This unit applies to the processes involved with shearing alpacas and is usually conducted within established routines, methods and procedures.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for shearing

1.1. Shearing materials, tools and equipment are checked for serviceability and prepared in readiness for shearing operations.

1.2. Alpacas to be shorn are identified, drafted and moved according to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), animal welfare and enterprise requirements.

1.3. Alpacas are positioned for shearing according to industry agreed shearing methods.

1.4. Potential and existing hazards in the workplace are identified, assessed and controlled according to OHS requirements.

1.5. Suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is selected, used and maintained according to OHS and enterprise requirements.

2. Perform shearing operations

2.1. Alpacas are shorn using shearing methods that minimise damage to the alpaca and fleece and ensure that volume of shearing meets enterprise requirements.

2.2. Safe and humane handling techniques are used at all times according to OHS and animal welfare requirements.

2.3. Own shearing performance is monitored and posture, shearing rate or speed and position of alpaca are adjusted as required.

3. Respond to complications

3.1. Where contamination is identified during shearing operations, it is reported to owner according to enterprise requirements.

3.2. Cuts to alpacas are treated according to industry standards and animal welfare requirements.

3.3. Problem alpacas are identified and appropriate measures are taken.

4. Complete shearing operation

4.1. Fleece is placed correctly for collection by handlers to avoid contamination and according to enterprise and industry requirements.

4.2. Shearing handpiece is set to non-operational position and stored according to manufacturer specifications and enterprise requirements.

4.3. Alpacas are safely released from the board into holding yards.

4.4. Shearing grievances and difficulties are reported to supervisor according to enterprise requirements.

4.5. Environmental implications associated with shearing activities are monitored and controlled according to enterprise requirements.

Required skills

identify hazards and apply safe work practices

appropriately treating injured alpacas

avoiding contamination, second cuts and damage to fleece, alpacas and people

demonstrating safe and environmentally responsible workplace practices

effectively communicating with work teams and supervisor, and comprehending and applying task instructions

handling alpacas with due care

maintaining safe and hazard-free equipment

observing signs of alpaca diseases and disorders

reading and interpreting Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), manufacturer specifications and shearing schedules

selecting, setting up and operating equipment appropriate to shearing tasks

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

alpaca anatomy and behavioural characteristics

alpaca diseases and treatments

codes of practice for alpaca shearing

components and functions of shearing equipment and machinery

environmental codes of practice with regard to livestock production

industry-accepted handling and shearing techniques and positions

OHS, environment and animal welfare legislative and enterprise requirements

relevant industry awards

types of shearing sheds, boards and catching pens.

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:

set up and adjust handpiece to the shearing conditions

operate shearing equipment safely

position alpaca and restrain for shearer safety

avoid damage to alpaca as well as second cuts and contaminants in fleece

handle and shear alpacas using industry-accepted methods and procedures

meet volume and productivity expectations.

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 types and strains of alpacas and all fleece types, including crossbred, huacaya, and suri.

Unit sector

Shearing

This unit contains employability skills.