15044 version 3
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Prepare combs and cutters for machine shearing
Level
3
Credits
30
Purpose
People credited with this unit standard are able to grind combs and cutters,
and select and dress combs.
Subfield
Wool Harvesting
Domain
Shearing
Status
Registered
Status date
21 August 2009
Date version published
21 August 2009
Planned review date
31 December 2014
Entry information
Open.
Accreditation
Evaluation of documentation and visit by NZQA, industry
and teaching professional in the same field from another
provider.
Standard setting body (SSB)
Primary Industry Training Organisation
Accreditation and Moderation Action Plan (AMAP) reference
0052
This AMAP can be accessed at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/framework/search/index.do.
Special notes
1
The following documents provide both a source of the national standard as stated in
the performance criteria, and useful background information relating to this unit
standard –
Shearing Handbook (Christchurch: Tectra Ltd, 2007). ISBN 0-9582522-2-X.
Available from Tectra Ltd., PO Box 7327, Sydenham, Christchurch 8240.
Best practice guideline for the New Zealand shearing industry: A guide for
workplaces (Wellington: Department of Labour, 2008), available from
http://www.dol.govt.nz.
2
Definition
On-farm procedures – the verbal and written instructions to staff on procedures for
comb selection.
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
15044 version 3
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3
Legislation relevant to this unit standard includes but is not limited to the Health and
Safety in Employment Act 1992, and its subsequent amendments.
Elements and performance criteria
Element 1
Grind combs and cutters.
Performance criteria
1.1
Grinder is operated in a safe manner without injury to operator or others, or
damage to equipment.
Range
1.2
siting, lighting, guards, safety glasses, ear protection, pendulum
pin length.
Faulty grinder components are identified in terms of repair or replacement
requirements.
Range
pressure bar, pendulum rod, grinding disc.
1.3
Grinder is set in accordance with the Shearing Handbook.
1.4
Even wear of combs and cutters is determined, and combs and cutters are
sharpened in accordance with the Shearing Handbook.
1.5
Pendulum pin settings are adjusted and set according to the Shearing
Handbook.
1.6
Grinding plates are tested visually in terms of being balanced and true in
accordance with the Shearing Handbook.
Element 2
Select and dress combs.
Range
combs – new, used, winter;
combs for – fine wool, crossbred wool.
Performance criteria
2.1
Comb is selected to match wool type.
2.2
Factors affecting comb selection are described in terms of the type of sheep,
time of the year, and on-farm procedures.
2.3
Comb teeth are dressed in accordance with the Shearing Handbook.
2.4
Comb is polished leaving no rough or sharp points in accordance with the
Shearing Handbook.
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
15044 version 3
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Please note
Providers must be accredited by NZQA, or an inter-institutional body with delegated
authority for quality assurance, before they can report credits from assessment against
unit standards or deliver courses of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be accredited by NZQA before they can register
credits from assessment against unit standards.
Accredited providers and Industry Training Organisations assessing against unit standards
must engage with the moderation system that applies to those standards.
Accreditation requirements and an outline of the moderation system that applies to this
standard are outlined in the Accreditation and Moderation Action Plan (AMAP). The
AMAP also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations
wishing to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for
tutors and assessors, and special resource requirements.
Comments on this unit standard
Please contact the Primary Industry Training Organisation standards@primaryito.ac.nz if
you wish to suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016