Elements and Performance Criteria
- Set-up shearing handpiece
- Potential and existing hazards in the workplace are identified.
- Shearing equipment is checked for correct operation.
- Comb and cutter is assembled on handpiece.
- Lead and throw is set for comb and cutter.
- Tension is set to enable comb and cutter to cut wool cleanly with minimum friction.
- Working surfaces and moving parts are lubricated in line with manufacturer's requirements.
- Follow health and fitness procedures
- Catch sheep for shearing
- Suitable personal protective equipment is selected, used and maintained in line with the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and workplace.
- Sheep are caught and moved in line with organisational, OHS, industry and animal welfare standards.
- Sheep are dragged from the catching pen to the shearing board using safe manual handling techniques.
- Sheep are positioned for shearing in line with industry agreed shearing method.
- Remove fleece
- Handpiece is activated and positioned readiness for shearing operations.
- Shear section of sheep in position suitable to the individual's competence.
- Shear the six basic positions in sequence.
- Minimise injury to sheep.
- Release sheep safely from the board into the count-out pens.
- Maintain shearing effort to achieve the required minimum rate per day to acceptable standard.