This unit applies to wool classers who class wool as a professional service after consultation with the grower or shed manager. Responsibility for the work of others is an important component. Classing fleece wool requires the ability to adjust strategies to different clip types and market requirements and to coordinate and monitor activities efficiently and effectively.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for wool classing

1.1. The layout of the shed, equipment and facilities are arranged according to the determined classing strategy for efficient wool flow, quality management and pressing.

1.2. All personal protective equipment and other safety requirements are selected, used and maintained according to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines.

1.3. Bins and containers are placed correctly and clearly labelled according to the classing strategy, quality management system and enterprise requirements.

1.4. Ensure sufficient staffing ratio is established and maintained.

2. Carry out classing of fleece wool

2.1. Any bending and lifting that is required is done according to safe working practices and using the available safety equipment.

2.2. Fleece wool is handled and skirted to the standards outlined in the classing strategy.

2.3. Wool is checked to ensure freedom from contamination and stain.

2.4. Wool is checked to ensure adequate and optimum skirting.

2.5. Pigmented fibre risk is assessed and wool is kept separate as required.

2.6. Wool is appraised for its characteristics.

2.7. Wool is classed to standards of the enterprise classing strategy in accordance with codes of practice, or as required by alternative selling methods.

2.8. Wool of higher and lower market value and processing requirements is identified and lines made, which maximise return to the wool owner.

3. Place wool in bins for pressing

3.1. Wool is correctly and consistently placed in the correct bins ready for pressing, ensuring that cross contamination does not occur.

3.2. Wet wool, stain and coloured wool is identified and kept separate according to the requirements of the organisation and code of practice.

3.3. Any bending and lifting that is required is done according to safe working practices and using the available safety equipment.

Required skills

identify hazards and apply safe work procedures

arrange layout of bins and wool table for optimum efficient wool flow and pressing in a variety of sheds

label bins and containers correctly

monitor clip preparation and skirting

assess pigmented fibre risk and separate wool as required

identify and appraise wool characteristics

class wool to standards in accordance to Code of Practice or as required by alternative selling methods

identify wool of higher and lower market value and lines made which maximise return to grower.

separate wools of different processing or end user requirements

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

shed layouts which promote efficient wool flow and handling

breeds of sheep and their characteristics

types and sources of contamination

wool production areas of Australia and clip characteristics

inherent wool characteristics - diameter, length and strength, colour, yield, VM type, curvature, and comfort factor

Fleece Measurement Criteria - techniques used to measure wool characteristics

processing methods - woollen and worsted, stages of processing

raw wool characteristics and their effect on processing and final product

wool growth, skin and fibre biology, and effect of genetics and environment on fibre characteristics

requirements for handling shedding and pigmented fibres

interpretation of test results

principles of classing (mob/flock concept, variability for fibre diameter and staple length, soundness, defects, etc.)

classing scenarios requiring detail of clip break-ups

clip feedback and reports

understanding of and preparation of documentation of wool clips

Code of Practice for the Preparation of Australian Wool Clips and other relevant quality standards.

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:

arrange layout of bins and wool table

label bins and containers to ensure optimum operational efficiency and quality management

check and prepare wool to ensure freedom from contamination and stain and optimum skirting ratios

assess pigmented fibre risk

identify wool of higher and lower market value and different processing requirements

class fleece into lines that meet the requirements of the Code of Practice for the Preparation of Australian Wool.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competence requires evidence of the ability to apply 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.

Classing may include:

the classing of Merino and Crossbred wools to the standard required for the Australian auction system.

Unit sector

Wool

This unit contains employability skills.