibres, such as:
acrylic
nylon
polypropylene
coir matting
drapes and blinds:
curtains
drapery
fabric blinds
fabric pelmets
loose cushions
mats and rugs
synthetic grass
upholstery:
fabric
fabric wall coverings
leather
room dividers
wall hangings.
Testing may include:
burn test
chemical test
sink and float test.
Application techniques may include using:
airless sprayers
powered sprayers
pump-up sprayers
rakes and brushes.
Personnel may include:
client’s staff
colleagues
general public
venue, facility, or shopping centre staff and/or management.
Equipment may include:
absorbent cloths
carpet rakes
chemical hand spray units
horse hair brushes
powered sprayers
pump-up sprayers.
Topical treatment chemicals may include:
antimicrobial agents
antistatic agents
deodorisers
fire retardants
low environmental-impact chemicals
protectors.
Personal protective equipment may include:
ear muffs and plugs
gloves, such as non-permeable
high-visibility vests and clothing
overalls and other protective clothing
respirators
safety glasses or goggles
safety shoes
splash-proof face masks
sun protection
tongs
ultraviolet protection
wet-work clothing.
Manufacturer specifications may include:
equipment operating manuals
instructional guides
MSDS
other resources supplied by the manufacturer, such as:
laminated cards
notices
wall posters
product labels
safety instructions pre-printed on equipment.
Signage and barriers may include:
physical barriers and restraints erected to restrict access to a site
signs complying with legislative requirements and Australian standards, warning of danger or adverse conditions, including:
cleaning in progress
hazardous chemicals in use or present in work area.
Work restrictions may include:
amount of cleaning anticipated
client activity
employee level of literacy and communication skills
faulty or inappropriate equipment
site accessibility
site hazards
skills of the work unit or team
staffing resources
time limitations.
Waste may be either solid or liquid and include:
chemicals past expiry date
litter
machine or vehicle exhaust emissions
obsolete equipment
packaging
soil
used containers
used or contaminated PPE
used or unused chemicals.
Environmental requirements may include:
clean-up, containment and isolation
company policies and guidelines
emergency chemical spill control measures
environmental protection agency and requirements of government departments, such as:
agriculture
emergency services
national parks and wildlife
hazardous materials handling
local government regulations and by-laws
low-energy cleaning methods
low environmental-impact chemicals
low-moisture cleaning methods
low water-use equipment and other water-efficient cleaning methods
non-chemical cleaning methods.
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 demonstrations of applying topical treatment to at least two different types of carpet, upholstery and/or soft furnishing.
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:
identify type and characteristics of carpet, upholstery or soft furnishing
comply with company and legislative requirements
achieve outcomes in relation to customer work order and company requirements
apply safe and efficient topical treatment methods
select cleaning equipment and chemicals.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge may be conducted in an off-site context complying with relevant regulatory or Australian standards’ requirements.
Resource implications for assessment include access to:
suitable work site or venue with carpets, upholstery or soft furnishing
equipment operating manuals and MSDS
PPE
suitable equipment and chemicals
assessment instruments, including personal planner and assessment record book
work order instructions, work plans, schedules and policy documents.
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, such as:
CPPCCL3015A Perform advanced stain removal.
Overview of assessment
This unit of competency could be assessed by observing demonstrations of applying topical treatment to at least two different types of carpet, upholstery and/or soft furnishing.
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:
identify type and characteristics of carpet, upholstery or soft furnishing
comply with company and legislative requirements
achieve outcomes in relation to customer work order and company requirements
apply safe and efficient topical treatment methods
select cleaning equipment and chemicals.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge may be conducted in an off-site context complying with relevant regulatory or Australian standards’ requirements.
Resource implications for assessment include access to:
suitable work site or venue with carpets, upholstery or soft furnishing
equipment operating manuals and MSDS
PPE
suitable equipment and chemicals
assessment instruments, including personal planner and assessment record book
work order instructions, work plans, schedules and policy documents.
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, such as:
CPPCCL3015A Perform advanced stain removal.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S4350 | PRMCC16A | Apply topical treatments | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S4350 | PRMCC16A | Apply topical treatments | Unit of competency |
| AXF11 | CPPCLO3016 | Apply topical treatments to carpets | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D768 | CPP31111 | Certificate III in Carpet Cleaning Operations | Qualification |