Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to press wool into bales and carry out related tasks such as branding the bales, recording bale weights and numbers, and subsequently storing the wool bales.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety and biosecurity legislation and codes.
This unit applies to wool pressers who work in close cooperation with the wool classer and maintain a rate of pressing that ensures wool flow can be maintained. The work is carried out within established routines, methods and procedures.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare for wool pressing | 1.1 Identify the lines of wool and confirm with the wool classer 1.2 Check the wool press for safe operation, and lubricate and maintain it as required 1.3 Inspect the work area to confirm it is free of all contaminants in readiness for pressing 1.4 Confirm that supplies of wool packs, bale fasteners and hooks, stencils and bale-branding inks are located in appropriate place 1.5 Identify the appropriate recording system 1.6 Check the scales to be used for accuracy and calibrate if necessary 1.7 Check the press and its location for safety 1.8 Identify any defective equipment and report to the appropriate person |
2. Press wool | 2.1 Consult the wool classer to determine mob cut-outs and pressing requirements 2.2 Apply safe work practices at all times and use available safety equipment in line with work health and safety policies 2.3 Remove contamination from the woolpack and place in the appropriate location 2.4 Check woolpacks for conformity 2.5 Seek directions for order of pressing and any special requirements from the wool classer 2.6 Place all wool correctly and evenly in the press to produce even density bales |
3. Carry out the role and responsibilities of the wool presser | 3.1 Press bales to optimal weights to reduce selling costs and within specified weight and length dimensions in compliance with Code of Practice 3.2 Press lines to avoid mixed bales 3.3 Monitor wool flow and build-up in bins 3.4 Maintain work area in a condition that avoids contamination of wool 3.5 Carry out pressing within time restrictions and workflow of the wool room |
4. Close and store bales | 4.1 Use approved bale dividers as instructed, and fasten flaps correctly 4.2 Identify bales for branding before removing them from the press 4.3 Store bales safely, avoiding injury to presser, risk to other workers, and damage to bales and equipment 4.4 Store bales to maximise shed space and to avoid weather damage |
5. Complete recording requirements | 5.1 Brand bales appropriately 5.2 Weigh bales appropriately 5.3 Record bale weights, numbers and descriptions clearly using the appropriate recording system |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
identify work health and safety hazards and implement safe work practices
operate different types of wool presses and carry out basic lubrication and maintenance according to manufacturer instructions
operate the various types of scales and manual handling devices
check woolpacks and wool to ensure freedom from contamination
assess and monitor wool-flow and build-up in bins
maintain uniform bale weights for each line
brand bales clearly and accurately to meet the requirements of the Code of Practice for the Preparation of Australian Wool Clips
handle and store wool bales efficiently and without risk to self, other people or machinery
record bale information to be interpreted and used by other people
communicate with wool classer
work safely in compliance with enterprise work health and safety policies
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
sources of contamination of wool
the requirements of Code of Practice for the Preparation of Australian Wool Clips as it relates to wool pressing
operating requirements for different types of wool presses
methods of handling wool and bales that minimise risk to own health, including safe lifting and bending techniques
industry standards for weight, length of bales, fastening methods and type of pack
industry standards for bale branding
features of the recording system for bale details in use in the organisation
enterprise work health and safety policies
Assessment Conditions
Competency is to be assessed in the work place or workplace and simulated environments that accurately reflect performance in a real workplace setting.
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Wool (WOL)