Mikey P
Administrator
Not so long ago the IICRC had some competion in training the cleaning industry. I would assume most of you neve saw this but how do you think you would do if assed in this way?
Carpet Cleaning Technician
Station 1: Fiber Identification and Choice of Cleaning Product
Purpose of this task: In order to identify proper cleaning chemistry to be used; it is imperative
that the fibers to be cleaned are identified. Knowing the fiber content and characteristics of
the specific fiber will also assist in understanding its performance and soiling potential.
The candidate will perform the proper procedures needed to disengage a yarn from each
identified, carpet sample provided. The tools necessary for the “burn test” will be provided.
No additional educational materials concerning the burn test will be provided. The candidate
must identify the carpet fiber used to produce each of the carpet samples and indicate on the
recording sheet provided the name of the fiber/s and type of fiber/s tested using the codes
indicated on the form.
The candidate will also have an option to confirm their findings with chemical analysis. Formic
acid and bleach will be available at the testing station. CAUTION: There are inherent risks
associated with the burn test and chemical analysis. The appropriate Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE) is required to be used at the station by all candidates and caution is to be
used. Candidate is required to provide their own PPE (see checklist).
Specific directions for the workstation will be provided at test time at the Fiber Identification
Station.
The candidate will be asked to identify the following fibers: Acrylic/Wool blend, nylon,
olefin/polypropylene, polyester/triexta, wool, and backing samples consisting of cellulosic and
olefin/polypropylene.
The candidate will be asked to identify whether the fiber is Natural, Synthetic, or a combination
of natural and synthetic.
The candidate will also be asked to identify with a yes or no whether or not the cleaning
products labeled L1 to L8 would be appropriate on the identified fiber.
Carpet Cleaning Technician
Station 2: Carpet Construction Identification
Purpose of this task: Each carpet construction possesses various characteristics that impact the
installation and cleaning process. Knowing the carpet construction assists the qualified cleaner
in knowing what to look for prior to and during the cleaning process
The Candidate will be asked to identify the eight carpet constructions; some of which are not as
popular in the United States but still could be encountered. Along with identifying the carpet
constructions, Candidates will be asked to identify which construction(s) will delaminate.
Carpet Cleaning Technician
Station 3: Area and Chemistry Measurements
Purpose of this task: Measurement of an area as well as measuring for proper chemical
dilutions is important in the cleaning process. Measurement of an area is important in the
bidding process as well as application of products and application rate. Mixing of chemicals
used is extremely important in proper cleaning. The importance of following label directions
cannot be over-emphasized. There may be legal ramifications for those that don’t follow these
directions based upon what is being mixed. In order for the product to work as intended by the
manufacturer, mixing directions are critical. Lastly, a dye stability test is often indicated on the
label of many cleaning chemical bottles so that adverse effects can be minimized and to
determine whether or not that product should be used on this textile.
The Candidate will be asked to measure defined areas within the testing area with a tape
measure; a rolatape; a sonar or laser measuring device and measure according to a blueprint
with an architectural ruler. The Candidate will be asked to compute square feet and also
provide an estimate according to additional information supplied. The Candidate will also be
asked to mix certain products according to label instructions.
Lastly, the Candidate will be asked to perform a “dry crock” as well as a “wet side” test to
determine whether or not a product can be used on the textile given.
Carpet Cleaning Technician
Station 4: Vacuuming
Purpose of this task: S100 indicates six principles with all cleaning systems. Principle #2
involves vacuuming which is often a missing element and has been identified as a very
important step in the cleaning process to remove dry particle soil. The candidate will be
assessed in three major steps in the vacuuming process: Pre-inspection, Vacuuming Technique,
Re-assembling the vacuum for transport.
The candidate will be asked to inspect the vacuum provided prior to use. The candidate will be
asked to vacuum a certain amount of carpet area and their vacuuming technique will be
assessed. Lastly, the candidate will be asked to pack up the vacuum and prepare it for
transport to the next job. How this is accomplished will be assessed by the assessor.
Carpet Cleaning Technician
Station 5A: Cleaning Systems Assessment
Purpose of this task: S100 identifies six cleaning systems plus vacuuming as a stand-alone
system. Some of these systems can also be combined for both maintenance as well as
restorative cleaning. To succeed in cleaning, certain principles must be followed. ICRA will be
testing four of the six cleaning systems due to the fact that the physical motions involved with
some systems parallel other systems.
On a cut-pile carpet, the hot water extraction system will be used. The candidate will be
assessed in their application and use of the pre-spray. The candidate will be instructed to
continue the cleaning process and asked to specifically demonstrate 3 types of wand strokes.
The candidate will finish the cleaning process. The entire cleaning process will be assessed by
the assessor.
Carpet Cleaning Technician
Station 5B: Cleaning Systems Assessment
Purpose of this task: S100 identifies six cleaning systems plus vacuuming as a stand-alone
system. Some of these systems can also be combined for both maintenance as well as
restorative cleaning. To succeed in cleaning, certain principles must be followed. ICRA will be
testing four of the six cleaning systems due to the fact that the physical motions involved with
some systems parallel other systems.
On a loop carpet the candidate will be asked to clean a certain area of the carpet with: 1)
Absorbent Compound Method; 2) Absorbent Pad Method; 3) Encapsulation Cleaning Method.
PAD: Carpet Cleaning Technician
Station 6: Urine Contamination (Full Treatment)
Purpose of this task: There are many ways to deal with urine contamination. This assessment
station will require the candidate to inspect the station, disengage the textile, remove and
replace a section of the tackstrip as well as carpet cushion, deal with the subfloor/substrate,
and finally re-engage the carpet.
The assessor will assess many variables in this full treatment process.
Carpet Cleaning Technician
Station 7: Spot & Stain Identification and removal
Purpose of this task: The final station assessment will deal with spots and stains. The
candidate will be given 30 minutes to complete the tasks given at this station. There will be 10
items to identify and attempt removal. All the tools necessary for this station will be provided.
Safety is a key element at this station.
* An exception is being developed to allow for a person with a potential conflict of interest to
be an Assessor by complying with some additional requirements and restrictions that are
currently being developed and reviewed.
Carpet Cleaning Technician
Station 1: Fiber Identification and Choice of Cleaning Product
Purpose of this task: In order to identify proper cleaning chemistry to be used; it is imperative
that the fibers to be cleaned are identified. Knowing the fiber content and characteristics of
the specific fiber will also assist in understanding its performance and soiling potential.
The candidate will perform the proper procedures needed to disengage a yarn from each
identified, carpet sample provided. The tools necessary for the “burn test” will be provided.
No additional educational materials concerning the burn test will be provided. The candidate
must identify the carpet fiber used to produce each of the carpet samples and indicate on the
recording sheet provided the name of the fiber/s and type of fiber/s tested using the codes
indicated on the form.
The candidate will also have an option to confirm their findings with chemical analysis. Formic
acid and bleach will be available at the testing station. CAUTION: There are inherent risks
associated with the burn test and chemical analysis. The appropriate Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE) is required to be used at the station by all candidates and caution is to be
used. Candidate is required to provide their own PPE (see checklist).
Specific directions for the workstation will be provided at test time at the Fiber Identification
Station.
The candidate will be asked to identify the following fibers: Acrylic/Wool blend, nylon,
olefin/polypropylene, polyester/triexta, wool, and backing samples consisting of cellulosic and
olefin/polypropylene.
The candidate will be asked to identify whether the fiber is Natural, Synthetic, or a combination
of natural and synthetic.
The candidate will also be asked to identify with a yes or no whether or not the cleaning
products labeled L1 to L8 would be appropriate on the identified fiber.
Carpet Cleaning Technician
Station 2: Carpet Construction Identification
Purpose of this task: Each carpet construction possesses various characteristics that impact the
installation and cleaning process. Knowing the carpet construction assists the qualified cleaner
in knowing what to look for prior to and during the cleaning process
The Candidate will be asked to identify the eight carpet constructions; some of which are not as
popular in the United States but still could be encountered. Along with identifying the carpet
constructions, Candidates will be asked to identify which construction(s) will delaminate.
Carpet Cleaning Technician
Station 3: Area and Chemistry Measurements
Purpose of this task: Measurement of an area as well as measuring for proper chemical
dilutions is important in the cleaning process. Measurement of an area is important in the
bidding process as well as application of products and application rate. Mixing of chemicals
used is extremely important in proper cleaning. The importance of following label directions
cannot be over-emphasized. There may be legal ramifications for those that don’t follow these
directions based upon what is being mixed. In order for the product to work as intended by the
manufacturer, mixing directions are critical. Lastly, a dye stability test is often indicated on the
label of many cleaning chemical bottles so that adverse effects can be minimized and to
determine whether or not that product should be used on this textile.
The Candidate will be asked to measure defined areas within the testing area with a tape
measure; a rolatape; a sonar or laser measuring device and measure according to a blueprint
with an architectural ruler. The Candidate will be asked to compute square feet and also
provide an estimate according to additional information supplied. The Candidate will also be
asked to mix certain products according to label instructions.
Lastly, the Candidate will be asked to perform a “dry crock” as well as a “wet side” test to
determine whether or not a product can be used on the textile given.
Carpet Cleaning Technician
Station 4: Vacuuming
Purpose of this task: S100 indicates six principles with all cleaning systems. Principle #2
involves vacuuming which is often a missing element and has been identified as a very
important step in the cleaning process to remove dry particle soil. The candidate will be
assessed in three major steps in the vacuuming process: Pre-inspection, Vacuuming Technique,
Re-assembling the vacuum for transport.
The candidate will be asked to inspect the vacuum provided prior to use. The candidate will be
asked to vacuum a certain amount of carpet area and their vacuuming technique will be
assessed. Lastly, the candidate will be asked to pack up the vacuum and prepare it for
transport to the next job. How this is accomplished will be assessed by the assessor.
Carpet Cleaning Technician
Station 5A: Cleaning Systems Assessment
Purpose of this task: S100 identifies six cleaning systems plus vacuuming as a stand-alone
system. Some of these systems can also be combined for both maintenance as well as
restorative cleaning. To succeed in cleaning, certain principles must be followed. ICRA will be
testing four of the six cleaning systems due to the fact that the physical motions involved with
some systems parallel other systems.
On a cut-pile carpet, the hot water extraction system will be used. The candidate will be
assessed in their application and use of the pre-spray. The candidate will be instructed to
continue the cleaning process and asked to specifically demonstrate 3 types of wand strokes.
The candidate will finish the cleaning process. The entire cleaning process will be assessed by
the assessor.
Carpet Cleaning Technician
Station 5B: Cleaning Systems Assessment
Purpose of this task: S100 identifies six cleaning systems plus vacuuming as a stand-alone
system. Some of these systems can also be combined for both maintenance as well as
restorative cleaning. To succeed in cleaning, certain principles must be followed. ICRA will be
testing four of the six cleaning systems due to the fact that the physical motions involved with
some systems parallel other systems.
On a loop carpet the candidate will be asked to clean a certain area of the carpet with: 1)
Absorbent Compound Method; 2) Absorbent Pad Method; 3) Encapsulation Cleaning Method.
PAD: Carpet Cleaning Technician
Station 6: Urine Contamination (Full Treatment)
Purpose of this task: There are many ways to deal with urine contamination. This assessment
station will require the candidate to inspect the station, disengage the textile, remove and
replace a section of the tackstrip as well as carpet cushion, deal with the subfloor/substrate,
and finally re-engage the carpet.
The assessor will assess many variables in this full treatment process.
Carpet Cleaning Technician
Station 7: Spot & Stain Identification and removal
Purpose of this task: The final station assessment will deal with spots and stains. The
candidate will be given 30 minutes to complete the tasks given at this station. There will be 10
items to identify and attempt removal. All the tools necessary for this station will be provided.
Safety is a key element at this station.
* An exception is being developed to allow for a person with a potential conflict of interest to
be an Assessor by complying with some additional requirements and restrictions that are
currently being developed and reviewed.