Carry out cleaning work outside

URN: INSC006
Business Sectors (Suites): Cleaning and Support Services
Developed by: Skills CFA
Approved on: 23 Dec 2021

Overview

This standard is part of the competence area related to providing cleaning services, including the use of equipment. It is about carrying out cleaning work outside. It is for cleaning operatives who use tools and machinery which may present a high health and safety risk. Environmental conditions can also affect when and how the work can be done. It is important to take into consideration such environmental factors as temperature, rainfall, humidity, wind and icy conditions.


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

Preparation and protection

1.      carry out health checks and follow organisational procedures for safe working practice

2.      follow dynamic risk assessment requirements of your organisation within the workplace

3.      take the relevant actions depending on the outcome of risk assessments carried out

4.      ensure all required products and protective equipment are available

5.      wear the relevant protective equipment while carrying out cleaning

6.      follow organisational procedures for reusing or disposing of protective equipment

7.      ensure the safe systems of work and requirements are followed

8.      select the appropriate colour-coded equipment

9.      ensure any relevant safety and warning signs are displayed clearly

Your work activities

10.  ensure all required permits and checks are in place for carrying out your work

11.  ensure the location is accessible and is safe for carrying out your work

12.  ensure your skills, aptitude and personal hygiene meet the workplace standards

13.  inspect the area for work and decide on the sequence of tasks for carrying out the work, considering how environmental conditions may affect this

14.  ensure that the required tools, equipment and machinery are available

15.  choose the most appropriate tools, equipment and machinery for the work considering such factors as risk, access, time and environmental conditions

16.  wear the relevant protective equipment required for the work site, environmental conditions, method and equipment being used

17.  check that all areas where work is to be carried out are safe and accessible for the equipment and machinery being used

18.  follow your organisation's procedures for dealing with any lost property or unattended items

Carry out your cleaning duties

19.  assess the potential impact of environmental conditions on your work

20.  carry out the tasks in a logical sequence ensuring the surrounding areas are not adversely affected

21.  use the appropriate cleaning method depending on the work area and the nature of work

22.  ensure that your work does not obstruct, disturb or cause nuisance to the general public

23.  adapt your work method according to the tools, equipment and machinery used according to other factors such as environmental or weather conditions

24.  identify and report any difficulties in carrying out your work and any additional work required that is outside your area of responsibility to the relevant member of staff

25.  report and deal with any accidental damage caused when carrying out the work to the relevant member of staff

26.  return the tools, equipment and machinery you have used to the designated area and ensure they are clean, safe and securely stored

27.  replace the equipment and materials and arrange the additional materials, when required

28.  inform the relevant member of staff when the tools and machinery require repair

Controlling the risk of infection

29.  follow your organisation's requirements for mitigation of risk of infection in the workplace

30.  follow the cleaning procedures depending on environment and identified risks

31.  carry out cleaning in accordance with work schedule and required frequency depending on the outcomes of risk assessment

32.  use cleaning products including specialist cleaning solutions, antibacterial and antiviral chemicals

33.  use disposable cleaning equipment to reduce viral loading in the areas being cleaned

34.  follow the enhanced cleaning and disinfection procedures for suspected or confirmed virus contamination

35.  dispose of used cleaning and protective equipment in accordance with specified safety procedures

36.  clean and disinfect reusable cleaning equipment

37.  wash and dry your hands thoroughly and safely in accordance with organisational requirements

38.  ensure the hand washing facilities are maintained with an adequate supply of washing solution, disinfection gels and a hygienic means of hand drying


Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

Preparation and protection

1.      the health checks and relevant procedures for safe working practice

2.      your organisation's principles of dynamic risk assessment within the workplace

3.      the relevant actions depending on the outcome of risk assessments carried out

4.      the products and protective equipment for carrying out cleaning and infection control

5.      how to reuse the protective equipment or dispose of it in line with your organisation's safety procedures

6.      how and where to display the relevant safety and infection control signage for cleaning areas

7.      the organisational requirements for safe systems of work

8.      your organisation's requirements for minimising risk of infection while working on premises

9.      how to check that the equipment is safe for use

10.  why it is important to choose the correct colour coded equipment and how to use it

Your work activities

11.  the permits and checks required for carrying out your work

12.  the location for carrying out the work and the best means of accessing the work area

13.  your organisation's standards of skills, aptitude and personal hygiene and why it is important to meet them

14.  how to inspect the area to assess what work is required and the best way of carrying this out, considering environmental conditions and, where relevant, public access

15.  how environmental and weather conditions might affect that work to be carried out

16.  the relevant equipment, machinery and materials required for the work area

17.  which methods and materials will be most effective for carrying out the work required and the alternative resources available

18.  how to access the work area without causing injury or damage

19.  your organisation's procedures for dealing with lost property and unattended items and why these should be followed

Carry out your cleaning duties

20.  how environmental conditions may affect the performance of equipment and machinery and other factors, such as drying times

21.  the right methods of using with chosen equipment and materials

22.  the results of using the wrong or unsuitable materials or not following the manufacturers' instructions

23.  why you may be required to change your methods to suit the environmental conditions, work required and the equipment available

24.  the methods and techniques that may obstruct or cause nuisance to the general public and how to avoid this

25.  why it is important to check the quality of your work as it progresses

26.  the tasks you have the skill to perform and required to complete

27.  the relevant member of staff for reporting any difficulties in carrying out your work

28.  your organisation's procedures for dealing with and reporting the accidental damage

29.  the storage areas for the return of equipment, materials and machinery and why they should be kept clean, safe and secure

30.  your organisation's procedures for obtaining replacement and additional equipment and materials

Controlling the risk of infection

31.  your organisation's procedures for mitigating the risk of infection

32.  the frequency of routine cleaning in communal areas, facilities and high-contact areas

33.  the enhanced cleaning and disinfection procedures for suspected or confirmed virus contamination

34.  the areas for cleaning and how to identify high contact touch points

35.  the range of specialist cleaning products and how to use them safely and effectively

36.  the cleaning procedures to follow, depending on the environment and risks identified

37.  your organisation's procedures for cleaning and disinfection of reusable equipment

38.  your organisation's procedures for disposing of used cleaning equipment and protective equipment

39.  the duration of hand washing procedures after the protective equipment is removed


Scope/range


Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

2

Indicative Review Date

01 Mar 2027

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Instructus

Original URN

ASTC206

Relevant Occupations

Cleaning Services Operations, Cleaning Support Operations, Elementary Cleaning Occupations, Elementary Occupations, Retail and Commercial Enterprise, Service Enterprises

SOC Code

9223

Keywords

clean, maintain, surfaces, areas, tools, machinery, health and safety, environment, weather, conditions