This unit applies to the processes involved with the grinding of combs and cutters for machine shearing and is usually conducted within established routines, methods and procedures.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Determine need for sharpening combs and cutters

1.1. Combs and cutters are checked for wear in line with supervisor's instructions.

1.2. Combs and cutters are cleaned to enterprise and manufacturers recommendations prior to grinding.

1.3. Potential and existing hazards are recognised, controlled and reported in line with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and organisational requirements.

2. Prepare grinder and pendulum for use

2.1. The grinder and its location are checked for serviceability.

2.2. Grinder faults or malfunctions are identified and reported to supervisor for repair or replacement.

2.3. Grinding papers are applied to grinder discs.

2.4. Grinding papers are correctly stored and cared for.

2.5. The bottom bar of the pendulum is checked, cleaned and adjusted to ensure it is true.

2.6. The pressure bar and pins are set at the recommended distance in accordance with manufacturers guidelines.

2.7. Height setting of pendulum is checked in line to manufacturer's guidelines.

3. Carry out grinding

3.1. Eye protection is worn while grinding is carried out.

3.2. Comb or cutter is secured for grinding.

3.3. Correct pressure is applied while grinding.

3.4. Combs and cutters are ground according to manufacturer's specifications and/or supervisors instructions.

3.5. Combs and cutters are visually checked for even grinding.

3.6. Faults or unevenness in grinding are identified and rectified.

3.7. Grinding wheel is not left running when unattended.

Required skills

identify hazards and apply safe work practices

determine need for sharpening combs and cutters

prepare grinder and pendulum for use

carryout grinding

clearly report any OHS hazards to the appropriate person

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 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

OHS requirements for grinding combs and cutters.

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:

determine need for sharpening combs and cutters

prepare grinder and pendulum for use

wash combs and cutters ready for grinding

carry out grinding using PPE and being mindful of others safety

detect faults and unevenness in grinding and make adjustments.

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.

Combs and cutters may include:

any of the brands or types of combs and cutters and grinding equipment.

Unit sector

Shearing

This unit contains employability skills.