Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 5:35 AM AWST

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Shear sheep to novice level

Shear sheep to novice level

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCSHG213
State Code
OFE94
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
60
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to catch, handle and shear sheep under supervision to novice level.Novice level is defined as shearing a minimum of 40 adult merino sheep or 50 adult crossbred sheep per day to industry standards.This unit applies to individuals who work under general supervision and exercise limited autonomy with some accountability for their own work.All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, according to state/territory health and safety, biosecurity, animal welfare and environmental sustainability regulations, legislation 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. Set up shearing handpiece
  • 1.1 Check shearing equipment for correct operation according to workplace standards
  • 1.2 Assemble comb and cutter on handpiece according to manufacturer specifications
  • 1.3 Set lead and throw for comb and cutter
  • 1.4 Set tension to enable comb and cutter to cut wool cleanly with minimum friction
  • 1.5 Lubricate working surfaces and moving parts
  • 1.6 Identify potential and existing hazards in the workplace and report to supervisor or wool harvesting team members
2. Follow health and fitness procedures
  • 2.1 Prepare for exercises to warm up the body
  • 2.2 Perform back, shoulder, leg, arm and abdomen stretches
  • 2.3 Recognise the necessities of hydration, nutrition and rest periods
3. Catch sheep for shearing
  • 3.1 Select, use and maintain suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly according to workplace standards
  • 3.2 Catch sheep and move to required location in line with workplace, work health and safety (WHS), industry and animal welfare standards
  • 3.3 Position sheep for shearing in line with workplace standards
4. Remove fleece
  • 4.1 Activate handpiece and position in readiness for shearing operations
  • 4.2 Shear section of sheep in position suitable to the individual's competence and in line with WHS
  • 4.3 Shear the six basic positions in sequence
  • 4.4 Minimise injury to sheep and treat injuries where required in line with animal welfare standards
  • 4.5 Minimise second cuts and contamination in line with animal welfare standards
  • 4.6 Release sheep safely from the board into the count-out pens
  • 4.7 Maintain shearing effort to achieve the required minimum rate per day to acceptable standard, and tally sheep shorn in line with workplace procedures
  • 4.8 Follow workplace biosecurity and environment policies
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BAO95 AHCSHG203 Shear sheep to novice level Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BKD5 AHC21325 Certificate II in Shearing Qualification