Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to grind combs and cutters for machine shearing so that they are effective for the type of wool and shearing conditions.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety, biosecurity requirements and sustainability practices.
This unit applies to individuals who work under general supervision and exercise limited autonomy with some accountability for their own work.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Determine need for sharpening combs and cutters | 1.1 Check combs and cutters for wear and report any issues found 1.2 Clean combs and cutters prior to grinding 1.3 Identify work health and safety hazards and report to supervisor |
2. Prepare grinder and pendulum for use | 2.1 Check the grinder and its location for serviceability and safety report safety hazards to supervisor 2.2 Identify grinder faults or malfunctions and report to supervisor for repair or replacement 2.3 Apply grinding papers to grinder discs 2.4 Store and care for grinding papers 2.5 Check, clean and adjust the bottom bar of the pendulum to ensure it is true 2.6 Confirm that the pressure bar and pins are set at the recommended distance 2.7 Check the height setting of pendulum |
3. Carry out grinding | 3.1 Wear eye protection while grinding is carried out 3.2 Secure comb or cutter for grinding 3.3 Apply correct pressure while grinding 3.4 Grind combs and cutters as directed 3.5 Check combs and cutters visually for even grinding 3.6 Identify and rectify faults or unevenness in grinding 3.7 Ensure grinding wheel is not left running when unattended |
Evidence of Performance
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 be observed grinding combs and cutters for machine shearing.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
identify hazards and apply safe work practices
determine need for sharpening combs and cutters
prepare grinder and pendulum for use
carry out grinding to industry standards
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
types of combs and cutters
terminology, techniques and procedures for grinding combs and cutters
setting of, storage and caring for grinding papers
tools and equipment used in grinding combs and cutters
work health and safety legislation and codes of practice applying to the job role
Assessment Conditions
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or workplace and simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Shearing (SHG)