Elements and Performance Criteria

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

How are the comb bed, cups and fork yokes checked and cleaned?
Comb bed is cleaned of grease and matter, wool caught in the cups is removed and the fork yokes are checked to ensure they swivel freely in the fork.

What handpiece parts are relevant to this competency standard?
Handpiece parts include centre post and cup, tension pin, sleeve, cup, retaining spring, nut, fork, fork yokes and retaining spring, pin drive, worm drive, cogs, screws, back end, crank and ball, bearings, and back joint guard.

What OHS requirements may be applicable to this standard?
Safe systems and procedures for:
operating shearing and crutching equipment
manual handling including lifting and carrying
protection from organic and other dusts
protection against electrical hazards
controlling and removing hazards
protection from hazardous noise
appropriate use of personal protective clothing and equipment.

What components may require periodic replacement?
Fork yokes, back cogs, joint guards and drive pins.

What safety components need to be in place before operation of a handpiece?
The tension spring, the fork yoke retaining bar and the tension pin retaining spring.

How are the comb bed, cups and fork yokes checked and cleaned?
Comb bed is cleaned of grease and matter, wool caught in the cups is removed and the fork yokes are checked to ensure they swivel freely in the fork.

What handpiece parts are relevant to this competency standard?
Handpiece parts include centre post and cup, tension pin, sleeve, cup, retaining spring, nut, fork, fork yokes and retaining spring, pin drive, worm drive, cogs, screws, back end, crank and ball, bearings, and back joint guard.

What OHS requirements may be applicable to this standard?
Safe systems and procedures for:
operating shearing and crutching equipment
manual handling including lifting and carrying
protection from organic and other dusts
protection against electrical hazards
controlling and removing hazards
protection from hazardous noise
appropriate use of personal protective clothing and equipment.

What components may require periodic replacement?
Fork yokes, back cogs, joint guards and drive pins.

What safety components need to be in place before operation of a handpiece?
The tension spring, the fork yoke retaining bar and the tension pin retaining spring.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in maintaining and servicing shearing handpieces requires evidence that the shearing handpiece has been maintained and serviced to optimal shearing performance standards. The skills and knowledge required to maintain and service shearing handpieces must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include different wool sheds, wool types and conditions.
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 unit are listed below:
terminology and assembly procedures for handpieces
maintenance and servicing requirements for shearing handpieces
components of a shearing handpiece
OHS policies and practices in the wool shed before and during shearing and crutching.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

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

identify worn and faulty handpiece components
install minor repair kit components
service handpiece
observe OHS requirements.

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 unit are listed below:
terminology and assembly procedures for handpieces
maintenance and servicing requirements for shearing handpieces
components of a shearing handpiece
OHS policies and practices in the wool shed before and during shearing and crutching.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

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

identify worn and faulty handpiece components
install minor repair kit components
service handpiece
observe OHS requirements.

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
Through discussions with other workers and technicians. (2)

Communicating ideas and information
Through discussions with other workers and technicians. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Through maintaining records for routine replacement of components and through visual inspection and testing. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Through maintaining records for routine replacement of components and through visual inspection and testing. (3)

Planning and organising activities
In line with manufacturers specifications, OHS requirements and with industrial awards. (3)

Planning and organising activities
In line with manufacturers specifications, OHS requirements and with industrial awards. (3)

Working with others and in teams
Through working with other shearers, experters/technician, wool handlers and classers. (3)

Working with others and in teams
Through working with other shearers, experters/technician, wool handlers and classers. (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
N/A (0)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
N/A (0)

Solving problems
By diagnosing problems with performance of shearing handpieces. (3)

Solving problems
By diagnosing problems with performance of shearing handpieces. (3)

Using technology
Through the use of servicing and maintenance equipment. (2)

Using technology
Through the use of servicing and maintenance equipment. (2)