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.
Note: Shearers are not responsible for drive mechanisms.

What might be the fleece type and the shearing conditions?
The fleece might be open, dense, cotted, dusty, double, lamb, or daggy, and the sheep might be flyblown.

What variations might be used for the comb and cutter?
They may be thick or thin, scalloped, have long-medium-short bevels, wide and narrow combs and cutters, rough or dirty tips and the handpiece can vary.

What downtube parts are relevant to this competency standard?
Relevant parts include friction spindle catch top sleeve, tube spring, short and long tube, ferrule, cogs, caps, hook and eye or threaded tube joint spindles, safety clutch, bayonet, long and short core, worm drive, pin drive, hook and eye joints and tube joint guard.

What OHS requirements may be applicable to this standard?
Safe systems and procedures for:
operating shearing and crutching equipment
manual handling including lifting and carrying
protection from organic and other dusts
protection against electrical hazards
controlling and removing hazards
protection from hazardous noise, and the
appropriate use of personal protective clothing and equipment.

What might be the fleece type and the shearing conditions?
The fleece might be open, dense, cotted, dusty, double, lamb, or daggy, and the sheep might be flyblown.

What variations might be used for the comb and cutter?
They may be thick or thin, scalloped, have long-medium-short bevels, wide and narrow combs and cutters, rough or dirty tips and the handpiece can vary.

What downtube parts are relevant to this competency standard?
Relevant parts include friction spindle catch top sleeve, tube spring, short and long tube, ferrule, cogs, caps, hook and eye or threaded tube joint spindles, safety clutch, bayonet, long and short core, worm drive, pin drive, hook and eye joints and tube joint guard.

What OHS requirements may be applicable to this standard?
Safe systems and procedures for:
operating shearing and crutching equipment
manual handling including lifting and carrying
protection from organic and other dusts
protection against electrical hazards
controlling and removing hazards
protection from hazardous noise, and the
appropriate use of personal protective clothing and equipment.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in preparing handpieces for machine shearing requires evidence that the handpiece, comb and cutter is selected to suit the fleece type and conditions, and that the assembly is in good working order.
The skills and knowledge required to Prepare for machine shearing must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, across a range of shed types and fleece conditions.
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:

components of a shearing handpiece
components of a downtube
terminology for handpieces and downtubes
maintenance and lubrication procedures for shearing equipment and handpieces
types of combs and cutters to use under different conditions
OHS policies and practices in the wool shed before and during shearing and crutching.

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:

prepare combs, cutters, handpieces and downtubes for shearing
lubricate and maintain handpiece and downtube
carry out minor maintenance and repairs
recognise and clearly report any OHS hazards to the appropriate person.

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:

components of a shearing handpiece
components of a downtube
terminology for handpieces and downtubes
maintenance and lubrication procedures for shearing equipment and handpieces
types of combs and cutters to use under different conditions
OHS policies and practices in the wool shed before and during shearing and crutching.

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:

prepare combs, cutters, handpieces and downtubes for shearing
lubricate and maintain handpiece and downtube
carry out minor maintenance and repairs
recognise and clearly report any OHS hazards to the appropriate person.

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 reporting OHS hazards to the appropriate person. (1)

Communicating ideas and information
In reporting OHS hazards to the appropriate person. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
In selecting the appropriate comb and cutter for the specific fleece type and conditions. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
In selecting the appropriate comb and cutter for the specific fleece type and conditions. (1)

Planning and organising activities
In selecting the appropriate comb and cutter for the specific fleece type and conditions. (1)

Planning and organising activities
In selecting the appropriate comb and cutter for the specific fleece type and conditions. (1)

Working with others and in teams
In working alongside shearers during shearing. Positioning wool for wool handlers. (1)

Working with others and in teams
In working alongside shearers during shearing. Positioning wool for wool handlers. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Not applicable. (0)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Not applicable. (0)

Solving problems
By dealing with issues associated with maintenance performance of shearing equipment. (1)

Solving problems
By dealing with issues associated with maintenance performance of shearing equipment. (1)

Using technology
In maintaining and preparing shearing equipment. (1)

Using technology
In maintaining and preparing shearing equipment. (1)