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.

What wool press types may be used for this standard?
The press may be hydraulic, manual, self-pinning, or electric.

What OHS requirements may be applicable to this standard?
Safe systems and procedures for:
the operation and maintenance of hazard-free facilities and equipment, including hydraulics and guarding of exposed moving parts, particularly wool presses
safe manual handling, including lifting and carrying. Height restrictions may apply to bale stacks
protection from electrical hazards, hazardous noise and organic and other dusts
appropriate use of personal protective equipment and clothing.
Consideration of OHS issues for this standard may also include consideration of any national codes of practice in the industry.

Who might the appropriate person be?
Reporting and confirmations will be to the person in charge of the operation who may be a supervisor, classer, owner, manager, or broker.

What is the contamination to be avoided?
Amongst the contaminants are lamb pouches, maggot affected wool, urine stains, dung stains, skin pieces, black wool, loose woolpack fibres, baling twines, man-made fibres and clothing, dermatitis, branding dyes, dags, grease locks, burrs and vegetable matter, shed debris, wet wool or water stains.

What recording system might be in use in the wool room?
The system may be manual or digital, and could use a wool book.

What wool press types may be used for this standard?
The press may be hydraulic, manual, self-pinning, or electric.

What OHS requirements may be applicable to this standard?
Safe systems and procedures for:
the operation and maintenance of hazard-free facilities and equipment, including hydraulics and guarding of exposed moving parts, particularly wool presses
safe manual handling, including lifting and carrying. Height restrictions may apply to bale stacks
protection from electrical hazards, hazardous noise and organic and other dusts
appropriate use of personal protective equipment and clothing.
Consideration of OHS issues for this standard may also include consideration of any national codes of practice in the industry.

Who might the appropriate person be?
Reporting and confirmations will be to the person in charge of the operation who may be a supervisor, classer, owner, manager, or broker.

What is the contamination to be avoided?
Amongst the contaminants are lamb pouches, maggot affected wool, urine stains, dung stains, skin pieces, black wool, loose woolpack fibres, baling twines, man-made fibres and clothing, dermatitis, branding dyes, dags, grease locks, burrs and vegetable matter, shed debris, wet wool or water stains.

What recording system might be in use in the wool room?
The system may be manual or digital, and could use a wool book.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in this standard requires evidence that bales are evenly packed and pressed, and branding is clear and accurate.
The skills and knowledge required to press wool into bales must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, across the range of fleece types, clip sizes and wool press technologies.
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.

A sound working knowledge of:

sources of contamination of the fleece, and other aspects of the quality management systems in place in the organisation
methods of handling fleece and bales that minimise risk to own health, including safe lifting and bending techniques
industry standards for weight, length of bales and type of pack
industry standards for bale branding
the recording system for bale details in use in the organisation.

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:

observe and report on OHS hazards and risks
operate different types of wool presses and carry out basic lubrication and maintenance according to manufacturers 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
handle and stack wool bales efficiently and without risk to self, other people, or machinery
record bale information to be interpreted and used by other people.

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.

A sound working knowledge of:

sources of contamination of the fleece, and other aspects of the quality management systems in place in the organisation
methods of handling fleece and bales that minimise risk to own health, including safe lifting and bending techniques
industry standards for weight, length of bales and type of pack
industry standards for bale branding
the recording system for bale details in use in the organisation.

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:

observe and report on OHS hazards and risks
operate different types of wool presses and carry out basic lubrication and maintenance according to manufacturers 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
handle and stack wool bales efficiently and without risk to self, other people, or machinery
record bale information to be interpreted and used by other people.

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
By effective communication, and verbal or hand signals with shed hands, the wool classer and person in charge. (1)

Communicating ideas and information
By effective communication, and verbal or hand signals with shed hands, the wool classer and person in charge. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Information regarding sheep numbers and wool flow may be accessed and applied (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Information regarding sheep numbers and wool flow may be accessed and applied (1)

Planning and organising activities
To press, bale and brand wool within time constraints and in conjunction with other workers. (1)

Planning and organising activities
To press, bale and brand wool within time constraints and in conjunction with other workers. (1)

Working with others and in teams
To maintain continuous workflow in shed. (1)

Working with others and in teams
To maintain continuous workflow in shed. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
To tally work completed, and to estimate and record bale weights. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
To tally work completed, and to estimate and record bale weights. (1)

Solving problems
In determining when there is sufficient wool quantity in bins and when satisfactory bale weight has been achieved. (1)

Solving problems
In determining when there is sufficient wool quantity in bins and when satisfactory bale weight has been achieved. (1)

Using technology
By using wool presses and scales. (1)

Using technology
By using wool presses and scales. (1)