This unit is carried out within a clearly defined range of contexts in which the choice of actions required is usually clear and there is limited complexity in the range of options to be applied. The imperative is to work at the required rate and maintain attention to detail in handling wool and other duties.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Remove contamination from the fleece

1.1. Stained wool, black wool and contamination are removed on the shearing board according to the instructions of the supervisor.

1.2. Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) is selected and used.

1.3. Any bending and lifting that is required is done according to safe working practices and using the available safety equipment.

2. Remove fleeces and component parts from the shearing board

2.1. Wool is picked up after the shearing handpiece has been disengaged and not before.

2.2. Wet wool is identified and removed for drying.

2.3. Belly wool is picked up and stained wool removed.

2.4. Crutch wool is removed and the hind leg repositioned if necessary.

2.5. The hind legs of the fleece are arranged to allow for the fleece to be picked up efficiently.

2.6. Fleece is picked up in a controlled bundle and removed from shearing stand as soon as sheep is shorn.

2.7. Fleece is carried to the wool table and thrown to land flat and spread out ready for skirting.

2.8. Loose wool remaining in the let-out chute is collected.

2.9. All wool removed from the fleece and from the shearing board is placed in the correct bins or on the correct table.

2.10. All bending and lifting that is required is done according to safe working practices and using the available safety equipment.

3. Handle non-fleece wool

3.1. Locks are swept up and placed in correct bins.

3.2. Board and table locks are kept separate, where directed.

3.3. Shanks and jowls are removed, if directed, and placed in correct bin.

3.4. Pizzle stain is removed from bellies and placed in stains line.

3.5. Brisket wool is removed if directed by the wool classer.

3.6. Crutchings are swept clear of the board, stain and dags are removed, and placed in correct bins.

3.7. Lambs wool and prematurely shorn wools are carried to the wool table using boards or paddles, if required.

3.8. Lambs wool is correctly placed on tables for sorting.

4. Skirt fleeces under supervision

4.1. Information is sought on wool classer requirements for mob.

4.2. Fribs and sweats are removed and placed in correct bins.

4.3. Short crutch wool and wiggings are removed and placed with locks.

4.4. Wool carrying vegetable matter is removed under wool classer supervision.

4.5. Feedback is sought on accuracy of skirting and fleece to skirtings ratio.

4.6. Wool classer or wool roller is assisted in separating fleece wool, which has been identified as defective or lacking uniformity.

5. Sweep the board and wool room

5.1. Shearing boards, wool room and area beneath the wool table are swept regularly and when necessary during the shearing operation.

5.2. The shearing boards and the wool room are kept free of potential contamination.

5.3. Waste is removed and appropriately placed in full consideration of environmental implications.

5.4. All bending and lifting that is required is done according to safe working practices and using the available safety equipment.

6. Empty bins and other wool containers

6.1. Bins and other wool containers are emptied, as necessary, and replaced as directed by the person in charge.

6.2. Waste is removed and appropriately placed in full consideration of environmental implications.

6.3. All bending and lifting that is required is done according to safe working practices and using the available safety equipment.

7. Perform cut-out duties

7.1. All butts and bins are emptied and wool pressed.

7.2. Bales are stacked.

7.3. Wool working area is swept clean.

7.4. Equipment is stored.

7.5. Board is washed down and disinfected.

Required skills

identify hazards and follow safety directions

remove fleeces and sweep boards before the next sheep is dragged for shearing

pick up fleeces safely

remove non-fleece wools from the board and place in correct bins

identify and accurately remove stains

use correct technique for skirting and rolling fleece

check quantities in bins

sweep floors and remove contamination

work rapidly within specified timeframes

observe and report on adverse environmental impacts

interpret verbal and visual signals within the woolshed given by the supervisor, the wool classer and the shearers

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

the parts of a fleece and their names

the shed layout

duties and responsibilities of a board person

sources of contamination of the fleece, and other aspects of the total quality management (TQM) systems in place for the clip

methods of handling fleece that minimise risk to own health, including safe lifting and bending techniques.

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:

remove fleeces and sweep board before the next sheep is dragged for shearing

pick up and throw fleeces

remove non-fleece wools from the board and place in correct bins

identify and accurately remove stains

use correct technique for skirting and rolling fleece

check quantities in bins

sweep floors and remove contamination

work rapidly while meeting quality standards.

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.

Duties may include:

the full range of activities in all clip types, shed layouts and flock sizes.

Unit sector

Wool

This unit contains employability skills.