This unit applies to wool classer working in consultation with the grower or shed manager. Responsibility for the work of others is an important component. Supervising clip preparation requires a broad range of skills and knowledge and an ability to coordinate and monitor activities efficiently and effectively.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Explain organisation requirements for clip preparation

1.1. The organisation's requirements for quality and standard of wool clip preparation are clearly explained to the wool handlers.

1.2. The organisation's procedures for operating safely and for the use of personal protective equipment are clearly explained to the wool handlers.

1.3. The impact of contamination in the wool is clearly explained to the wool handlers.

1.4. The key personnel in the wool shed/room are introduced or indicated to the wool handlers.

1.5. Responsibilities for specific functions or procedures are allocated and explained to wool handlers.

1.6. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified; risks assessed and suitable controls are implemented.

2. Perform and supervise shed hand duties

2.1. Board persons' duties are performed including picking up and throwing fleece, sweeping board and preparing non fleece wools.

2.2. Wool handlers are monitored to ensure they follow the set procedures for each of the clip preparation tasks.

2.3. Pen up duties are performed including keeping mobs separate and monitoring and filling catching pens.

2.4. Wool pressers' activities are performed including keeping wool press area clean, pressing, branding, weighing and recording bale details in the wool book.

3. Oversee preparation of wool

3.1. All personal protective equipment and clothing is selected, used and maintained appropriately by wool handlers.

3.2. Shed staff are supervised to maintain a clear board and ensure fleeces are thrown correctly.

3.3. Shed staff are supervised in removal and preparation of fleece wool.

Required skills

observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards

perform board and table duties

perform wool presser duties

perform penning up duties

oversee shed staff to ensure quality clip preparation

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

parts of fleece

procedures for handling skirtings, bellies, lambs wool, premature shorn wool, locks and crutchings, and stained wool and oddments

responsibilities of board and table staff

characteristics of different wool types and parts of the fleece

premiums and discounts for wool characteristics

pressing and branding requirements

skirting technique and appropriate skirting ratios for different clip types

personal protective clothing and equipment requirements for shed staff

training techniques

staff supervision

relevant State/Territory OHS and employment legislative and enterprise 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:

perform shed staff roles including pen up, board person and wool handler

explain clip preparation requirements to shed staff and monitor their performance

ensure clip preparation produces stain free, uniform lines of wool that are of low risk to the processor

maintain wool flow and minimise the risk of contamination

provide training based on explanation and demonstration of work skills to staff

meet industry employment, award and legislative requirements.

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.

Clip preparation may include:

consistency of clip preparation

limit of contamination in wool

segregation of lines and wool types.

Unit sector

Wool

This unit contains employability skills.