Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the functions required to supervise board persons, wool handlers and the wool presser in preparing the wool clip, and defines the standard required to: perform shed staff roles including pen up, board person and wool handler; explain clip preparation requirements to shed staff and monitor their performance; ensure clip preparation produces stain free, uniform lines of wool that are of low risk to the processor; maintain wool flow and minimise the risk of contamination; provide training based on explanation and demonstration of work skills to staff; meet industry employment, award and legislative requirements.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to wool classer working in consultation with the grower or shed manager. Responsibility for the work of others is an important component. Supervising clip preparation requires a broad range of skills and knowledge and an ability to coordinate and monitor activities efficiently and effectively.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Explain organisation requirements for clip preparation

1.1. The organisation's requirements for quality and standard of wool clip preparation are clearly explained to the wool handlers.

1.2. The organisation's procedures for operating safely and for the use of personal protective equipment are clearly explained to the wool handlers.

1.3. The impact of contamination in the wool is clearly explained to the wool handlers.

1.4. The key personnel in the wool shed/room are introduced or indicated to the wool handlers.

1.5. Responsibilities for specific functions or procedures are allocated and explained to wool handlers.

1.6. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified; risks assessed and suitable controls are implemented.

2. Perform and supervise shed hand duties

2.1. Board persons' duties are performed including picking up and throwing fleece, sweeping board and preparing non fleece wools.

2.2. Wool handlers are monitored to ensure they follow the set procedures for each of the clip preparation tasks.

2.3. Pen up duties are performed including keeping mobs separate and monitoring and filling catching pens.

2.4. Wool pressers' activities are performed including keeping wool press area clean, pressing, branding, weighing and recording bale details in the wool book.

3. Oversee preparation of wool

3.1. All personal protective equipment and clothing is selected, used and maintained appropriately by wool handlers.

3.2. Shed staff are supervised to maintain a clear board and ensure fleeces are thrown correctly.

3.3. Shed staff are supervised in removal and preparation of fleece wool.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• observe, identify and react appropriately to environmental implications and OHS hazards
• perform board and table duties
• perform wool presser duties
• perform penning up duties
• oversee shed staff to ensure quality clip preparation
• 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 

• parts of fleece
• procedures for handling skirtings, bellies, lambs wool, premature shorn wool, locks and crutchings, and stained wool and oddments
• responsibilities of board and table staff
• characteristics of different wool types and parts of the fleece
• premiums and discounts for wool characteristics
• pressing and branding requirements
• skirting technique and appropriate skirting ratios for different clip types
• personal protective clothing and equipment requirements for shed staff
• training techniques
• staff supervision
• relevant State/Territory OHS and employment 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:

• perform shed staff roles including pen up, board person and wool handler
• explain clip preparation requirements to shed staff and monitor their performance
• ensure clip preparation produces stain free, uniform lines of wool that are of low risk to the processor
• maintain wool flow and minimise the risk of contamination
• provide training based on explanation and demonstration of work skills to staff
• meet industry employment, award and legislative requirements.

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.

Clip preparation may include:

• consistency of clip preparation
• limit of contamination in wool
• segregation of lines and wool types.

Unit sector 

Wool

Co-requisite units 

Competency field