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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Set-up shearing handpiece as directed
   • Identify potential and existing hazards in the workplace and report to supervisor
   • Check shearing equipment for correct operation
   • Assemble comb and cutter on handpiece
   • Set lead and throw
   • Set tension to enable comb and cutter to cut wool cleanly with minimum friction
   • Lubricate working surfaces and moving parts
2. Follow health and fitness procedures
   • Prepare for exercises to warm-up the body
   • Perform back, shoulder, leg, arm, and abdomen stretches
   • Recognise the necessities of hydration, nutrition and rest periods
   • Select suitable personal protective equipment and ensure correct fit
3. Catch sheep for shearing
   • Catch and move sheep in line with organisational, work health and safety, industry and animal welfare standards
   • Move sheep from the catching pen to the shearing board using safe manual handling techniques
   • Position sheep for shearing and crutching
4. Remove wool
   • Activate handpiece and position in readiness for shearing and crutching operations
   • Shear and crutch section of sheep as directed
   • Release sheep safely from the board into the count-out pens

Range Statement

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Performance Evidence

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

follow safety directions

select, prepare and use tools equipment and materials appropriate for shearing sheep work

ensure health and fitness for shearing

avoid contamination, second cuts and damage to wool, sheep and people

catch and shear a sheep in line with organisational, animal welfare and work health safety standards

demonstrate safe and responsible workplace practices

clean and maintain shearing equipment, site and facilities

communicate problems, faults and workplace hazards, and to comprehend instructions provided by the owner or overseer

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

types of shearing sheds, boards and catching pens

shearing machinery required and their relative functions

industry agreed shearing and crutching techniques, and positions and method of shearing

features of safe handling techniques for catching, dragging, shearing and releasing sheep

basic anatomy of male and female sheep as it relates to the safe, humane removal of wool.

common sheep diseases as they relate to work health and safety and humane treatment of animals

the impacts of sheep behaviour on moving, handling and shearing sheep

animal welfare requirements in relation to sheep

personal protective clothing and equipment and when and how it should be used

Federal and/or State shearing awards and agreements associated with shearing sheep

work health and safety legislation and codes of practice apply to the job role

animal welfare legislation and codes of practice apply to the job role

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