Elements and Performance Criteria
- Prepare for crutching operations
- Crutching equipment is checked for correct operation prior to crutching session.
- Sheep to be crutched are identified, caught and moved in line with organisational, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), industry, and animal welfare standards.
- Sheep are positioned for crutching in line with organisation determined and industry agreed crutching methods.
- Potential and existing hazards in the workplace are identified and reported to the supervisor.
- Suitable personal protective equipment is selected, used and maintained in line with OHS and workplace procedures.
- Perform crutching operations
- Handpiece is activated and positioned in readiness for crutching.
- Wool is shorn from face, crutch or belly as instructed and in line with industry standards.
- Crutching methods are used to ensure that injury to the sheep and damage to the fleece is avoided.
- Safe handling techniques are used at all times.
- Respond to complications
- Contamination is identified during crutching and reported to wool handlers in line with enterprise requirements.
- Cuts are treated in accordance with industry standards and animal welfare requirements.
- Flyblown sheep are identified and reported in line with industry standards and animal welfare requirements.
- Problem sheep are identified and reported in line with enterprise and industry requirements.
- Complete crutching operations
- Wool is placed to avoid contamination and for wool handlers to collect in line with enterprise and industry requirements.
- Handpiece is switched off and re-positioned to non-operational position.
- Sheep are safely released from the board into the count out pens.
- Crutching grievances and difficulties are reported in line with enterprise and industry requirements.