This unit applies to the crutching of sheep within enterprise guidelines and is usually conducted within established routines, methods and procedures.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for crutching operations

1.1. Crutching equipment is checked for correct operation prior to crutching session.

1.2. Sheep to be crutched are identified, caught and moved in line with organisational, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), industry, and animal welfare standards.

1.3. Sheep are positioned for crutching in line with organisation determined and industry agreed crutching methods.

1.4. Potential and existing hazards in the workplace are identified and reported to the supervisor.

1.5. Suitable personal protective equipment is selected, used and maintained in line with OHS and workplace procedures.

2. Perform crutching operations

2.1. Handpiece is activated and positioned in readiness for crutching.

2.2. Wool is shorn from face, crutch or belly as instructed and in line with industry standards.

2.3. Crutching methods are used to ensure that injury to the sheep and damage to the fleece is avoided.

2.4. Safe handling techniques are used at all times.

3. Respond to complications

3.1. Contamination is identified during crutching and reported to wool handlers in line with enterprise requirements.

3.2. Cuts are treated in accordance with industry standards and animal welfare requirements.

3.3. Flyblown sheep are identified and reported in line with industry standards and animal welfare requirements.

3.4. Problem sheep are identified and reported in line with enterprise and industry requirements.

4. Complete crutching operations

4.1. Wool is placed to avoid contamination and for wool handlers to collect in line with enterprise and industry requirements.

4.2. Handpiece is switched off and re-positioned to non-operational position.

4.3. Sheep are safely released from the board into the count out pens.

4.4. Crutching grievances and difficulties are reported in line with enterprise and industry requirements.

Required skills

identify hazards and implement safe work procedures

select and use equipment and materials appropriate for crutching sheep

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

catch and release sheep safely

demonstrate safe and responsible workplace practices

provide due care and handle sheep humanely

clean and maintain crutching equipment, site and facilities

read and interpret manufacturers specifications, work and maintenance plans

work in a team as a team member

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

tally crutched sheep count

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

types of shearing sheds, boards and catching pens

shearing machinery required and their relative functions

industry agreed crutching techniques, positions and methods of crutching

safe handling techniques for catching, dragging, crutching and releasing sheep

anatomy of all types of sheep

sheep diseases

animal welfare requirements in relation to sheep

sheep behaviour

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

Federal Pastoral Industry Award and/or State Shearing Award of Queensland or Western Australian Shearing Contractors Award

relevant State/Territory legislation and awards, regulations and codes of practice with regard to workplace OHS and animal welfare.

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:

load and prepare handpiece and ensure combs and cutters are sharp

catch sheep and move into position for crutching

crutch wool from face, belly and crutch area as directed for the mob

clear maggots and shear stained wool from fly blown sheep

avoid contamination in the wool and assist in keeping stained wool separate

disengage handpiece and release sheep after crutching.

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.

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

Animals may include:

all breeds and types of sheep.

Crutching may include:

all crutch patterns recognised in the industry.

Sheds may include:

a shearing shed

or a mobile crutching plant.

Unit sector

Shearing

This unit contains employability skills.