Elements and Performance Criteria

Workplace information may include:

Material Safety Data Sheets for hazardous substances

workplace procedures

signage and labelling

verbal instruction


Dry Cleaning chemicals and solvents may include:

perchloroethylene

white spirit

hydrocarbon

liquid silicon

detergent

chlorine bleach

oxybleach

builder

starch

fabric conditioner

laundry sour

caustic alkali


Personal responsibilities may include:

following OH&S procedures

following workplace procedures

following environmental procedures

reporting incidents

using personal protective equipment


Risks may include:

mixing of chemicals

spills and leaks in the workplace

chemical fires

exposure to perchloroethylene or other cleaning chemicals via absorption

inhalation or ingestion


OH&S practices may include:

OH&S 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:

Material Safety Data Sheets

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 OH&S practices relevant to the job and enterprise


Common MSDS terms include:

acute effect

acute toxicity

asphyxiant

ceiling

carcinogen

chronic effect

chronic toxicity

combustible material

corrosive

decomposition

dermal

flash point

flammable material

ingestion

irritant

mutagen

oxidizer

pH

reactivity

sensitiser

solubility

STEL

teratogen

TLV

toxicity

toxic substance

TWA

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:
identify and apply workplace information on dry cleaning chemicals and solvents
apply safety procedures in working with dry cleaning chemicals and solvents used in the workplace
handle, use and store perchloroethylene safely
accurately identify and measure dry cleaning chemicals and solvents
apply control measures to address risks
respond appropriately to accidents and incidents
complete required reporting and documentation
Consistently applies skills and knowledge when:
organising work
completing tasks
identifying improvements
using workplace practices
using OH&S 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

Context and specific resources for assessment
Assessment may occur on the job or in an appropriately simulated environment and requires access to work areas, materials and equipment and to information on workplace practices and OH&S practices.

Guidance information for assessment
This unit may be assessed independently or in combination with other relevant units.