Assessor Resource

AHCSHG208A
Shear alpacas

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit applies to the processes involved with shearing alpacas and is usually conducted within established routines, methods and procedures.

This unit covers the process of selecting, handling and shearing alpacas and defines the standard required to: set up and adjust handpiece to the shearing conditions; operate shearing equipment safely; position alpaca and restrain for shearer safety; avoid damage to alpaca as well as second cuts and contaminants in fleece; handle and shear alpacas using industry-accepted methods and procedures; meet volume and productivity expectations.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

set up and adjust handpiece to the shearing conditions

operate shearing equipment safely

position alpaca and restrain for shearer safety

avoid damage to alpaca as well as second cuts and contaminants in fleece

handle and shear alpacas using industry-accepted methods and procedures

meet volume and productivity expectations.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

identify hazards and apply safe work practices

appropriately treating injured alpacas

avoiding contamination, second cuts and damage to fleece, alpacas and people

demonstrating safe and environmentally responsible workplace practices

effectively communicating with work teams and supervisor, and comprehending and applying task instructions

handling alpacas with due care

maintaining safe and hazard-free equipment

observing signs of alpaca diseases and disorders

reading and interpreting Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), manufacturer specifications and shearing schedules

selecting, setting up and operating equipment appropriate to shearing tasks

use literacy skills to follow sequenced written instructions and record information accurately and legibly

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

alpaca anatomy and behavioural characteristics

alpaca diseases and treatments

codes of practice for alpaca shearing

components and functions of shearing equipment and machinery

environmental codes of practice with regard to livestock production

industry-accepted handling and shearing techniques and positions

OHS, environment and animal welfare legislative and enterprise requirements

relevant industry awards

types of shearing sheds, boards and catching pens.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Animals may include:

all types and strains of alpacas and all fleece types, including crossbred, huacaya, and suri.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Shearing materials, tools and equipment are checked for serviceability and prepared in readiness for shearing operations. 
Alpacas to be shorn are identified, drafted and moved according to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), animal welfare and enterprise requirements. 
Alpacas are positioned for shearing according to industry agreed shearing methods. 
Potential and existing hazards in the workplace are identified, assessed and controlled according to OHS requirements. 
Suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is selected, used and maintained according to OHS and enterprise requirements. 
Alpacas are shorn using shearing methods that minimise damage to the alpaca and fleece and ensure that volume of shearing meets enterprise requirements. 
Safe and humane handling techniques are used at all times according to OHS and animal welfare requirements. 
Own shearing performance is monitored and posture, shearing rate or speed and position of alpaca are adjusted as required. 
Where contamination is identified during shearing operations, it is reported to owner according to enterprise requirements. 
Cuts to alpacas are treated according to industry standards and animal welfare requirements. 
Problem alpacas are identified and appropriate measures are taken. 
Fleece is placed correctly for collection by handlers to avoid contamination and according to enterprise and industry requirements. 
Shearing handpiece is set to non-operational position and stored according to manufacturer specifications and enterprise requirements. 
Alpacas are safely released from the board into holding yards. 
Shearing grievances and difficulties are reported to supervisor according to enterprise requirements. 
Environmental implications associated with shearing activities are monitored and controlled according to enterprise requirements. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCSHG208A - Shear alpacas
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

AHCSHG208A - Shear alpacas

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: