Using Cleaning Chemicals, Materials and Equipment

1 Use different chemicals when cleaning

• Chemicals: multi-surface cleaner, toilet cleaner, glass cleaner, air freshener, polish, sanitiser, stain and grease removers, floor and carpet cleaner
• Areas: bedrooms, bathrooms and toilets, furnished areas, public areas, offices
• Protective clothing: uniform, apron, gloves, goggles, facemask, footwear (as required by the cleaning chemicals used. Question and answer can be used to demonstrate knowledge of the use of those not observed)
• Safe usage of chemicals: read safety data sheets for each chemical in use, follow usage instructions, use protective clothing, ensure workspace is ventilated, check containers for damage or leaks, never use chemicals in unlabelled containers, never mix, clean up spills, restrict access (as required by the cleaning chemicals used. Question and answer can be used to demonstrate knowledge of the use of those not observed)
• Storage of chemicals: security, labelling, manufacturer’s instructions, lighting, ventilation, temperature, cleanliness (as required by the cleaning chemicals used. Question and answer can be used to demonstrate knowledge of the use of those not observed)
• Documentation: issue of chemicals, stock control, cleaning schedule

2 Use manual equipment when cleaning

• Equipment: mop systems for wet use, mop systems for dry use, colour-coded cloths, duster, bucket, sponge or non-abrasive pad, brushes, dustpan, abrasive pad
• Areas: bedrooms, bathrooms and toilets, furnished areas, public areas, offices
• Chemicals: multi-surface cleaner, toilet cleaner, glass cleaner, air freshener, polish, sanitiser, stain and grease removers, floor and carpet cleaner (safety measures as required by the cleaning chemicals used. Question and answer can be used to demonstrate knowledge of the use of those not observed)
• Storage of equipment: security, lighting, ventilation, temperature, cleanliness, manufacturer’s instructions (as required by the cleaning chemicals used. Question and answer can be used to demonstrate knowledge of the use of those not observed)

3 Use electrical equipment when cleaning

• Equipment: vacuum cleaners, suction dryers, polishers or burnishers, scrubbers, spray extractors
• Chemicals: carpet shampoo, foam inhibitor, spray polish, floor maintainer, floor stripper, degreasers, greasy stain removers, non-greasy stain removers, cleaning granules
• Safety: follow manufacturer’s instructions for use, complete visual checks for damage before use, check plugs and cables are in good condition, only used if trained to do so, do not leave trailing leads on floors, use safety warning signs, clean equipment after use (as required by the cleaning equipment used. Question and answer can be used to demonstrate knowledge of the use of those not observed)
• Attachments: hard or soft floor attachments, upholstery attachments, brushes or pads, crevice tools, spray extractors or nozzles, hoses
• Storage: security, lighting, ventilation, temperature, cleanliness, manufacturer’s instructions (as required by the equipment used. Question and answer can be used to demonstrate knowledge of the use of those not observed)

4 Work as an effective member of the team

• Communication:
• ~spoken e.g., tone of voice, terminology
• ~written e.g., documents, forms, reports, presentations
• ~body language e.g., posture
• Situations: formal, informal, queries or requests, complaints
• Codes of conduct: workplace policies, rules and procedures
• Reporting: supervisor, line manager, challenges, issues, queries

5 Follow health, safety and hygiene procedures

• Personal hygiene:
• ~clean clothing, footwear and headgear
• ~hair neat and tidy
• ~wear a head covering e.g., hairnet, hat
• ~washing hands
• ~no jewellery
• ~cover cuts and grazes
• ~report illness and infections to the proper person
• Common workplace hazards: slips, trips, falls, breakages, hot surfaces, chemicals
• Health and safety procedures: following fire regulations, fire drills, evacuation, manual handling, safe use of chemicals, report accidents, first aid
• Workplace emergencies: accidents, fire, breaches of security, illness
• Emergency procedures: raising alarm, calling emergency services, firefighting equipment, evacuation procedures
• Security procedures: control of keys, electronic systems, surveillance, control of entrances and exits, staff and visitor identity badge, reporting of suspicious persons and packages to line manager