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Sub-major Group

81 Cleaners and Laundry Workers

OSCA - Occupation Standard Classification for Australia
Reference period
2024, Version 1.0

81 Cleaners and Laundry Workers

Clean commercial, industrial and domestic premises, construction sites, vehicles and industrial machines, and clean clothing and other items in laundries and drycleaning establishments.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this sub-major group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 4: AQF Certificate II, AQF Certificate III, or at least one year of relevant experience
  • Skill Level 5: AQF Certificate I, or compulsory secondary education
Minor Group

811 Cleaners and Laundry Workers

Clean commercial, industrial and domestic premises, construction sites, vehicles and industrial machines, and clean clothing and other items in laundries and drycleaning establishments.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this minor group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 4: AQF Certificate II, AQF Certificate III, or at least one year of relevant experience
  • Skill Level 5: AQF Certificate I, or compulsory secondary education
Unit Group

8111 Commercial Cleaners

Clean offices, residential complexes, hospitals, schools, industrial work areas, industrial machines, construction sites and other commercial premises using heavy duty cleaning equipment.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 5: AQF Certificate I, or compulsory secondary education
Occupation

811131 Commercial Cleaner

Cleans offices, residential complexes, hospitals, schools, industrial work areas, industrial machines, construction sites and other commercial premises using heavy duty cleaning equipment.

Specialisations

  • Aircraft Cabin Cleaner
  • Hospital Cleaner
  • Public Transport Cleaner
  • School Cleaner

Skill level: 5

Main tasks

  • Cleans and sanitises various commercial premises, including offices, hospitals, schools and construction sites
  • Operates heavy duty cleaning equipment such as vacuum cleaners, floor scrubbers and pressure washers
  • Removes rubbish and waste materials from designated areas
  • Dusts, polishes and disinfects furniture, fixtures and surfaces
  • Sweeps, mops and vacuums floors
  • Cleans internal window surfaces, mirrors and other glass surfaces
  • Maintains and organises cleaning equipment and supplies
  • Reports any maintenance or repair needs, or diminished supplies to the appropriate personnel
  • Follows safety procedures and guidelines while performing cleaning tasks
Unit Group

8112 Domestic Cleaners

Clean and tidy private dwellings such as houses, units, flats, apartments and townhouses.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 5: AQF Certificate I, or compulsory secondary education
Occupation

811231 Domestic Cleaner

Cleans and tidies private dwellings, such as houses, units, flats, apartments and townhouses.

Skill level: 5

Main tasks

  • Cleans and sanitises rooms in private dwellings, such as houses, units, flats, apartments and townhouses
  • Sweeps, mops and vacuums floors in living areas
  • Cleans and disinfects kitchen and bathroom areas, including countertops, sinks, appliances, toilets and showers
  • Dusts and polishes furniture, surfaces and fixtures
  • Empties and cleans rubbish bins, and disposes of waste
  • Reports any maintenance or repair needs to the homeowner
  • Follows health and safety guidelines to ensure a clean and safe environment
Unit Group

8113 Drycleaners and Laundry Workers

Sort, clean, fold, iron and package linen, clothing and other items in laundries and drycleaning establishments, and private residences.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 5: AQF Certificate I, or compulsory secondary education
Occupation

811331 Drycleaner

Cleans clothing, garments, upholstery and other fabrics using drycleaning agents and machines.

Skill level: 5

Main tasks

  • Inspects clothing, garments, upholstery and other fabrics for stains, damage and special care instructions
  • Sorts and separates items based on colour, fabric and cleaning requirements
  • Treats stains and spots using appropriate cleaning agents
  • Loads items into dry or wet cleaning machines, ensuring proper weight and balance
  • Adds cleaning agents and solvents to cleaning machines according to manufacturer instructions
  • Operates dry or wet cleaning machines to remove dirt, stains and odours from clothing and fabrics
  • Removes cleaned clothing and fabrics from cleaning machines, and inspects for any remaining stains or damage
  • Packages and prepares cleaned clothing and fabrics for return to customers
  • May repair minor damage to clothing, such as loose buttons or broken zippers
Occupation

811332 Laundry Worker

Sorts, cleans, irons, presses, folds and packages linen, clothing and other garments in a commercial laundry or private residence.

Specialisations

  • Folding Machine Operator
  • Hospital Linen Worker
  • Ironer or Presser
  • Linen Sorter

Skill level: 5

Main tasks

  • Sorts and separates soiled linen, clothing and other articles by type, colour and hygiene requirements
  • Mixes and adds detergents, dyes, bleaches, starches and other chemicals used in the cleaning process
  • Operates washing machines, dryers and other laundry equipment to clean and dry linen, clothing and other articles
  • Irons and presses clothing, garments and other articles using steam irons or pressing machines
  • Checks clothing, linen, fabrics and other articles for damage or defects
  • Folds or hangs garments, fabrics or other articles for storage or delivery
  • May perform minor repairs or alterations to clothing, linen or other articles
Unit Group

8114 Housekeepers

Perform cleaning and housekeeping duties in hotels, motels and other commercial premises, and in private residences.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 5: AQF Certificate I, or compulsory secondary education
Occupation

811431 Commercial Housekeeper

Cleans, vacuums and mops floors, makes beds, and restocks mini bars and bathroom supplies in hotel and motel rooms and other commercial premises.

Skill level: 5

Main tasks

  • Cleans and maintains cleanliness of hotel and motel rooms, and other commercial premises
  • Vacuums and mops floors to ensure cleanliness and hygiene
  • Makes beds and changes bed linen for guest comfort
  • Restocks mini bars and bathroom supplies to ensure availability for guests
  • Removes trash and empties waste bins
  • Dusts and polishes furniture and fixtures to keep them clean and presentable
  • Cleans and sanitises bathrooms, and takes used towels or linen to be washed
  • Reports any maintenance issues or damages to the appropriate personnel
Occupation

811432 Domestic Housekeeper

Cleans, cooks and performs other housekeeping tasks in private residences.

Skill level: 5

Main tasks

  • Cleans and tidies private residences, including dusting, vacuuming, mopping floors and cleaning surfaces
  • Makes beds and changes bed linen, and washes and irons clothes and linen
  • Cleans and organises bathrooms, including toilets, showers and sinks
  • Cleans and organises kitchens, including washing dishes, cleaning appliances and organising pantries
  • Shops for groceries and household supplies, and prepares and cooks meals according to clients' preferences and dietary restrictions
  • Takes care of household pets, including feeding, walking and grooming
  • Performs light gardening and outdoor maintenance tasks
  • Assists with other household tasks as needed, such as running errands or organising cupboards
Unit Group

8115 Vehicle Detailers

Wash and clean exteriors and interiors of vehicles, and touch up paint work, glass and upholstery to prepare them for private and commercial usage, sale and rent.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 5: AQF Certificate I, or compulsory secondary education
Occupation

811531 Vehicle Detailer

Washes and cleans exteriors and interiors of vehicles, and touches up paint work, glass and upholstery to prepare them for private or commercial usage, sale or rent.

Alternative title

  • Car Detailer

Specialisations

  • Boat Detailer
  • Pre-delivery Detailer
  • Truck Detailer

Skill level: 5

Main tasks

  • Inspects vehicles to identify areas that require cleaning and detailing
  • Consults with customers regarding detailing services and provides quotes
  • Washes and cleans the exteriors of vehicles using appropriate cleaning agents and equipment
  • Vacuums, cleans and removes stains and odours from the interiors of vehicles, including seats, carpets and upholstery
  • Cleans and polishes windows, mirrors, other glass surfaces, chrome and other metal surfaces of vehicles
  • Touches up paint work on vehicles to restore their appearance
  • Performs final inspections to ensure vehicles are clean and presentable for private or commercial usage, sale or rent
Unit Group

8119 Other Cleaners and Laundry Workers

This unit group covers Cleaners and Laundry Workers not elsewhere classified. It includes Carpet Cleaners, Roof Gutter Cleaners and Window Cleaners.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 4: AQF Certificate II, AQF Certificate III, or at least one year of relevant experience
  • Skill Level 5: AQF Certificate I, or compulsory secondary education
Occupation

811931 Carpet Cleaner

Cleans carpets, rugs and furniture upholstery using powder, liquid and steam cleaning methods, and applies soil-repellent chemicals and deodorants.

Specialisation

  • Upholstery Cleaner

Skill level: 4

Main tasks

  • Inspects carpets, rugs and upholstery to determine an appropriate cleaning method
  • Vacuums carpets, rugs and upholstery to remove dirt and debris
  • Applies pre-treatment solutions to stains and heavily soiled areas
  • Cleans carpets, rugs and upholstery using appropriate cleaning equipment, such as steam cleaners and extraction machines
  • Applies soil-repellent chemicals and deodorants to carpets, rugs and upholstery
  • Removes excess moisture from carpets, rugs and upholstery using extraction equipment
  • Inspects and evaluates the cleanliness of carpets, rugs and upholstery post-cleaning
Occupation

811932 Roof Gutter Cleaner

Cleans gutters on residential and commercial buildings.

Skill level: 5

Main tasks

  • Inspects gutters and surrounding work area for hazards
  • Removes leaves, dirt and other debris from gutters
  • Uses ladders or other equipment to access gutters at different heights
  • Checks and clears any downspouts for blockages
  • Ensures that all safety precautions are followed while working at heights
  • May perform minor repairs to gutters
Occupation

811933 Window Cleaner

Cleans interior and exterior window surfaces.

Specialisation

  • Rope Access Window Cleaner

Skill level: 5

Main tasks

  • Inspects interior and exterior windows of residential, commercial and high-rise buildings to determine the extent of cleaning required
  • Removes dirt, dust, grime and other stains from window surfaces using specialised cleaning solutions and tools
  • Cleans window frames, sills and tracks
  • Removes and replaces screens for cleaning
  • Uses ladders, scaffolding, ropes or other equipment to access windows at different heights
  • Ensures that all safety precautions are followed while working, including the use of chemicals and working at heights
Occupation

811999 Cleaners and Laundry Workers nec

This occupation group covers Cleaners and Laundry Workers not elsewhere classified.

Skill level: 5

Occupations in this group include:

  • Air Conditioner Cleaner
  • Chimney Sweep
  • Graffiti Cleaner
  • Peggy
  • Restoration Technician