Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:27 AM AWST

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Prepare wool based on its characteristics for classing

Prepare wool based on its characteristics for classing

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCWOL309
State Code
OFF12
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
70
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare fleece wool for classing based on its characteristics.This unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work, including limited responsibility for the work of others.All work must be carried out to comply with the requirements of the industry code of practice, workplace procedures, work health and safety (WHS) and biosecurity practices, according to state/territory regulations, legislation, codes 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. Check fleece for impurities and relate to processor requirements
  • 1.1 Identify characteristics of wool important in processing, and assess uniformity within the fleece
  • 1.2 Identify natural impurities, vegetable matter (VM) types, mineral impurities and contamination of the wool and determine the portion of fleece to be removed
  • 1.3 Identify hairy breeches and cotted wool and determine the portion of fleece to be removed
  • 1.4 Identify unscourable colour, water colour and dermatitis and handle as directed by the Wool Classer
  • 1.5 Check work regularly with the Wool Classer and adjust procedures if required
  • 1.6 Comply with WHS and biosecurity standards according to workplace requirements
2. Skirt and roll fleece
  • 2.1 Skirt fleece to remove those portions determined above that adversely affect the uniformity and value of the remaining fleece
  • 2.2 Prepare wool as directed by the Wool Classer
  • 2.3 Assess necks and backs for soundness, dust and vegetable matter and handle as directed by the Wool Classer
  • 2.4 Roll fleece and present to the Wool Classer
  • 2.5 Place skirting in the nominated bins
  • 2.6 Dispose of waste appropriately in line with workplace standards
3. Separate wools with characteristics outside the uniformity requirements of the industry code of practice
  • 3.1 Make assessment of sheep breed and wool type
  • 3.2 Separate wools into different lines based on visual quality count, length and strength, colour and character, and handle and style
  • 3.3 Separate pigmented wool and wool that includes medullated fibres
4. Separate wool showing faults that impact on processing or fabric quality
  • 4.1 Separate wool for dogginess that will impact on fabric quality
  • 4.2 Separate cotted wool that will require extra processing
  • 4.3 Identify and remove skin pieces
  • 4.4 Check wool for dermatitis and keep separate
  • 4.5 Identify and separate wool based on the level and type of vegetable matter contamination where it requires different processing
  • 4.6 Identify mobs with high pigmented fibre risk and keep their wool completely separate from low-risk wool
  • 4.7 Identify wool from sheep with shedding characteristics and keep completely separate from non-shedding white woolled sheep
  • 4.8 Keep wool containing urine stain separate
5. Recognise impurities of greasy wool and their effect on processing and yield
  • 5.1 Examine wool for natural impurities
  • 5.2 Identify applied impurities and assess their effect on processing
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BAL31 AHCWOL304 Prepare fleece wool for classing Unit of competency
BAS08 AHCWOL303 Prepare wool based on its characteristics Unit of competency