Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:38 PM AWST

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Crutch sheep

Crutch sheep

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCSHG211
State Code
OFF40
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
11/02/2025
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
11/08/2025
Field of Education
050103 - Wool Science
Original Release Date
11/08/2025
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to crutch a sheep.This unit applies to individuals who work under general supervision and exercise limited autonomy with some accountability for their own work.All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, according to state/territory health and safety, biosecurity, environmental sustainability and animal welfare regulations, legislation and standards that apply to the workplace.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for crutching operations
  • 1.1 Access crutching equipment to prepare for correct operation prior to commencing work
  • 1.2 Communicate with team members to identify potential and existing hazards in the workplace and report to the supervisor
  • 1.3 Select, use and maintain suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure correct fit
  • 1.4 Identify, catch and move sheep to be crutched in line with work health and safety (WHS), industry and animal welfare standards
  • 1.5 Position sheep for crutching in a manner that complies with animal welfare standards
2. Perform crutching operations
  • 2.1 Activate handpiece and position in readiness for crutching
  • 2.2 Shear wool from face, crutch or belly as instructed within the allocated time period
  • 2.3 Use crutching methods to ensure that injury to the sheep and damage to the fleece are avoided
  • 2.4 Use safe handling techniques at all times
3. Respond to complications
  • 3.1 Identify contamination during crutching and report to wool handlers
  • 3.2 Treat cuts as required according to WHS and animal welfare standards
  • 3.3 Identify and report flyblown sheep according to workplace procedures
  • 3.4 Identify and report sheep that have a health and welfare problem according to workplace procedures
4. Complete crutching operations
  • 4.1 Place wool appropriately to avoid contamination and for wool handlers to collect
  • 4.2 Switch off handpiece and re-position to non-operational position
  • 4.3 Release sheep safely from the board into the count-out pens
  • 4.4 Report crutching issues to supervisor
  • 4.5 Tally crutched sheep count in line with workplace procedures
  • 4.6 Follow workplace environment and biosecurity policies
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BAT08 AHCSHG201 Crutch sheep Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BKD5 AHC21325 Certificate II in Shearing Qualification