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.

What should wool classers directions relate to in this standard?
Wool classers directions should relate to rate of work, tasks involved in preparing wool and should be consistent with commercial standards and requirements relevant to the enterprise.

What types of crutchings may be included in this standard?
Crutching may include wigging, ringing and britch crutching.

What impurities may be encountered?
Impurities and contaminants may include lamb pouches, black fibres, loose woolpack fibres, dags, grease locks, or skin pieces. Wool may also be maggot or dermatitis affected, or it may be stained by urine, water or dung. There may be baling twines, man-made fibres and clothing, or excessive vegetable matter contained in the wool.

What should wool classers directions relate to in this standard?
Wool classers directions should relate to rate of work, tasks involved in preparing wool and should be consistent with commercial standards and requirements relevant to the enterprise.

What types of crutchings may be included in this standard?
Crutching may include wigging, ringing and britch crutching.

What impurities may be encountered?
Impurities and contaminants may include lamb pouches, black fibres, loose woolpack fibres, dags, grease locks, or skin pieces. Wool may also be maggot or dermatitis affected, or it may be stained by urine, water or dung. There may be baling twines, man-made fibres and clothing, or excessive vegetable matter contained in the wool.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in preparing non-fleece 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 property 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:

principles and requirements of wool processing
principles of wool growth
identification of fleece parts, skirtings, locks, crutchings, and stains
recognition of contamination
recognition of wool faults
identification of impurities
identification of stain
identification of oddments
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:

accurately skirt fleeces at commercial rates
skirt and roll fleeces safely
interpret verbal and visual signals within the wool shed given by the supervisor, the wool classers 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:

principles and requirements of wool processing
principles of wool growth
identification of fleece parts, skirtings, locks, crutchings, and stains
recognition of contamination
recognition of wool faults
identification of impurities
identification of stain
identification of oddments
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:

accurately skirt fleeces at commercial rates
skirt and roll fleeces safely
interpret verbal and visual signals within the wool shed given by the supervisor, the wool classers 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. (2)

Communicating ideas and information
By interpreting and understanding the verbal and visual signals given by the supervisor. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
In sorting the parts of a fleece for different wool types and quality. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
In sorting the parts of a fleece for different wool types and quality. (2)

Planning and organising activities
In ensuring the bins are ready to accept fleeces and fleece parts. (2)

Planning and organising activities
In ensuring the bins are ready to accept fleeces and fleece parts. (2)

Working with others and in teams
In working with others in the wool shed to achieve a smooth shearing operation. (2)

Working with others and in teams
In working with others in the wool shed to achieve a smooth shearing operation. (2)

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. (2)

Solving problems
By correctly identifying and removing wool contamination. (2)

Using technology
Not applicable. (0)

Using technology
Not applicable. (0)