Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:20 PM AWST
22/07/2026 9:20 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Shear sheep to novice level
Shear sheep to novice level
Unit of competency
National Code
AHCSHG203A
AHCSHG203A
State Code
D7213
D7213
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
02/12/2011
Field of Education
050103 - Wool Science
Original Release Date
02/12/2011
Nominal Hours
60
Description
This unit covers the process of selection, handling and shearing of sheep under supervision to novice level, a minimum 40 sheep per day, and defines the standard required to: catch sheep; set-up shearing handpiece; remove fleece; apply health and safety procedures.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Set-up shearing handpiece
- 1.1. Potential and existing hazards in the workplace are identified.
- 1.2. Shearing equipment is checked for correct operation.
- 1.3. Comb and cutter is assembled on handpiece.
- 1.4. Lead and throw is set for comb and cutter.
- 1.5. Tension is set to enable comb and cutter to cut wool cleanly with minimum friction.
- 1.6. Working surfaces and moving parts are lubricated in line with manufacturer's requirements.
2. Follow health and fitness procedures
- 2.1. Exercises to warm-up the body are prepared for.
- 2.2. Back, shoulder, leg, arm and abdomen stretches are performed.
- 2.3. The necessities of hydration, nutrition and rest periods are recognised and complied with.
3. Catch sheep for shearing
- 3.1. Suitable personal protective equipment is selected, used and maintained in line with the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and workplace.
- 3.2. Sheep are caught and moved in line with organisational, OHS, industry and animal welfare standards.
- 3.3. Sheep are dragged from the catching pen to the shearing board using safe manual handling techniques.
- 3.4. Sheep are positioned for shearing in line with industry agreed shearing method.
4. Remove fleece
- 4.1. Handpiece is activated and positioned readiness for shearing operations.
- 4.2. Shear section of sheep in position suitable to the individual's competence.
- 4.3. Shear the six basic positions in sequence.
- 4.4. Minimise injury to sheep.
- 4.5. Release sheep safely from the board into the count-out pens.
- 4.6. Maintain shearing effort to achieve the required minimum rate per day to acceptable standard.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Shearing may include:
the removal of fleece from all breeds and types of sheep.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Shearing may include:
the removal of fleece from all breeds and types of sheep.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
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
Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances. 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.
catch sheep
set-up shearing handpiece
remove fleece
apply health and safety procedures.
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 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
Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances. 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.
catch sheep
set-up shearing handpiece
remove fleece
apply health and safety procedures.
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.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S3659 | RTE1106A | Shear sheep to novice level | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAO95 | AHCSHG203 | Shear sheep to novice level | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D451 | AHC20110 | Certificate II in Agriculture | Qualification |
| D463 | AHC21310 | Certificate II in Shearing | Qualification |