This unit applies to working under routine supervision with intermittent checking. It is usually within established routines, methods and procedures. Competency at this level requires the application of knowledge and skills to a range of wool handling and pressing duties.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for wool pressing

1.1. The lines of wool to be pressed are identified and confirmed with the appropriate person.

1.2. The wool press is checked for safe operation, with any required lubrication and maintenance carried out according to the manufacturer's instructions, and reported to the appropriate person.

1.3. The work area is prepared in readiness for pressing as instructed.

1.4. Scales to be used are checked for accuracy and calibrated if necessary, as instructed.

1.5. The press and its location are checked for safety, and all other Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements are adhered to.

1.6. Any defective equipment is identified and reported to the appropriate person.

2. Press wool

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

2.2. Contamination is removed from the woolpack and placed in the appropriate location.

2.3. All wool is placed correctly and evenly in the press, as directed.

2.4. Bales are pressed safely for weight and length according to industry standards and organisation requirements, as directed.

2.5. Work area is kept in a condition that avoids contamination of the wool.

3. Close and stack bales

3.1. Approved bale dividers are used according to instructions and flaps are correctly fastened according to industry standards.

3.2. Bales are identified for branding before removing them from the press.

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

3.4. Bales are stored safely, avoiding injury to presser, risk to other workers, and damage to bales and equipment.

4. Complete recording requirement

4.1. Bales are branded according to industry standards and organisational procedures, as directed.

4.2. Bales are weighed according to industry standards and organisational procedures and checked with the appropriate person/ supervisor.

4.3. Bale weights, numbers and descriptions are clearly and accurately recorded using the appropriate recording system, as directed and checked with the appropriate person/ supervisor.

Required skills

observe and report on OHS hazards and risks

apply standard operating procedures for the press and equipment

operate different types of wool presses

operate the various types of scales and manual handling devices

maintain uniform bale weights for each line

brand bales clearly and accurately

handle and stack wool bales efficiently and without risk to self, other people or machinery

record bale information to be interpreted and used by other people

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 sources of contamination of the fleece and other aspects of the quality management systems in place in the organisation

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

industry standards for weight, length of bales and type of pack

industry standards for bale branding

the recording system for bale details in use in the organisation.

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:

operate different types of wool presses

operate the various types of scales and manual handling devices

maintain bale weights for each line to minimise selling costs

brand bales clearly and accurately

handle and stack wool bales efficiently and without risk to self, other people or machinery

record bale information clearly and accurately.

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.

Presses may include:

hydraulic

manual

self-pinning

electric wool presses.

Unit sector

Wool

This unit contains employability skills.