Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of preparing fleeces in preparation for classing and defines the standard required to: separate wool from the fleece that lacks uniformity; check fleeces for wool faults and impurities; skirt fleeces, removing those portions that significantly affect the uniformity and value of the remaining fleece; roll fleeces ready for the wool classer; work at the required pace to maintain wool flow at shearing.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to the wool roller working under the direction of the wool classer. The wool classer provides the overall direction for the level of preparation and skirting required while the wool roller must allow for differences between individual fleeces. It includes the requirement for the wool roller to work as a team member with other shed hands, and to do so at the required pace.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Characteristics of greasy wool are identified and related to processor requirements

1.1. Characteristics of wool important in processing are identified and uniformity within the fleece is assessed.

1.2. The portion of fleece to be removed is determined to ensure uniformity of the fleece with the other fleeces from the mob.

2. Fleeces are checked for impurities

2.1. Natural impurities of wool are identified, and portion of fleece to be removed is determined.

2.2. Vegetable matter types are identified, and portion of fleece to be removed is determined.

2.3. Mineral impurities are identified and related to yield potential identified, and portion of fleece to be removed is determined.

2.4. Any contamination of the fleece is removed.

2.5. Work is checked regularly with the wool classer and procedures adjusted if required.

3. Fleeces are checked for presence of wool faults

3.1. Hairy breeches and cotted wool are identified and portion of fleece to be removed is determined.

3.2. Unscourable colour, water stain and dermatitis are identified and handled as directed.

3.3. Skin pieces are removed and placed where directed.

3.4. Work is carried out at a rate appropriate to the enterprise.

4. Fleeces are skirted and rolled

4.1. Fleeces are skirted to remove those portions determined above that adversely affect the uniformity and value of the remaining fleece.

4.2. Fleeces containing clumpy vegetable matter are double skirted, or prepared as directed.

4.3. Necks and backs are assessed for soundness, dust and VM levels, and handled as directed.

4.4. Fleeces are rolled and presented to classer.

4.5. Skirtings are placed in the nominated bins.

4.6. Waste is removed and appropriately disposed of taking into account environmental implications.

4.7. All bending and lifting that is required is done according to safe working practices and using the available safety equipment.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• identify hazards and implement safe work practices
• assess levels of vegetable matter and other impurities
• accurately skirt fleeces at commercial pace
• roll fleeces in preparation for classing
• 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 

• wool characteristics
• principles and requirements of wool processing
• principles of wool growth
• identification of fleece parts
• diagnosing wool faults
• identification of impurities
• Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislative and enterprise requirements.

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:

• separate wool from the fleece that lacks uniformity
• check fleeces for wool faults and impurities
• skirt fleeces, removing those portions that significantly affect the uniformity and value of the remaining fleece
• roll fleeces ready for the wool classer
• work at pace to maintain wool flow at shearing

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.

Fleece wools may include:

• the preparation of merino and crossbred fleece wools to the standards set out in the industry code of practice.

Unit sector 

Wool

Co-requisite units 

Competency field