Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 1:29 AM AWST

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Undertake basic shearing and crutching

Undertake basic shearing and crutching

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCSHG217
State Code
OFE86
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
30
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required for basic wool removal as part of a shearing and crutching operation.This unit applies to individuals who work alongside a supervisor in most situations and exercise limited autonomy within established and well-known parameters.All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures and standards, health and safety regulations, animal welfare and biosecurity requirements and environmental sustainability practices.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify shearing and wool harvesting work requirements
  • 1.1 Check federal and/or state shearing awards and agreements associated with shearing sheep with supervisor
  • 1.2 Determine shearing and wool harvesting team roles
  • 1.3 Communicate with wool harvesting team members or supervisor to check shearing equipment for correct operation, and report any potential or existing hazards in the workplace prior to commencing work
2. Prepare for basic shearing and crutching
  • 2.1 Assemble comb and cutter on handpiece in line with manufacturer specifications
  • 2.2 Set lead and throw
  • 2.3 Set tension to enable comb and cutter to cut wool cleanly with minimum friction
  • 2.4 Lubricate working surfaces and moving parts
3. Follow health and fitness procedures
  • 3.1 Prepare for exercises to warm up the body
  • 3.2 Perform back, shoulder, leg, arm and abdomen stretches
  • 3.3 Recognise the necessities of hydration, nutrition and rest periods
  • 3.4 Select, use and maintain suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure correct fit
4. Catch sheep for shearing
  • 4.1 Catch and move sheep in line with work health and safety (WHS), industry and animal welfare standards
  • 4.2 Move sheep from the catching pen to the shearing board unassisted using safe manual handling techniques
  • 4.3 Position sheep for shearing and crutching
5. Remove wool
  • 5.1 Activate handpiece and position in readiness for shearing and crutching operations
  • 5.2 Shear and crutch section of sheep completely and unassisted
  • 5.3 Release sheep safely from the board into the count-out pens
  • 5.4 Tally crutched and shorn sheep in line with workplace procedures
  • 5.5 Follow workplace biosecurity and environment policies
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BAT35 AHCSHG210 Undertake basic shearing and crutching Unit of competency