Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare handpieces and downtubes for machine shearing.
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. Prepare combs and cutters for shearing | 1.1 Select combs and cutters to suit fleece type and shearing conditions 1.2 Check combs and cutters for serviceability and prepare 1.3 Identify comb and cutter faults or malfunctions and report for repair or replacement 1.4 Clean combs and cutters prior to sharpening 1.5 Change combs and cutters during the shearing operations to suit shearing conditions 1.6 Identify potential and existing hazards and report to supervisor |
2. Prepare handpiece for shearing | 2.1 Secure comb and cutter for shearing 2.2 Lubricate handpiece prior to shearing 2.3 Adjust tension to suit shearing conditions and preference of the shearer 2.4 Check handpiece for serviceability and prepare 2.5 Identify handpiece faults or malfunctions and report for repair or replacement |
3. Prepare downtube for shearing | 3.1 Check downtube is checked for serviceability and prepare 3.2. Identify downtube faults or malfunctions and report for repair or replacement 3.3 Adjust safety clutch 3.4 Adjust downtube 3.5 Lubricate downtube prior to shearing |
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 provide evidence that they can:
identify hazards and implement safe operating procedures
select and load comb and cutter for shearing
prepare combs, cutters, handpieces and downtubes for shearing
lubricate and maintain handpiece and downtube
carry out minor maintenance and repairs
recognise and clearly report any work health and safety hazards to the appropriate person
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
components of a shearing handpiece
components of a downtube
terminology for handpieces and downtubes
maintenance and lubrication procedures for shearing equipment and handpieces
types of combs and cutters to use under different conditions
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)