Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of maintaining and servicing shearing handpieces as part of a wool harvesting operation and defines the standard required to: assemble and disassemble handpieces; identify worn and faulty handpiece components; install minor repair kit components; maintain and service handpieces to optimal shearing performance standards.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to shearers or shed managers and is essential to achieve the speed and accuracy required in professional shearing. Advice may be sought from equipment suppliers.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Identify worn and faulty handpiece components and install minor repair kit components

1.1. The performance of the handpiece is assessed.

1.2. Comb bed, cups and fork yokes are checked and cleaned, and comb bed is visually checked for flatness.

1.3. Worn and faulty handpiece components are determined in terms of manufacturer's specifications.

1.4. Minor repair kit components are installed according to manufacturer's specifications and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements.

1.5. Faulty comb beds are checked and the required scope of repairs is assessed.

1.6. The need for a technician to repair the fault is determined.

1.7. Repairs are carried out according to manufacturer's specifications and OHS requirements.

1.8. Repairs by a technician are arranged as required.

2. Service handpiece

2.1. Handpiece components are adjusted to maintain operational performance.

2.2. Handpiece is lubricated to manufacturer's specifications.

2.3. Components requiring periodic replacement are installed according to manufacturer's specifications.

2.4. Wear and tear on handpiece is identified in terms of effects on performance.

2.5. Safety components are installed and checked before operation of the handpiece.

2.6. Handpiece is run and checked prior to use to determine safe operational performance.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• identify OHS hazards and implement safe work procedures
• identify worn and faulty handpiece components
• install minor repair kit components
• service handpieces
• use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legible information collected and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks
• use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required
• use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures
• use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge 

• terminology and assembly procedures for handpieces
• maintenance and servicing requirements for shearing handpieces
• components of a shearing handpiece
• types of combs and cutters to use under different conditions
• OHS policies and practices in the wool shed before and during shearing and crutching
• enterprise procedures for disposal of waste.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

• assemble and disassemble handpieces
• identify worn and faulty handpiece components
• install minor repair kit components
• maintain and service handpieces to optimal shearing performance standards.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Handpieces may include:

• maintain all handpieces to meet industry standards for crutching and shearing requirements.

Unit sector 

Shearing

Co-requisite units 

Competency field