Elements and Performance Criteria

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

catching and penning alpacas
cleaning up as directed by shearer, fleece handler and/or supervisor
fleece handling and classing, for example by sorting and moving fleece
holding alpacas in place
other general rouseabout duties as directed
restraining alpacas
treating cuts on alpacas.

bale fasteners
bins
boards
butts and butt frame
current histograms
first aid kit
old towels and cloths
rubbish bins and garbage bags
rulers
sack trucks
scales
shearing handpieces, combs and cutters
show floor bags and sample bags
vacuum cleaners and brooms.

enterprise policies and procedures
manufacturer instructions
material safety data sheets (MSDS)
specifications
standard operating procedures (SOP)
work notes
written and spoken directions from manager or supervisor.

ear protection
face masks
gloves
overalls
safety glasses or goggles.

ammonia from animal urine and zoonoses
continual bending, lifting and reaching
dust, noise and airborne micro-organisms
electric leads and cables
fumes, smoke and exhaust gases from machinery
manual handling
obstacles and tripping hazards
overhead gear and other machinery
presses
sharp hand tools and equipment
slippery surfaces and changes in floor level
working shearers.

OHS
following safe systems and procedures for:
working around alpacas being shorn
manual handling
reporting hazards to supervisor.

include:
fleece litter
metal and paper-based materials
plastic
be:
disposed of according to enterprise work procedures
recycled
returned to manufacturer
re-used.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
This unit of competency could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units of competency relevant to the job function.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The critical requirements for this unit of competency as a whole are listed below.

Assessment must confirm one's ability to:

follow work instructions
work cooperatively with other members of the shearing team
work safely with and around animals.

Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment for this unit of competency is to be largely practical in nature and will most appropriately be assessed in an alpaca workplace.
For valid assessment, one must have opportunities to participate in exercises, case studies and other real and simulated practical and knowledge assessments that demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to support alpaca shearing operations.

The candidate must also have access to the following resources:

functioning shearing shed or room
alpacas needing to be handled and penned for shearing
PPE.

Guidance information for assessment
To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.
The skills and knowledge required to support alpaca shearing operations must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts, including the ability to deal with unplanned events.