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

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare materials, tools and equipment for alpaca shearing support activities

1.1. Required materials, tools and equipment are identified according to lists provided and/or supervisor instructions.

1.2. Checks are conducted on all materials, tools and equipment, and insufficient or faulty items are reported to supervisor.

1.3. Suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and clothing are selected and checked prior to use.

1.4. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards in the workplace are recognised and reported to supervisor, and actions are taken to minimise risks to self and others.

2. Carry out alpaca shearing support duties

2.1. Supervisor instructions are followed and clarification is sought when necessary.

2.2. Work is undertaken in a safe and environmentally appropriate manner, using correct manual handling techniques and according to enterprise and OHS guidelines and animal welfare requirements.

2.3. Interactions with others are carried out in a positive and professional manner.

2.4. Problems or difficulties that may impact on completion of work to the required standards or achievement of timelines are reported to supervisor and remedial action is taken as directed.

2.5. Site quarantine and other biosecurity protocols are observed.

2.6. Waste material produced during alpaca shearing is stored in a designated area according to supervisor instructions.

2.7. Own work area is kept clean and tidy while working and assistance is provided as instructed to keep the general work area clean and tidy.

3. Clean up on completion of alpaca shearing

3.1. Materials are returned to store or disposed of according to supervisor instructions.

3.2. Tools and equipment are cleaned, maintained and stored according to manufacturer specifications and supervisor instructions.

3.3. Work outcomes are reported to supervisor, feedback on performance is sought and any required improvements are noted for future action.

Required skills

identifying hazards and applying safe work practices

cleaning up during and on completion of alpaca shearing

handling, penning and working around alpacas

preparing and handling materials, tools and equipment for alpaca shearing support 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 fleece types

basic fleece handling practices

safe work practices associated with alpaca shearing activities

shearing tools and equipment

OHS, environment and animal welfare requirements.

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:

prepare facilities for alpaca shearing

handle animals safely and humanely while being shorn

remove contaminants from shorn fleece and sort and pack according to enterprise requirements

deal with shearing wounds or injuries if required

monitor weather conditions post-shearing for risk of exposure for shorn animals.

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.