This unit applies to shearers, crutchers or the shed manager and is usually conducted within established routines, methods and procedures.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare combs and cutters for shearing

1.1. Combs and cutters are selected to suit fleece type and shearing conditions.

1.2. Combs and cutters are checked for serviceability and prepared in line with manufacturer's specifications and enterprise requirements.

1.3. Comb and cutter faults or malfunctions are identified and reported for repair or replacement in accordance with enterprise requirements.

1.4. Combs and cutters are cleaned prior to sharpening to enterprise requirements.

1.5. Combs and cutters are changed during the shearing operations to suit shearing conditions.

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

2. Prepare handpiece for shearing

2.1. Comb and cutter are secured for shearing.

2.2. Handpiece is lubricated prior to shearing.

2.3. Tension is adjusted to suit shearing conditions and preference of the shearer.

2.4. Handpiece is checked for serviceability and prepared in line with manufacturer's specifications and enterprise requirements.

2.5. Handpiece faults or malfunctions are identified and reported for repair or replacement in line with enterprise requirements.

3. Prepare downtube for shearing

3.1. Downtube is checked for serviceability and prepared in line with manufacturer's specifications and enterprise requirements.

3.2. Downtube faults or malfunctions are identified and reported for repair or replacement in line with enterprise requirements.

3.3. Safety clutch is adjusted in line with manufacturer's specifications and enterprise requirements.

3.4. Downtube is adjusted in line with manufacturer's specifications and enterprise requirements.

3.5. Downtube is lubricated prior to shearing.

Required skills

identify hazards and implement safe operating procedures

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 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

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

OHS policies and practices in the wool shed before and during shearing and crutching.

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:

select and load comb and cutter for shearing

lubricate and maintain handpiece

lubricate downtube and check safety clutch

recognise and remedy or report any health and safety hazards

carry out minor maintenance on handpiece and downtube as required.

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.

Handpiece and downtube may include:

the handpiece and downtube used in commercial shearing.

Handpiece and downtube excludes:

drive gear or grinding equipment.

Unit sector

Shearing

This unit contains employability skills.