This unit applies to preparing combs and cutters for machine shearing and is carried out routinely by either the shearer or shed expert/manager.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Grind combs and cutters

1.1. Faulty components are identified and level of repair or replacement requirements are determined.

1.2. Grinder is operated in a safe manner without risk of injury to operator or others or damage to equipment.

1.3. Pendulum pin settings are adjusted and set and pendulum bar is clean and checked for level.

1.4. Grinding plates are tested visually in terms of being balanced and true.

1.5. Worn and incorrectly adhered papers are identified and replaced.

1.6. Grinder is set.

1.7. Even wear of combs and cutters is identified and combs and cutters are sharpened.

2. Dress combs

2.1. Bevel is selected and/or modified, appropriate to wool type.

2.2. Factors affecting combs selection are described in terms of type of sheep and seasonal conditions.

2.3. Comb teeth are dressed to uniform shape and length.

2.4. Comb teeth are uniformly thinned along their length.

2.5. Comb is polished leaving no rough or sharp points.

Required skills

identify hazards and apply safe operating procedures to grinding

determine need for sharpening combs and cutters

determine need for dressing combs

prepare grinder and pendulum for use

carry out grinding

set, store and care for grinding papers

dress combs, including selecting bevels, teeth thinning and polishing

report safety concerns to the appropriate person

use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legible information collected and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious 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

tools and equipment used in grinding combs, and cutters and dressing combs

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) policies and practices related to 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

determine need for dressing combs

prepare grinder and pendulum for use

grind the leading edge of comb and cutter to suit the wool type and conditions in accordance with industry standards and manufacturers guidelines

set, store and care for grinding papers

dress combs, including selecting bevels, teeth thinning and polishing.

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:

the full range of types and makes and wear status which are required for shearing in different situations.

Unit sector

Shearing

This unit contains employability skills.