Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:19 PM AWST

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Perform shed duties

Perform shed duties

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCWOL318
State Code
OFF03
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
115
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to perform shed duties covering the board and table.This unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work, including limited responsibility for the work of others.All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety (WHS), animal welfare, biosecurity and environmental sustainability practices, according to state/territory regulations, legislation, codes and standards that apply to the workplace. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for shed work
  • 1.1 Check the shed for safety and reduce any hazards using the hierarchy of controls in line with work health and safety (WHS) standards
  • 1.2 Check the shed for any non-wool contamination and report to the Wool Classer
  • 1.3 Select, use and maintain suitable personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • 1.4 Comply with workplace animal welfare and biosecurity policies and procedures
2. Perform board duties
  • 2.1 Remove urine stain wool, black wool, and contamination on the shearing board
  • 2.2 Pick up belly wool and remove any urine stain and prepare as required by Wool Classer
  • 2.3 Check crutch area for urine stain and dag and remove crutch wool as directed by supervisor
  • 2.4 Pick up fleece and throw or park and retrieve later if wool table is not clear
  • 2.5 Monitor removal of wool and maintenance of the board and provide extra support when needed
  • 2.6 Carry lambs’ wool and prematurely shorn wools to the wool table using boards or paddles if required
  • 2.7 Provide support to lesser experienced wool handling staff as directed by the supervisor
3. Prepare wool
  • 3.1 Sweep up locks and separate non-matching wool where directed
  • 3.2 Remove shanks and jowls as directed and place in correct bins
4. Skirt fleeces
  • 4.1 Seek information on skirting requirements for mob according to the Wool Classer’s specifications
  • 4.2 Remove fribs and sweats and place in appropriate bins in line with Wool Classer instructions
  • 4.3 Remove short crutch wool and wiggings and place with locks in line with workplace procedures
  • 4.4 Seek Wool Classer’s advice about the need for the removal of wool carrying clumpy vegetable matter
  • 4.5 Seek Wool Classer’s feedback on accuracy of skirting
  • 4.6 Skirt fleeces efficiently and effectively to match workflow
  • 4.7 Seek Wool Classer’s advice about the need for the removal of faults in fleece wool lacking in uniformity
5. Prepare oddments
  • 5.1 Sort crutchings for dags or urine stain
  • 5.2 Identify and separate any medullated fibre
  • 5.3 Identify and remove skin pieces, brand, moit, pigmented/black wool
  • 5.4 Prepare lamb’s wool and crutching wool according to the industry code of practice
6. Maintain wool flow and minimise contamination risk
  • 6.1 Clear the immediate shearing area after each sheep is shorn
  • 6.2 Sweep shearing board, wool room, and area beneath the wool table as regularly as necessary during the shearing operation
  • 6.3 Keep the shearing board and the wool room free of potential contamination
  • 6.4 Remove waste and place appropriately in full consideration of environmental implications
  • 6.5 Minimise the risk of mixing wool between lines through regular sweeping and maintenance of bins, other containers and the wool area
  • 6.6 Complete all tasks and tend to contingencies in a professional, team-based manner
7. Carry out tasks to support the shearing and sheep penning operation
  • 7.1 Observe the rate of shearing and estimate the frequency of refilling the catching pens and for mob cut-out
  • 7.2 Keep different mobs of sheep separate in line with the principles of penning animals
  • 7.3 Fill catching pens in line with the principles of penning animals and to suit shearer differences
  • 7.4 Implement directions from the Wool Classer and provide feedback on sheep supply and wool flow
  • 7.5 Monitor wool butts and tramp to establish need for changing
  • 7.6 Store bales as directed in line with workplace procedures
  • 7.7 Sweep wool working area clean
  • 7.8 Store equipment according to workplace requirements at the end of shearing
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BAT06 AHCWOL311 Perform shed duties Unit of competency