Elements and Performance Criteria
- Prepare for shearing
- Shearing equipment is checked for correct operation prior to shearing session.
- Potential and existing hazards in the workplace are identified, and reported to the supervisor.
- Suitable personal protective equipment is selected, used and maintained in line with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and workplace procedures.
- Perform shearing operations
- Sheep to be shorn are identified, caught and moved in line with organisational, OHS, industry and animal welfare standards.
- Sheep are positioned for shearing using identified positions in line with industry standards.
- Handpiece is activated and positioned in readiness for shearing operations.
- Sheep are shorn using identified method and positions in line with industry standards.
- Shearing methods ensure that injuries and damage to the sheep and fleece is avoided in meeting volume expectations.
- Safe and humane handling techniques are used at all times according to OHS and animal welfare requirements.
- Respond to complications
- Contamination is identified during shearing operations and reported to wool handlers in line with enterprise requirements.
- Sheep cuts are sutured in line with industry standards and animal welfare requirements.
- Flyblown sheep are identified and reported in line with industry standards and animal welfare requirements.
- Problem sheep are identified and reported in line with industry and enterprise requirements.
- Complete shearing operation
- Wool is placed to avoid contamination and for wool handlers to collect in line with enterprise and industry requirements.
- Handpiece is set to non-operational position and stored in line with manufacturer's specifications and enterprise requirements.
- Sheep are safely released from the board into the count-out pens.
- Shearing grievances and difficulties are reported in line with enterprise requirements.