Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available.

Why is the quality and standard of clip preparation important?
It relates to consistency of clip preparation, limit of contamination in wool, segregation of lines and wool types, which may determine the ultimate return to the grower.

What may be included in personal protective equipment?
Clothing and footwear that prevents feet crushing and skin abrasions, as well as boots, overalls, gloves, protective eyewear, hearing protection, and respirator or face mask.

What OHS hazards and risks might be observed in the wool shed/room?
Safe systems and procedures for:
the operation and maintenance of hazard-free facilities and equipment
the maintenance of accommodation facilities in the woolshed/room
handling livestock
the administering of first aid
safe manual handling, including lifting and carrying
safe fleece/wool harvesting
the protection from electrical hazards, hazardous noise and organic and other dusts
the handling and storage of hazardous substances
the health and safety of shearing personnel
outdoor work including protection from solar radiation
the appropriate use of personal protective clothing and equipment
supervision of manual handling procedures, including correct lifting/bending.
Consideration of OHS issues for this unit should cover the proposed National code of practice for the Shearing Industry (Health, Safety and Welfare standards) published by the Australian Workers Union.

What skirtings are identified and prepared?
Different types of skirtings, merino skirtings, crossbred skirtings, belly wool, merino and/or crossbreds lambs wool, locks, crutchings, stained wool, various oddments, crutch, belly, shanks, locks, pieces, topknots, stain, dags, jowl, breech, and heavy vegetable matter.

Why is the quality and standard of clip preparation important?
It relates to consistency of clip preparation, limit of contamination in wool, segregation of lines and wool types, which may determine the ultimate return to the grower.

What may be included in personal protective equipment?
Clothing and footwear that prevents feet crushing and skin abrasions, as well as boots, overalls, gloves, protective eyewear, hearing protection, and respirator or face mask.

What OHS hazards and risks might be observed in the wool shed/room?
Safe systems and procedures for:
the operation and maintenance of hazard-free facilities and equipment
the maintenance of accommodation facilities in the woolshed/room
handling livestock
the administering of first aid
safe manual handling, including lifting and carrying
safe fleece/wool harvesting
the protection from electrical hazards, hazardous noise and organic and other dusts
the handling and storage of hazardous substances
the health and safety of shearing personnel
outdoor work including protection from solar radiation
the appropriate use of personal protective clothing and equipment
supervision of manual handling procedures, including correct lifting/bending.
Consideration of OHS issues for this unit should cover the proposed National code of practice for the Shearing Industry (Health, Safety and Welfare standards) published by the Australian Workers Union.

What skirtings are identified and prepared?
Different types of skirtings, merino skirtings, crossbred skirtings, belly wool, merino and/or crossbreds lambs wool, locks, crutchings, stained wool, various oddments, crutch, belly, shanks, locks, pieces, topknots, stain, dags, jowl, breech, and heavy vegetable matter.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in supervising clip preparation requires evidence that work outcomes are achieved by those under supervision within given timeframes.
The skills and knowledge required to supervise clip preparation must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, across a range of fleece types and uses.
What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:

parts of fleece
bale descriptions for skirtings, bellies, lambs wool, premature shorn wool, locks and crutchings, and stained wool and oddments
prices and discounts for bellies, lambs wool, premature shorn wool, and locks and crutchings
relevant State/Territory OHS legislative requirements
workplace hazards and OHS methods for dealing with them
personal protective clothing and equipment requirements

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

communicate specific and detailed requirements for clip preparation to operators
observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard

Essential Assessment Information
There is essential information about

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:

parts of fleece
bale descriptions for skirtings, bellies, lambs wool, premature shorn wool, locks and crutchings, and stained wool and oddments
prices and discounts for bellies, lambs wool, premature shorn wool, and locks and crutchings
relevant State/Territory OHS legislative requirements
workplace hazards and OHS methods for dealing with them
personal protective clothing and equipment requirements

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

communicate specific and detailed requirements for clip preparation to operators
observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard

Essential Assessment Information
There is essential information about

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
Communicating ideas and information
In explaining the work requirements of the handlers in the team. (2)

Communicating ideas and information
In explaining the work requirements of the handlers in the team. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
In assessing the current state of the work in order to more efficiently arrange work procedures and responsibilities. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
In assessing the current state of the work in order to more efficiently arrange work procedures and responsibilities. (1)

Planning and organising activities
In ensuring that each person within the team is clear about the work and the responsibilities required of them. (1)

Planning and organising activities
In ensuring that each person within the team is clear about the work and the responsibilities required of them. (1)

Working with others and in teams
In organising and supervising the people within the team. (2)

Working with others and in teams
In organising and supervising the people within the team. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
In calculating and checking the prices and discounts for the range of fleece parts under preparation. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
In calculating and checking the prices and discounts for the range of fleece parts under preparation. (2)

Solving problems
In managing the people in the team to achieve given outcomes, and in dealing with the range of associated problems that present during the operation. (2)

Solving problems
In managing the people in the team to achieve given outcomes, and in dealing with the range of associated problems that present during the operation. (2)

Using technology
While calculating prices and discounts, communicating with managers, and making or amending any records that are required. (1)

Using technology
While calculating prices and discounts, communicating with managers, and making or amending any records that are required. (1)