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.

What variations might be used for combs?

Combs vary in bevel and the consistency of the teeth, in length, shape and thickness and steel temper.

What bevels on combs may be applicable to this unit?

What occupational health & safety requirements may be applicable to this standard?
Safe systems and procedures must be in place 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
providing protection from hazardous noise
ensuring the appropriate use of personal protective clothing and equipment.

What variations might be used for combs?

Combs vary in bevel and the consistency of the teeth, in length, shape and thickness and steel temper.

What bevels on combs may be applicable to this unit?

What occupational health & safety requirements may be applicable to this standard?
Safe systems and procedures must be in place 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
providing protection from hazardous noise
ensuring the appropriate use of personal protective clothing and equipment.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in grinding combs and cutters for machine shearing requires evidence that the leading edge of comb and cutter have been safely and correctly ground and dressed to suit the wool type and conditions in accordance with industry standards and manufacturers guidelines.
The skills and knowledge required to grind combs and cutters for machine shearing must be transferable to a different work environment. For example, this may include different wool conditions and manufacturers guidelines.
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:

types of combs and cutters
terminology, techniques and procedures for grinding combs and cutters
tools and equipment used in grinding combs, and cutters and dressing combs
occupational health and safety policies and practices related to grinding combs and cutters

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?
To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:
determine need for sharpening combs and cutters
determine need for dressing combs
prepare grinder and pendulum for use
carry out grinding
set, store and care for grinding papers
dress combs, including selecting bevels, teeth thinning and polishing
report any occupational health & safety hazards to the appropriate person.

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:

types of combs and cutters
terminology, techniques and procedures for grinding combs and cutters
tools and equipment used in grinding combs, and cutters and dressing combs
occupational health and safety policies and practices related to grinding combs and cutters

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?
To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:
determine need for sharpening combs and cutters
determine need for dressing combs
prepare grinder and pendulum for use
carry out grinding
set, store and care for grinding papers
dress combs, including selecting bevels, teeth thinning and polishing
report any occupational health & safety hazards to the appropriate person.

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
In reporting OHS hazards to the appropriate person. (1)

Communicating ideas and information
In reporting OHS hazards to the appropriate person. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Through visual checking of worn components and carrying out grinding to OHS and industry standards. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Through visual checking of worn components and carrying out grinding to OHS and industry standards. (2)

Planning and organising activities
By observing manufacturers recommendations and/or supervisors requirements (1)

Planning and organising activities
By observing manufacturers recommendations and/or supervisors requirements (1)

Working with others and in teams
In working alongside others during shearing. (1)

Working with others and in teams
In working alongside others during shearing. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Not applicable. (0)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Not applicable. (0)

Solving problems
By dealing with issues associated with worn or uneven combs and cutters. (1)

Solving problems
By dealing with issues associated with worn or uneven combs and cutters. (1)

Using technology
In use of grinding equipment. (1)

Using technology
In use of grinding equipment. (1)