Elements and Performance Criteria
- Prepare for wool pressing
- The lines of wool are identified and confirmed with the wool classer.
- The wool press is checked for safe operation, lubricated and maintained according to manufacturer instructions.
- The work area is assessed as free of all contaminants in readiness for pressing.
- Supplies of wool packs, bale fasteners and hooks, stencils and bale-branding inks are ascertained and located in appropriate place.
- Recording system required by the enterprise and wool classer is identified.
- Scales to be used are checked for accuracy and calibrated if necessary.
- The press and its location are checked for safety, and all other Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements are adhered to.
- Any defective equipment is identified and reported to the appropriate person.
- Press wool
- Wool classer is consulted to determine mob cut-outs and pressing requirements.
- All bending and lifting is done according to safe working practices and using available safety equipment.
- Contamination is removed from the woolpack and placed in the appropriate location.
- Woolpacks are checked for conformity with current industry standards.
- Directions for order of pressing and any special requirements are sought from the wool classer.
- All wool is placed correctly and evenly in the press to produce even density bales.
- Carry out the role and responsibilities of the wool presser
- Bales are pressed to optimal weights to reduce selling costs and within weight and length dimensions specified in industry codes of practice.
- Lines are pressed to avoid mixed bales.
- Wool flow and build-up in bins is monitored.
- Work area is maintained in a condition that avoids contamination of wool.
- Pressing is carried out according to the time restrictions and workflow of the wool room.
- Close and store bales
- Approved bale dividers are used according to instructions, and flaps are correctly fastened according to industry standards.
- Bales are identified for branding before removing them from the press.
- All lifting required is done according to safe working practices and using the available safety equipment.
- Bales are stored safely, avoiding injury to presser, risk to other workers, and damage to bales and equipment.
- Bales are stored to maximise shed space and to avoid weather damage.
- Complete recording requirements