This unit is performed by wool pressers who work in close cooperation with the wool classer and maintain a rate of pressing that ensures wool flow can be maintained. The work is carried out within established routines, methods and procedures

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for wool pressing

1.1. The lines of wool are identified and confirmed with the wool classer.

1.2. The wool press is checked for safe operation, lubricated and maintained according to manufacturer instructions.

1.3. The work area is assessed as free of all contaminants in readiness for pressing.

1.4. Supplies of wool packs, bale fasteners and hooks, stencils and bale-branding inks are ascertained and located in appropriate place.

1.5. Recording system required by the enterprise and wool classer is identified.

1.6. Scales to be used are checked for accuracy and calibrated if necessary.

1.7. The press and its location are checked for safety, and all other Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements are adhered to.

1.8. Any defective equipment is identified and reported to the appropriate person.

2. Press wool

2.1. Wool classer is consulted to determine mob cut-outs and pressing requirements.

2.2. All bending and lifting is done according to safe working practices and using available safety equipment.

2.3. Contamination is removed from the woolpack and placed in the appropriate location.

2.4. Woolpacks are checked for conformity with current industry standards.

2.5. Directions for order of pressing and any special requirements are sought from the wool classer.

2.6. All wool is placed correctly and evenly in the press to produce even density bales.

3. Carry out the role and responsibilities of the wool presser

3.1. Bales are pressed to optimal weights to reduce selling costs and within weight and length dimensions specified in industry codes of practice.

3.2. Lines are pressed to avoid mixed bales.

3.3. Wool flow and build-up in bins is monitored.

3.4. Work area is maintained in a condition that avoids contamination of wool.

3.5. Pressing is carried out according to the time restrictions and workflow of the wool room.

4. Close and store bales

4.1. Approved bale dividers are used according to instructions, and flaps are correctly fastened according to industry standards.

4.2. Bales are identified for branding before removing them from the press.

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

4.4. Bales are stored safely, avoiding injury to presser, risk to other workers, and damage to bales and equipment.

4.5. Bales are stored to maximise shed space and to avoid weather damage.

5. Complete recording requirements

5.1. Bales are branded according to industry standards and organisational procedures.

5.2. Bales are weighed according to industry standards and organisational procedures.

5.3. Bale weights, numbers and descriptions are clearly and accurately recorded using the appropriate recording system.

Required skills

identify OHS hazards and implement safe work practices

operate different types of wool presses and carry out basic lubrication and maintenance according to manufacturer instructions

operate the various types of scales and manual handling devices

check woolpacks and wool to ensure freedom from contamination

assess and monitor wool-flow and build-up in bins

maintain uniform bale weights for each line

brand bales clearly and accurately

handle and store wool bales efficiently and without risk to self, other people or machinery

record bale information to be interpreted and used by other people

use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record information collected accurately and legibly, 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

sources of contamination of the fleece and other aspects of the quality management system in place in the organisation

operating requirements for different types of wool presses

methods of handling fleece and bales that minimise risk to own health, including safe lifting and bending techniques

industry standards for weight, length of bales and type of pack

industry standards for bale branding

the recording system for bale details in use in the organisation

OHS and employment legislative and enterprise requirements.

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:

check woolpacks and wool to ensure freedom from contamination

assess and monitor wool flow and build-up in bins

press and brand bales to industry requirements, maximising bale weights for each line

communicate with classer on order of pressing and mob cut-offs

handle and store wool bales efficiently and without risk to self or others

record bale information in the wool book.

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.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Press wool may include:

pressing all types of wool clips using:

hydraulic

manual

self-pinning

electric wool presses.

Unit sector

Wool

This unit contains employability skills.