Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables explains the range of contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment may depend on the work contexts.

Which parts of the fleece will be removed from the sheep?
The crutch, belly, shanks, locks, pieces, topknots, stains, dags, backs, jowl, and breech are removed.

How might the wool be contaminated?
It may contain lamb pouches, black fibres, loose woolpack fibres, dags, grease locks, or skin pieces, or it may be maggot or dermatitis affected, or is stained by urine, water or dung. There may also be baling twines, man-made fibres and clothing, or excessive vegetable matter contained in the wool.

What is the personal protective equipment requirements associated with the preparation of wool?
Appropriate footwear.

At what rate should wool table activity be conducted?
Rate should allow for instruction and feedback.

Which parts of the fleece will be removed from the sheep?
The crutch, belly, shanks, locks, pieces, topknots, stains, dags, backs, jowl, and breech are removed.

How might the wool be contaminated?
It may contain lamb pouches, black fibres, loose woolpack fibres, dags, grease locks, or skin pieces, or it may be maggot or dermatitis affected, or is stained by urine, water or dung. There may also be baling twines, man-made fibres and clothing, or excessive vegetable matter contained in the wool.

What is the personal protective equipment requirements associated with the preparation of wool?
Appropriate footwear.

At what rate should wool table activity be conducted?
Rate should allow for instruction and feedback.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in preparing wool requires evidence that the various parts of a fleece can be separated and located in the appropriate bins or tables within the timeframes required by the shearing operation.
The skills and knowledge required to prepare wool must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, differing sheep breeds and procedures from one farm to another.
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:

the parts of a fleece, and their names
duties and responsibilities of a board person
sources of contamination of the fleece, and other aspects of the Total Quality Management (TQM) systems in place on the farm
methods of handling fleece that minimise risk to own health, including safe lifting and bending techniques.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These skills are the ability to:

remove fleeces and sweep boards before the next sheep is dragged for shearing
pick up fleeces safely
remove non-fleece wools from the board and place in correct bins
identify and accurately remove stain
use correct technique for skirting and rolling fleece
check quantities in bins
sweep floors and remove contamination
work rapidly within specified timeframes
observe and report on adverse environmental impacts
interpret verbal and visual signals within the wool shed given by the supervisor, the wool classer and the shearers.

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:

the parts of a fleece, and their names
duties and responsibilities of a board person
sources of contamination of the fleece, and other aspects of the Total Quality Management (TQM) systems in place on the farm
methods of handling fleece that minimise risk to own health, including safe lifting and bending techniques.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These skills are the ability to:

remove fleeces and sweep boards before the next sheep is dragged for shearing
pick up fleeces safely
remove non-fleece wools from the board and place in correct bins
identify and accurately remove stain
use correct technique for skirting and rolling fleece
check quantities in bins
sweep floors and remove contamination
work rapidly within specified timeframes
observe and report on adverse environmental impacts
interpret verbal and visual signals within the wool shed given by the supervisor, the wool classer and the shearers.

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 interpreting and understanding the verbal and visual signals given by the supervisor. (1)

Communicating ideas and information
By interpreting and understanding the verbal and visual signals given by the supervisor. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
In sorting the parts of a fleece for different wool types and quality. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
In sorting the parts of a fleece for different wool types and quality. (1)

Planning and organising activities
In ensuring the bins are ready to accept fleeces and fleece parts. (1)

Planning and organising activities
In ensuring the bins are ready to accept fleeces and fleece parts. (1)

Working with others and in teams
In working with others in the wool shed to achieve a smooth shearing operation. (1)

Working with others and in teams
In working with others in the wool shed to achieve a smooth shearing operation. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Not applicable. (0)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Not applicable. (0)

Solving problems
By correctly identifying and removing wool contamination. (1)

Solving problems
By correctly identifying and removing wool contamination. (1)

Using technology
Not applicable. (0)

Using technology
Not applicable. (0)