Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 1:46 PM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Shear sheep to improver level

Shear sheep to improver level

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCSHG214
State Code
OFE93
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
150
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to select, handle and shear sheep under supervision to improver level.Improver level is defined as shearing a minimum of 80 adult merino sheep or 100 adult crossbred sheep per day to industry standards.This unit applies to individuals who work under broad supervision and take responsibility for their own work. They use discretion and judgement in the selection and use of available resources.All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, according to state/territory health and safety, biosecurity, animal welfare regulations, and environmental sustainability 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. Prepare for shearing
  • 1.1 Identify relevant awards, agreements and workplace policies associated with shearing sheep
  • 1.2 Check shearing equipment for correct operation prior to shearing session according to workplace standards
  • 1.3 Select, use correctly and maintain suitable personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • 1.4 Identify, catch and move sheep to required location in line with workplace work health and safety (WHS), industry and animal welfare standards
  • 1.5 Identify potential and existing hazards in the workplace and report to the supervisor
  • 1.6 Communicate with wool harvesting team members to ensure steady workflow according to workplace standards
2. Perform shearing operations
  • 2.1 Catch and position sheep for shearing using identified positions
  • 2.2 Activate handpiece and position in readiness for shearing operations according to manufacturer specifications
  • 2.3 Shear sheep using identified method and positions
  • 2.4 Use shearing methods that ensure that injuries and damage to the sheep and fleece are avoided while meeting volume expectations
  • 2.5 Use safe and humane handling techniques at all times according to workplace standards
3. Respond to complications
  • 3.1 Identify contamination during shearing operations and report to wool handlers
  • 3.2 Suture sheep cuts as required in line with animal welfare standards
  • 3.3 Identify flyblown sheep, dermatitis and black wool and report to supervisor
  • 3.4 Identify sheep that have a health and welfare problem and report to supervisor
4. Complete shearing operation
  • 4.1 Place wool appropriately to avoid contamination and for wool handlers to collect
  • 4.2 Set handpiece to non-operational position and store as per workplace requirements
  • 4.3 Release sheep safely from the board into the count-out pens and tally sheep shorn in line with workplace standards
  • 4.4 Report shearing grievances and difficulties to supervisor
  • 4.5 Follow workplace biosecurity and environment policies to maintain quality standards
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BAO63 AHCSHG204 Shear sheep to improver level Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BKD8 AHC32925 Certificate III in Shearing Qualification